16/08/2026
🏆🥋 THIS WEEK’S CONFIDENCE CHAMPION — GRETA! 🥋🏆
Sometimes confidence doesn’t look like being the loudest person in the room.
Sometimes confidence starts with tears, nerves and simply finding the courage to walk onto the mats.
Greta started MF Martial Arts at just three and a half years old, around 18 months ago — and those first few classes weren’t easy.
In fact, when Greta first started, she sometimes wouldn’t come onto the mats unless Mom or Dad came with her. She needed them right there beside her to feel safe enough to join in.
And you know what?
That was absolutely okay. ❤️
Nobody rushed her. Nobody expected her to suddenly be confident. Mom and Dad kept bringing her, we kept encouraging her, and most importantly Greta kept trying.
One class at a time.
One little step at a time.
And look at her now.
The little girl who once needed a parent beside her just to step onto the mats has now competed at regional competitions AND international championships, walking out in front of huge crowds and giving it her best.
She’s grown enormously in confidence, focus, respect and resilience, while developing fantastic martial arts and self-defence foundations.
But perhaps the best part is that her confidence hasn’t stayed inside the dojo.
It’s gone with her into everyday life.
At school, she’s more willing to answer questions, get involved and show everyone her amazing character. She’s even now singing in her Rocksteady band at school — getting up there and completely being herself!
And despite all her own achievements, Greta still thinks about everyone else. At competitions she even made a banner to cheer on and support her teammates.
That tells us just as much about Greta as any medal ever could.
Because being a champion isn’t about always winning.
It’s about having a go when you’re nervous.
It’s about coming back when something feels difficult.
It’s about taking that next little step even when you’re not quite sure you can do it.
And it’s about remembering to support the people around you along the way.
From needing Mom or Dad beside her on the mats…
…to stepping out in front of hundreds of people at championships.
That is what growing in confidence looks like.
Greta, we are incredibly proud to name you our Confidence Champion of the Week! 🏆
We’ve been lucky enough to watch your journey from those very first nervous classes, and we cannot wait to see where the next few years take you.
Keep being brave.
Keep having a go.
Keep being Greta.
You’ll always be a champion to us. ❤️🥋🏆
The photos selected here are just a few of what could have been more …but they show everything , from the support of the awesome Miss G , Gretas Lead Instructor, … the photos showing the amazing family support from her parents …& confidence on the Mat in completion …right through to the super confidence to be in a photo with Master Fiddes ❤️
15/08/2026
BACK TO SCHOOL… BACK TO CONFIDENCE!
As the new school year begins, why not give your child something that can support them both inside and outside the classroom?
We’re welcoming new families from the surrounding areas to come and experience our friendly, caring and professional martial arts school this September!
Our classes are suitable for children aged 3+, with classes designed to help children grow in confidence, develop focus and discipline, learn how to set goals and persevere when things get challenging.
Martial arts can help children with:
Confidence and self-belief
Focus and concentration — supporting their school work
Discipline, patience and listening skills
Resilience and a positive attitude
Respect and responsibility
Making new friends and feeling part of a team
Having fun while staying active and learning new skills!
Most importantly, we want every child to feel welcomed, supported and encouraged from the moment they walk through the door. Whether your child is naturally confident or a little shy, completely new to martial arts or already loves being active, we’ll help them progress at their own pace.
NEW STUDENTS WELCOME THIS SEPTEMBER!
📍 Various locations
📅 Classes all week
- Ages 3+
- Friendly • Caring • Professional
- Come along and try a class! Book today at:
www.mattfiddes.com
If you’re looking for a positive activity that can help your child grow in confidence, make friends and thrive at school, we’d love to welcome your family to the MF team.
Send us a message today to book your child’s trial class!
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11/08/2026
PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION
We had one of those little moments in class today that was actually a BIG moment.
At the end of class, Theo bravely stood up in front of everyone to lead our **Student Creed**.
Did he get every single word right?
No.
Did that matter?
Not one bit.
When Theo couldn't quite remember some of the words, instead of stopping or giving up, he kept going and used his own words to explain what he thought it meant.
And you know what? It worked brilliantly. 👏
That takes confidence.
That takes courage.
And that takes resilience.
Sometimes children can be frightened of having a go because they're worried about getting something wrong. But today Theo showed us something really important:
You don't have to get everything perfect to be proud of yourself. You just have to be brave enough to try.
That’s exactly what we want our students to learn — not just martial arts, but the confidence to stand up, have a go, make mistakes and keep going.
Fantastic job, Theo. ⭐🥋
Progress over perfection. Every time. ❤️
11/08/2026