UTC Blackpool

Saturday at UTC Blackpool

So close to the Top Spot at The BJJ All Stars Competition last Sunday, great performances from everyone at UTC Blackpool that took part.

I just wanted to share something from the kids class at UTC Blackpool, a few months ago I was contacted by a concerned parent that their son was being bullied at school and they asked me if I could help teach him some “self defence”.

The term self defence really bugs me as I feel self defence is the avoidance of violence or conflict without physically fighting someone, once it becomes physical you are now “fighting” and not necessarily defending yourself.

Defending yourself to me is different, that’s when you have to actually fight, and although BJJ has become a very popular Combat Sport it’s also a Martial Art, which has certain values and respect.

I have run an anti-bullying program at UTC for approximately 7-8 years now, possibly longer, the aim has never been purely about physical skills, the main aims of the program are;

🔸 build self confidence.

🔸learn mental toughness,
resilience and coping skills
in uncomfortable positions
and situations.

🔸provide a positive peer
group.

🔸learn to problem solve
during physical
confrontations.

🔸improve discipline.

The parent came to me this week to tell me his son was once again attacked in school by the same bullies that made him bring him to us initially, they were all filming and ready to watch the main bully beat his son up.

His mum was making her way over to him just as this was starting and seen the whole incident, their son was pushed and shoved and he put his hands up in a “fence” posture (grip fighting), he was then grabbed and put in a headlock, he stepped across and performed a perfect Judo throw and mounted the bully and just pinned him.

Although he could have, he didn’t strike him, he didn’t hurt him, he just pinned him and let his attacker know he was now helpless and he is not a victim to be bullied.

Little stories like this is why I do what I do and why I offer one month free to kids being bullied all year round, and this story is just one of so many more, it makes me so proud and hopefully shows some of the people out there that think using martial arts for “self defence” is about teaching kids to be violent is based purely on ignorance of what we do.

Anyway, thought I’d share that, have a lovely weekend.

Tuesday at UTC Blackpool

Tonight at UTC Blackpool

Shorts & T-Shirts/Rashguards for the
kids tonight

Very proud to announce that we are the only BJJ & MMA Gym in Blackpool that has met the requirements and standards for this certification.

We have always maintained a professional approach to teaching and coaching with highly qualified coaches, all with academic qualifications in coaching by recognised governing bodies and also to the Degree Level.

Very proud to announce that we are the only BJJ & MMA Gym in Blackpool that has met the requirements for this certification.

We have always maintained a professional approach to teaching and coaching with highly qualified coaches with academic qualifications in coaching by recognised governing bodies and to the Degree Level.

Tonight at UTC Blackpool;

Lots of positional work and rounds, busy night.