'If you can avoid a fight you'll always be a winner'

 

There has been a resurgence in the interest of martial arts recently – Matthew Collins, Chief Instructor at The Samurai Fitness Group says this is probably due to Tae kwon-do, Boxing and Judo featuring in the Olympics, plus the popularity of films such as Kung Fu Panda and the new Karate Kid. Parents have also realised that martial arts not only provide the exercise that so many children need, but also help to build confidence, provide self-protection and anti-bullying skills within a disciplined, safe and controlled environment. Here's what else Matt has to say...

 

Tell me about you.

I was brought up in Naphill in a very close family. I spent a lot of time
playing outside with my friends and have developed a love of the outdoors
as a result. I travelled to Bolivia with school at the age of 16, and that opened
my eyes up to all that can be learned from other cultures and I have had the travelling bug ever since. It was this that inspired me to go and teach children in Japan for two years, and that laid the foundations for my current life. I met my wife and I realised I loved teaching children.

 

Tell me about your business.

It was when I returned from Japan that my four-year-old nephew in Cookham asked if I could teach him Kickboxing. I said I would, more out of obligation as I never thought I'd teach such young children martial arts. I therefore started a class for him and four of his friends. I loved it and soon other parents were asking if I could start classes in their area. I did and realised I could run a business doing something I loved. I left my marketing role in September 2010, started The Samurai Fitness Group and never looked back!

 

Have you always been interested in doing this? 

I started martial arts in 1997, but it is only recently that I have discovered the spontaneity of the children, which I love! I also love the fact they are honest.
If the activity you are teaching is not fun, children tell you, which is great. You get to know very quickly what works and what doesn't, and from there the true reward comes, which is seeing the child progress both technically and
as individuals.

 

Did you have to do any business courses or training for your business? 

I trained in Tae Kwon-do, Judo and Kickboxing, have a black belt in each discipline and had qualified as a martial arts instructor. I also obviously needed to go on child protection, health and safety, and child first-aid

courses, but I had no official business training. However, my marketing job before was working for an enterprise agency helping entrepreneurs start up and run small to medium-sized businesses. As a result, I got a lot of help, support and advice from those around me. However, I am still learning and think running your own business is a daily step.

 

Tell me about the camp you ran over the summer.

I ran a week-long camp at Holy Trinity School in Cookham in August for all children aged from 4 to 12. The camp was based around martial arts and involved kickboxing techniques as well as the flying kicks, flips, throws and defences you see in the movies. It was great fun but disciplined and safe, and we have taught over 100 students in Cookham in our camps this year alone.

 

What is the best part of having your own business?

I have strong belief that our classes should aim to engage every individual who attends. As a result we have a maximum of 16 children per age group and I love being able to make decisions on such matters, which I believe ensures the business provides a quality service.

 

Who is your idol? 

My parents. I was always an overly confident child believing I knew and could do everything, but they both continue to teach me huge life lessons about how to treat others and how to behave.

 

Is there anything we don't know about you? 

I successfully overcame Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2008, something that again taught me a lot about how lucky we are to have our health.

 

Are you aware of your self-defence moves having helped people
in real life situations?

I have directly benefitted. I was driving near Lane End and pulled out in front of a car who was travelling far too fast. He was agitated and when he caught up to my vehicle he drove aggressively, very close to my rear bumper. I pulled in to let him overtake me but he pulled up next to me. I got out of the car and used my assertive but pacifying body language, and admitted I hadn't appreciated the speed he was travelling and luckily the situation was resolved. I honestly believe that if you can avoid a fight then you will

always be the winner.

 

Have you had any negative press about teaching violence? 

No, but I think that is mainly because we don't teach violence. We learn to protect ourselves to avoid having to. The more confident and aware of threats you are, the less likely you are to have to deal with them. We also ensure that every one of the children we teach is aware that they do not use kickboxing inappropriately. If they practise it without the consent of an instructor or their parents they risk being expelled from the class.

 

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