Students and staff at King Ethelbert School in Birchington are learning how to defend themselves with lessons from Hornets Martial Arts club.
Ian Reynolds, a senior IT technician with the Coastal Academies Trust, is based at the school where he has introduced sessions that combine his experience of Chinese Kickboxing, Shotokan karate, Judo and various street defence techniques.
Ian said: “The class is aimed at students from Year 10 upwards into the 6th form as I believe that the young people are getting to that age where their social lifestyle changes will make them more susceptible to the dangers on the street.
“My aim as a martial artist with nearly 20 years’ experience is to try and make a difference to their lives, to make them more aware, to be more confident and to explore their own potential and to hopefully turn them into a victor rather than a victim.”
He is also running classes for staff at KES. He said: “These are proving very popular and staff find it an ideal way to wind down after a busy week.”
Your chance to get involved
Hornets Martial Arts also runs public classes, including Monday sessions from 6pm-7pm at Garlinge Methodist Hall, where recent grading exams saw success at varying levels for a number of adults.
Mr Reynolds said: “Learning any martial art will promote confidence, self-awareness and allow those people who may have once stood out as a target to overcome their fears and stand tall.
“There is also the physical factor of martial arts. It will improve your balance, control, muscle tone, flexibility and general well-being. It is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends.”
For more information contact Ian Reynolds on 07876527850