Category: News

Why Martial Arts Is About So Much More Than Learning to Fight

“Do you teach people how to fight?”

The honest answer is…

Not really.

Yes, our students learn practical self-defence skills, but that’s only a small part of what we do.

The real purpose of martial arts is helping people become stronger, more confident, more respectful and more resilient in everyday life.

After more than 30 years of martial arts training and over 20 years of teaching, I’ve seen first-hand how martial arts can transform both children and adults—not overnight, but through consistent training over months and years.

Martial Arts Builds Confidence

Confidence doesn’t come from being told you’re amazing.

It comes from overcoming challenges.

Every new technique learned, every grading passed and every small achievement helps students realise they are capable of more than they first believed.

That confidence often carries into school, work, presentations, interviews and everyday life.

It Helps Children Develop Important Life Skills

Many parents tell me they aren’t looking for another hobby.

They’re looking for something that helps their child:

  • Build confidence
  • Improve concentration
  • Develop self-discipline
  • Learn respect
  • Make new friends
  • Spend less time on screens
  • Become more active
  • Learn how to stay calm under pressure

These are all skills that can benefit children throughout their lives.

Adults Benefit Just As Much

Martial arts isn’t just for children.

Many adults join because they want to:

  • Improve fitness without feeling judged
  • Reduce stress after work
  • Learn practical self-defence
  • Meet new people
  • Challenge themselves mentally and physically
  • Improve mobility, coordination and balance
  • Build confidence in everyday situations

Our classes are welcoming, supportive and suitable for complete beginners as well as those returning after years away from training.

Martial Arts Is a Journey, Not a Quick Fix

One of the things that makes SWKA different is that we don’t promise instant results.

Real confidence.

Real resilience.

Real skill.

These are built over time.

Our students follow a structured pathway that focuses on personal development as well as martial arts techniques. Every step forwards represents progress, not just towards the next belt, but towards becoming a stronger, more confident version of themselves.

A Friendly Environment Where Everyone Can Learn

Walking into a martial arts class for the first time can feel daunting.

That’s why we’ve worked hard to create an environment where people feel welcomed, supported and encouraged.

Whether you’re a child taking your first lesson or an adult starting something completely new, you’ll be taught at your own pace in a positive atmosphere where everyone wants each other to succeed.

Local Martial Arts Classes in Tavistock and Bere Alston

South West Kickboxing Academy & Martial Arts proudly offers:

Kickboxing (Ages 7+)
📍 Tavistock College
📅 Wednesday evenings

Spirit Combat (Ages 5–13)
📍 Bere Alston Parish Hall
📅 Thursday evenings

Spirit Combat (Ages 14+)
📍 Bere Alston Parish Hall
📅 Thursday evenings

Whether you’re looking for children’s martial arts, adult martial arts, kickboxing, practical self-defence or a long-term activity that helps develop confidence and life skills, we’d love to welcome you.

More Than Martial Arts

At SWKA, we’re not simply teaching punches, kicks or throws.

We’re helping people develop confidence, resilience, discipline, respect and friendships that can last a lifetime.

If you’re looking for a martial arts club in Tavistock, Bere Alston or the surrounding West Devon area where personal development is just as important as technical ability, why not come and experience a class for yourself?

The first step is often the hardest—but it could also be the one that changes your or your child’s future.

The SWKA 9-Step Martial Arts Journey:

More Than Just Earning a Black Belt

When most people think about martial arts, they often picture coloured belts, grading exams, and eventually earning a black belt.

While those milestones are important, I believe they only tell part of the story.

After 24 years training in martial arts and teaching since 2005, I’ve learned something important:

The greatest benefits of martial arts are rarely the punches, kicks, throws, or techniques.

The biggest changes happen within the person.

Confidence grows.

Resilience develops.

Friendships form.

Challenges are overcome.

People discover strengths they never knew they had.

That is why at SWKA we see martial arts as a journey of personal development rather than simply a series of belt promotions.

We use a 9-stage pathway to help students understand that martial arts is about becoming the best version of yourself, both on and off the mats.

Stage 1: Starting the Journey

Every student begins in the same place.

A beginner.

Some arrive feeling excited.

Others feel nervous.

Many children worry about fitting in.

Many adults wonder if they are too old or not fit enough.

The first lesson at this stage is courage.

Simply walking through the door takes bravery.

Every black belt started exactly the same way.

Stage 2: Building Confidence

As students begin learning new skills, confidence starts to develop.

Not because someone tells them they are amazing.

But because they achieve things they once thought were difficult.

Confidence built through achievement tends to last far longer than confidence built through praise alone.

Students begin standing taller, speaking more confidently, and believing in themselves both inside and outside the training hall.

Stage 3: Learning Respect

Respect is one of the foundations of martial arts.

Students learn respect for:

  • themselves
  • training partners
  • instructors
  • parents
  • family members
  • others around them

True respect helps create better relationships both inside and outside the training hall.

Stage 4: Developing Discipline

Progress in martial arts requires consistency.

Students learn that improvement comes through effort, practice, and commitment.

There are no shortcuts.

These lessons often transfer into school, work, and personal goals.

Discipline helps students achieve more in all areas of life.

Stage 5: Building Resilience

Not every technique works perfectly first time.

Not every grading feels easy.

Not every challenge is comfortable.

Martial arts teaches students that setbacks are opportunities to learn and grow.

Resilience becomes one of the most valuable life skills they can develop.

Students learn to keep going when things are difficult rather than giving up.

Stage 6: Becoming Part of a Community

One of the most powerful aspects of martial arts is belonging.

Students develop friendships.

They encourage each other.

They celebrate success together.

They learn they are part of something bigger than themselves.

For many students, this sense of community becomes one of the reasons they continue training for years.

Stage 7: Taking Responsibility

As students progress, they begin taking greater responsibility for their own development.

They learn:

  • accountability
  • leadership
  • self-motivation
  • positive decision making

These qualities become increasingly important as children grow into teenagers and adults.

Students learn that their choices matter and that they are responsible for their own progress.

Stage 8: Helping Others

A true martial artist does not simply focus on themselves.

As students gain experience, they begin supporting newer students.

They encourage others.

They help those who are struggling.

They lead by example.

They become positive role models within the club and wider community.

This stage often marks a significant shift in personal growth.

Stage 9: BLACK BELT

Many people see a black belt as the finish line.

We see it differently.

At SWKA, BLACK BELT represents the qualities that students have been developing throughout their journey.

B – Belief

Believing in yourself and your ability to overcome challenges.

L – Leadership

Leading through actions, attitude, and example.

A – Accountability

Taking responsibility for your choices and development.

C – Commitment

Continuing to improve even when things become difficult.

K – Knowledge

Understanding that learning never truly stops.

B – Balance

Balancing martial arts, family, education, work, and life.

E – Excellence

Always striving to be the best version of yourself.

L – Learning

Remaining open to new ideas and continued growth.

T – Tenacity

Continuing forward despite obstacles and setbacks.

A black belt is not someone who has finished learning.

A black belt is someone who understands that learning never ends.

The Real Goal of Martial Arts

The purpose of martial arts is not simply to create skilled martial artists.

The purpose is to help develop confident, respectful, resilient people who can face life’s challenges with courage and determination.

Whether a student trains for one year or ten years, our goal remains the same:

To help them become stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Because the lessons learned through martial arts often stay with people long after they leave the training hall.

Begin Your Own Journey

At SWKA, we welcome complete beginners of all ages and abilities.

Whether you are a parent looking for an activity that helps your child build confidence, resilience, respect, and self-belief, or an adult looking to improve fitness, wellbeing, and learn practical martial arts skills, we would love to help.

We offer:

  • Mixed Age Kickboxing Classes in Tavistock (Ages 7+)
  • Children’s Spirit Combat (Aiki-Jitsu) Classes in Bere Alston
  • Adult Spirit Combat (Aiki-Jitsu) Classes in Bere Alston

Every journey starts with a single step.

The students who achieve the most are rarely the most talented when they begin. They are simply the ones who take that first step and keep moving forward.

If you’re ready to begin your martial arts journey, we’d love to welcome you to SWKA.

Get in touch today to arrange your first class and discover what martial arts can help you or your child become.

Latest Self-Defence course dates

With todays dangerous world and the tragedies of deaths and violent crimes, its never been a better time to learn how best to defend yourself.

As a martial artist were never taught the difference between self-defence and martial arts so what we can and cant do legally. Hence we have been of and learnt and picked up B-tec Qualifications in Self-Defence Instruction to help provide the difference which you wont get from most other Martial Arts instructors offering Self-Defence.

We have 2 up coming Self-Defence courses each 5 weeks for about 60-90 mins each session. These courses cost £30 a person and run as below;

Mondays Red and Black Club in Tavistock from 6.30pm

Thursdays Bere Alston Parish Hall in the Meeting room from 8.15pm

To book your slot please email sculpting_fitness@hotmai.com or text 07773863518

We are currently finalising some dates for Plymouth courses out of City Business park in Plymouth.

Return to classes if Government dates do not change for spirit combat and kickboxing

Following the Government guidance on the road map of leaving lock downs the guidance is as follows returning to classes and hopefully contact classes again.

29th March we could start outdoor classes, must be socially distanced.

12th April- indoor children’s classes can return (also child and parent classes up to 15 adults). Must be socially distanced, no partner or pad work.

17th May- adults can return to indoor classes, must be socially distanced, no partner or pad work.

21st June- return to contact classes is thought at the moment.

This is guidance from numerous martial arts governing bodies and their safeguarding leads.

So, my thoughts are as following

Spirit Combat returns from April outside at the cricket fields in Bere Alston until the week of the 12th when the Children can return indoors and then adults will carry on outside until week of the 17th May.

Kickboxing we will train outside in Tavistock venue (thinking up by the pimple) to be confirmed until 17th may then we should be returning to Tavistock College indoors. Once I know what my fa tutoring future is on the 30th April, we may end up moving kickboxing to a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday or add another night.

My plan for both clubs is to have seminars/master classes running at weekends from July for anyone that’s interested in topics such as;

  • Ring craft
  • Throws and take downs, with counters
  • Locks, with counters
  • Blocking,
  • Edged weapons
  • Close quarter combat
  • Modern Aikido levels 1 and 2
  • Injury prevention in martial arts
  • Kobotans
  • Weapons (bo, sai, escrema, nunchu, broken)
  • Self-defence (qualifications also available)

 

Some sessions will be age related

So, thoughts on outdoor classes until indoor ones can be started would be appreciated. Feel free to message me on 07773863518 or email sculpting_fitness@hotmail.com

Class changes

There will be a change to the Kickboxing classes on Friday nights from 6th September form 7.35-9pm to the new time of 7-8pm. Higher belts will have the option to stay on for an extra half hour session.

Were hoping this change will be better for younger students and for families wishing and wanting to train together. Also for those wanting to go out after classes on a Friday night. Look forward to seeing everyone at the new time of 7pm starting this Friday.

February’s Kickboxing Student of the Month

Congratulations to Nathan Pollard winning our Kickboxing Student of the Month for February 2018. Nathan a former British Kickboxing Union U16 title holder. Nathans been training hard with his upcoming Brown and Black Belt grading coming up. Nathan was also training for the MAAS fight day in Guilford on 3rd March which no members of the SWKA could attend due to the Snowy conditions.

The SWKA currently have 10 spaced available for new kickboxing students in our Friday nights class 7.35-9pm at Tavistock Community College gymnasium. We also have 10 spaces for our adult Spirit Combat classes 7-8pm at Bere Alston Parish hall, and 10 in our Women’s only Self-defence classes 8-9pm at Bere Alston Parish hall. Please contact Steve on 07773863518 or email sculpting_fitness@Hotmail.com

Classes update

An update on classes, Thursday 1st March their will be no Martial Arts classes in Bere Alston at the Parish hall due to the hall being pre-booked. Friday 2nd March there will be no Kickboxing Classes at Tavistock Community College due to the fight day in Guilford, But due to the weather the College maybe closed and we may not be able to travel to Guilford.

There is no Tuesday Spirit Combat classes on a Tuesday at Bere Alston Primary School. This is due to Steve’s FA tutoring commitments but also Sensei Charlie’s college and work commitments means he can’t help cover classes in Steve’s absent.

We are working to find a new assistant instructor to help assist with Tuesday night classes. We have has 2 offers and are working with them to see if they would be a good fit to help.

 

Classes week beginning 5th Feb

Notice to everyone week of the 5th Feb we wont have our usual Tuesday and Thursday Classes running. Sensei Steve is working late and due to work Shift changes Sensei Charlie can’t help deliver the Tuesday class 5-6pm at Bere Alston Primary School and the Thursday classes between 6-9pm at Bere Alston Parish Hall.

The Friday Night Kickboxing class is running as per usual and classes will return to normal week of the 12th February.

Sorry about this.

Updates class schedule for 2018

An update on classes in 2018 for all current and future students.

Tuesday Nights Bere Alston Primary School

5 – 13 years 5-6pm Spirit Combat

Thursday Nights Bere Alston Parish Hall

5-13 years 6-7pm Spirit Combat

14 years upwards 7-8pm Spirit Combat

Women’s Self-Defence Classes 8-9pm

Friday Nights Tavistock Community College Gymnasium

7 years upwards Kickboxing 7.35-9pm

Hope to see everyone in classes soon

National Guilford Fight day

On Friday 24th November a number of the South West Kickboxing Academy (SWKA) club based in Tavistock travelled up to Guilford for a national fight day. We lost one fighter earlier in the week with Nathan having to pull out of the British Kickboxing Union (BKBU) Under18’s title.

We did have one student competing on the day with young Peter getting into the ring for the 2nd time. Peter put on a much improved performance and suffered an narrow loss in his bout.

Other SWKA students who travelled up helped out with refereeing, and Judging on the day and with Head Coach Steve Lilley passing his 5th Dan in Kickboxing.