LEADERSHIP Martial Arts (LMA) - Calne, celebrated their sixth anniversary last month.
LMA is a Taekwondo group covering the Wiltshire, Swindon and Oxford area. The martial arts group has classes for all the family from aged 5 to adults.
Six years ago LMA held their first weekly class at Marden Vale Academy School in William Street, and on the 26th January they celebrated their sixth anniversary there with a special cake to mark the occasion.
One student attending is Mia, who joined at the first class held in 2018 and has never missed a session, she is the groups longest running junior leader - already a 1st degree black belt, she will soon be going for her 2nd.
Mr Butler runs the LMA classses in Calne and Melksham, he has trained since 2010 and taught in some capacity since 2013, even winning an 'Instructor of the Year' award in 2016. And the awards don't stop there - Mr Butler's second in command is 18-year-old Miss Bush, who started training in martial arts the age of 7, she went on to win 'Assistant of the Year'.
At the academy, Mr Butler and the team, train people of all ages, helping them to improve their physical and mental health, whilst also developing emotional, behavioural and social skills. Martial arts teaches self-control and discipline, and can boost confidence - awards, belts and progression give the student a sense of achievement whilst simultaneously making new friends with a common interest. Additionally, it is great for weight loss and toning and just for having pure fun!
Last year LMA - Calne came second overall in their interschool competition out of all the schools in Leadership Martial Arts.
As well as the weekly classes held at Marden Vale Academy, Mr Butler frequently visits schools, Scouts, Guides and other groups for free sessions including self-defence seminars - he has several sessions booked in for this year already.
Any group wishing to host a session can contact Mr Butler to arrange one. For further information visit https://leadershipmartialarts.co.uk/
