<p>The junior programme is for kids aged 7-11 and is designed to give your child everything they need to thrive in life, from physical fitness and confidence through to improved school work and respect for others.<br /><br />Our classes are loved by students, parents and teachers alike because we make them exciting and encourage the children to grow into young responsible adults in a natural way.<br /><br />We hear a lot in the media about failing schools and children failing at school. Our aim is to give children and their schools a helping hand to get back on track. The Matt Fiddes Martial Arts Junior Programme works hand in hand with a child's schoolwork, providing improved self-discipline, self-confidence, concentration, mental alertness, co-operation, goal setting advice and anti-bullying skills. Our instructors work with their students teachers to make sure they are achieving in the classroom as well as the martial arts gym. This is one of our unique features and why we are so successful in working with children. We are educators and not just martial arts teachers. We run "schools" not "clubs".<br /><br />All young students in our children's programme are required to take a specially designed form to their teachers at school once a month. This has to be signed off by the teacher before the student can be considered to be put forward for an exam to take them to their next martial arts grade. The form also needs to be signed by the parents to show that they are being well behaved and are showing respect at home!<br /><br />An important point to understand is that our students are taught that the physical side of what we teach should only ever be used in a self-defence situation. We constantly remind them that their martial arts skills should never be used for unwarranted aggression.<br /><br />Our aim is to progress children through our belt grading system and every student’s goal is to achieve Black Belt and beyond. Black belt is a symbol of excellence in martial arts and an important tool for instructors and parents to use for developing desire and determination. Our students are taught never to give up at any given task and that they can do anything as long as they just put their mind to it.<br /><br />None of the above is possible without having outstanding instructors to guide and nurture your children. Matt Fiddes Martial Arts employs only fully qualified instructors who are Blue Card checked before they join our organisation.</p>