A branch of Matt Fiddes’ MF Martial Arts opened in Haxby last September.
The martial arts expert worked for the pop star from 1999 until his death in 2009
Thirty students, from as young as three, now take part in the weekly classes at Oaken Grove Community Centre.
Franchisee David Crompton told The Press he was approached by Matt to set up a branch of the school in the city as he had a martial arts background.
David, 38, from Rawcliffe, said he agreed to run the franchise after learning more about the martial arts school.
The program is based on taekwondo, kick boxing and karate, with training available for students to compete.
But “it’s way more than a martial arts class”, said David, “it’s a lifestyle programme”.
Students are taught how to kick and punch “which the kids love” but the classes “give them a good attitude too”, he said.
“We’re teaching kids to not fight, that it’s always a last resort.
“We’re more about life skills, how can we build a strong and confident person.”
These include good behaviour, brushing teeth regularly, cleaning their bedroom and eating vegetables
“If the parents and the school are happy they get a tag on their belt,” David said. “It’s that positive reinforcement which builds their confidence.”
‘I’ve had kids come in crying and now they don’t want to leave’
Children have responded well to this, particularly those who struggling at school, he said.
And knowing their positive efforts are not going unnoticed at the classes has led to students becoming more confident in themselves.
“I’ve had kids come in crying and now they don’t want to leave,” David said.
The father-of-two admitted that he “had to really try” at school but felt children today face further distractions, including social media and smart phones, which impact their learning.
He wants the classes to help grow their focus on schooling but also encourage the youngsters to be confident and “show them that anything is possible for anyone”.
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Parents are also enjoying the classes, with some even joining in.
“A lot of us are just grown-up kids,” David said. “They love it, they love seeing their kids progress.”
As a parent, he said, “you miss their little growth” but the classes allow parents to watch their children learn new skills right in front of them.
David wants to expand the classes to a second location in Rawcliffe then to a point where there are daily sessions across York.
The MF Martial Arts School classes takes place at Oaken Grove Community Centre every Thursday in Haxby (ages three to six from 4.45pm to 5.30pm and ages seven plus from 5.30pm to 6.30pm). Visit Matt Fiddes’ website to book a place.
