Karate kid lessons in Malmesbury (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Karate kid lessons in Malmesbury

CHILDREN as young as four can soon give bullying the chop with the launch of self-defence classes in Malmesbury.

Youngsters will be taught how to use non-contact martial arts to help ensure they are not only safe in society, but also able to contribute more to the world they live in.

It is particularly hoped they will be able to fend off the perils of bullying, drugs and 'stranger danger'.

The valuable life lessons will be made during classes from 5-7pm on Mondays at Malmesbury Primary School by Andy Crawford, a 4th dan in Tae Kwon Do, Kick Boxing and Chung Kwon Do.

The 34-year-old, who has 11 years of teaching experience, will be using the principles and methods of the Matt Fiddes Schools International, under which name he will be holding the classes.

A series of the schools have already been set up across the west country by its Swindon based founder, whose methods have been lauded in the testimonies of stars such as Uri Geller, Belinda Carlisle and Michael Jackson.

Although many view martial arts as the use of kicking and punchingin self-defence, the Matt Fiddes classes instead place an emphasis on the core tenets of etiquette, modesty, perseverance, self-control and the indominatable spirit.

Andy, who took up martial arts aged five after being bullied at school because of his dyslexia, said: "We use the martial arts as a tool and a catalyst to get people where they want to get to.

"People seem to think its just about kicking and punching, but there are three forms of self-defence.

"There's the verbal defence, you then get the physical side and the other side is avoiding the situations of stranger danger."

The classes include a Mighty Matts group specifically for four to seven year olds, where the children are taught to develop respect, greater confidence and learn how to avoid strangers, basic self-defence and how to defeat a bully without fighting.

Andy said the new skills learnt have also been proven to help improve children's performances and behaviour at school.

One important factor in teaching martial arts to children so young, is the avoidance of any future involvement with drugs.

Andy said: "What I want to try and do is to teach youngsters now so when they are teenagers they don't go down the road of drugs.

"We are basically just trying to broaden everyone's knowledge.

"I'm a firm believer that the two most important parts of martial arts are concentration and respect."

Classes start on October 3, with Mighty Matts taking up the first 45 minutes after which lessons will continue for children aged eight and over and adults. For enrolment and more details call 0800 035 4660.