A Glossop-based martial arts company is to receive a grant to cover the costs of bursary places for two young people from Glossop to become students for 12 months. 

The Public Health Partnership Panel of High Peak Community and Voluntary Support (CVS) has committed to making the money available to Matrix Martial Arts, whose funding bid has been successful. 

The panel were very supportive of Team Matrix’s efforts in working towards martial arts being accessible to everyone who would like to try it, and the benefit of the work Matrix Martial Arts has already been carrying out in the community.

As well as a two-day community-based subsidised self-defence course, and other community-based holiday programmes, Matrix has also provided free sessions during the Whitfield Open Week - where they taught martial arts to adults and young people using the green spaces provided outside the youth club - and was so successful that Matrix were invited back to do this again last Christmas.

Matrix Martial Arts say they are grateful to be supported by both Move More Glossop, in partnership with High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Active Derbyshire, High Peak School Sports Partnership, Lex Leisure and GM Moving Pilot and the PSCO (YET) team, who also attended the last self-defence course provided and were very positive in their feedback. 

Helen Thornhill, from Move More Glossop, said: "I am thrilled that Matrix Martial Arts have been given this funding to enable them to offer two places to young people from the local area which includes a membership to be part of the amazing training sessions and further opportunities that Jake and his team provide.

"Coming out of the last two years of reduced social and physical contact has meant many young people have suffered with their mental well-being. This opportunity to help these young people is fantastic, it will help them build their confidence, give them focus and self-discipline, leading to being role models to their friends and families.

"Matrix provides a pathway through the grading system and onto leading and teaching, so this is a real opportunity for the young people to make this a lifestyle choice." 

Lead instructor at Matrix Martial Arts, Sensei Jake Johnson, who is a 3rd Dan Black Belt and World Champion, is a firm believer that martial arts training "creates model behaviours of respect, discipline and a healthy lifestyle as well as creating positive role models in the community". 

He said: "There is a huge need to make martial arts training available in the community and as well as getting fitter, martial arts helps its students deal with bullying, anxiety, weight concerns and other social skills surrounding working closely with others.

"Alongside the many health benefits connected physical activity, martial arts has many benefits for improving mental health and wellbeing, both from social interaction, physical activity, learning new skills and achieving new goals." 

If you want to learn more about Matrix Martial Arts or are interested in a free trial, or just to see their work, you can find them on Facebook at Matrix Martial Arts Glossop and their website at www.matrixmartialarts.org 

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