Leadership Martial Arts - Swindon Wichelstowe

❗️Heat warning - classes this Thursday

Hello,

🚫 Given the Red warning for extreme temperatures on Thursday, I’ve taken the decision to CANCEL classes on Thursday.

➡️ We will aim to run classes tonight and tomorrow, dependant on temperature and humidity checks at the venues. Please keep an eye out for text messages if we need to cancel at short notice.

🥋 Colour Belt Grading will still aim to take place on Thursday 2nd July onwards. We’ll use today and tomorrow to focus on technical drills. We’ll use next Monday and Tuesday to do prep - please attend this plus any other LMA classes this weekend to ensure you’re as ready as possible.

The safety and wellbeing of our students, spectators, staff, and volunteers will always be our priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Thanks,
Master Hardy

💙🩵 HAPPY FATHERS DAY! 🩵💙

👨 For all the dads & grandads,
The step-dads and foster dads,
The mums doing the double and being dads too,
The almost dads and new dads,
Those unable to be dads,
Those who’ve lost their dads,
And those who aren’t dads but regularly look after, lead and inspire child and might as well be a dad,

💙🩵 Happy Fathers Day! You’ve all earned our respect today and everyday! 🩵💙

👉 P.S. Dads - if you’re looking for a new hobby, some time to focus on being you, and time to recharge and do something different, drop us a message!!

We’re at Robert Le Kyng Primary School’s summer fete this afternoon, hoping to bring a punch and a kick to the day!

Who’s going to be there? If so, come say hi, and bring a friend! 👋 We’ll be there between 2pm and 4pm!

We’re at the Old Town Festival in Wood Street with Friends of Old Town!

Come and visit us and punch our pads, plus come and see our fellow Old Town businesses!

We can’t wait to see you soon!

Martial arts is about continuous and never ending improvement, not perfection. No move, no combination, no sparring strategy is ever perfect. Instead martial arts is about challenging ourselves to learn, study, and improve, whether you’re a white belt or a 5th Degree Black Belt.

So, what can we do to help you be better this week?

☀️ NO CLASSES BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY!

There’s NO CLASSES today in Wichelstowe, as it’s a Bank Holiday. We hope you have lots of fun today!

We’ll be back tomorrow in Leadership Martial Arts - Swindon Old Town, and back as normal on Thursday.

☀️ Remember it’s due to be hot this week - bring plenty of drink, fans, towels, and maybe a cool misting spray if helpful! We’ll make sure we stop for extra water breaks as needed.

We’ll see you soon!!

On Thursday, we got to celebrate and recognise Mr Short, who after nearly 9 years of training has decided this is the right time to hang up his belt.

It was our honour to give him one final bow out, and to present him with a special certificate of achievement and leavers card. (Students, you can see the video on our private Facebook group).

Starting a new martial art in your 70s is no small feat, but Mr Short has never shied away from a challenge. Not only did he pass his Black Belt 1st Degree, he’s also become a role model and mentor to many. He’s also been a passionate advocate of both martial arts and to LMA as a whole.

Mr Short, we hope you continue to be a member of our community. It’s been an honour and a privilege to have you in our classes, and we’re sure we’ll still see you popping by.

- Master Hardy

We had a fantastic evening teaching martial arts to the Cub Scouts in Old Town Moose Hall! The Cubs had a fabulous time learning some new moves, and enjoyed the self defence moves we taught.

Many thanks to Mr Teague for inviting us, and to our Junior Leader Josh for helping out! We hope your Cubs loved the session!!

👉 Do you run, or are part of, a Scout Group, youth group, or similar in Old Town or Wichelstowe, who would benefit from us dropping by for a session? DM us for details!

🟢 It’s Mental Health Awareness Week

One of the things I love most about teaching martial arts is watching the difference it makes beyond just physical fitness & development.

I see it all the time - students walking in stressed or low, and leaving with a clearer head and a smile. Whether it’s just getting away from the pressures of the everyday for an hour, being able to hit a pad, or just hanging out with a friendly community, all can be such a boost for one’s mental wellbeing.

But we also know that isn’t always enough. If things are feeling tough right now, know you’re never alone. If you can, talk to someone - a friend, training partner, a member of the team. Remember there’s lots of help and support available, whether it’s exam pressure, stress, or mental ill health, you don’t have to fight it alone.

This week (and every week), we’re here for each other, please know we’re here to support as best as we can 💚

And if you can’t talk to us, remember you can contact:
📞 Samaritans: 116 123 — free, 24/7.
📱 Text Shout to 85258.
💻 Or visit https://www.mind.org.uk/ for some great resources and advice.