Martial Arts, Norfolk

'The Black Belt Academy' Providing Classes In MAny Areas of Our Region

The Black Belt Academy has developed classes in many area of our region over the years since it was first started in 1979 at Diss Youth Centre.

Master Richard Vince first began teaching at the venue when he was a Blue Belt. Things went very well and he soon expanded the classes to take in Harleston also. Over the years the Academy has taught classes in many venue such as; Attleborough, Bungay, Hempnall, Long Stratton, Bury St Edmunds, Eye, Hoxne, Wymondham, Newton Flotman, Weybread, Halesworth, Reepham, Holt, Acle, Lingwood to name a few.

Not all of these classes are still in existence, some have moved, unfortunately some have closed and some have been taken over by Instructors who have since decided to no longer be part of the Academy.

This is all part of a healthy growth and decline cycle that affects most businesses. We currently have satellite classes in;

Diss, Harleston, Weybread and Lingwood. We would be please to hear from villages or even schools that would like to set up either a satellite venue or perhaps a short 'taster' course to discover whether there is enough interest in a particular area or community.

Working Directly With Schools

Since Master Vince began teaching Martial Arts back in 1979 he has met many teachers/head teachers and formed a good understanding of how 'The Black Belt Academy' can help promote important lifestyle messages to pupils.

It is one thing for a parent to tell a child something, the information may still fall upon deaf ears if a school teacher repeats the same information. When a Black Belt Martial Artist visits the school and puts the information accross from a slightly different point of view, then sometimes, it is taken on board.

Master Vince has been invited into many Norfolk and Suffolk schools to help with a variety of subjects ranging from self respect to nutrition, from bullying to peak performance.

His incredibly succesful competitive background often makes him an ideal person to talk about achieving at one's highest possible level and making the most of one's ability.

One primary school in Suffolk that was experiencing friction in the classroom, invited Master Vince in to talk to the children simply about being nice to each other. After an exciting session which included board breaking, discussions and an awful lot of thinking, the children had a far greater understanding of the consequences of their behaviour as well as the 'mould' they were casting for their future.

Mrs Christine Coleman, a staff member at the School says;
"Master Vince arrived in his Karate uniform and made an immediate impression with all the children and staff. The children all responded extremely well to his instructions and initiatives. At the end of the session there was an almost tangible buzz in the class, and the children were more respectful to each other and to staff following this. Everyone was excited and proud when they managed to break the board, even our tiny visually impaired girl.
This years Year 6 keep asking when he is coming!"