Phoenix Martial Arts School in Surfleet is set to host free self defence classes to help women feel safer on area’s streets
A passionate dad and daughter duo will be hosting free self defence classes to pass on vital skills to help women feel safer on our streets.
Bob Bryan, 47, of Surfleet, has had a passion for martial arts for 13 years and now uses his own skills and knowledge to teach others at the Phoenix Martial Arts School.
After setting up the school in 2020, Bob has since taught children as young as five years-old and adults in their 60s and 70s. His latest venture came to fulfil demand for women to feel safer as they go about the area.
The martial arts teacher hosted his first free four-week self defence course last year and following on from the success of those sessions Bob hopes to provide it again this year.
He said: “Self defence is a big part of martial arts anyway and originally the class was going to be for both men and women but women requested it more.
“I think they approached me to do it because when you look at the news there’s always something going on.
“Without sounding too corny or cheesy, it’s a good skill to do and you gain so much awareness from it – I didn’t want to capitalise on that and make money out of something that will help someone.”
Participants of the free four-week course will be taught basic footwork, trigger signs to look how for, what to do if someone grabs them, how to strike back if you are attacked, joint locking and lots more.
The classes will be held at the Tonic 44 Hub on Station Road in Surfleet, from Tuesday, March 11, in the evening for 1 hour.
Bob will run the free course with his daughter, Summer Bryan, 21, who is currently working towards her third dan black belt.
The duo often train alongside each other and share the same passion. Bob added: “It has always been my passion to open my own martial arts school. Summer has supported me from day one and still helps out with teaching alongside her job – I couldn’t do it without her really.
“I feel fortunate and privileged to be in the position I am with my business and hopefully by hosting the free course, it’s my way of giving a little bit back to those who support me – it’s the least I can do.
“Martial arts is more than just exercise. It can help with your mental health and body conditioning.”
Alongside the self defence classes, which will be open to all ages and abilities, Phoenix Martial Arts School also provides traditional martial arts classes for children and adults during the week.
For more information call 07493 365936.
