The Factory Martial Arts - Interviews

With thanks to The Factory Martial Arts for the use of this video.

Lucy Gray of The Factory Martial Arts has a team of four 8-12year olds who volunteer to help her coach kickboxing sessions each week. They are committed to their own training as well as developing their skills as assistant coaches and they undertake a training programme for this with monthly meetings and homework assignments. They form a SWAT team (Special Winning Attitude Team), and this is the first step in their coaching journey within the club.

Facebook Children’s Martial Arts at The Factory.

See their stories below.

Alexa Blackmoore, aged 9

When did you start training?

At 6 years old, I was the first girl to sign up to the factory on their opening day.

What do you do as part of the SWAT team?

I help and support the younger children on the mats with their kickboxing putting on gloves etc, help Lucy and Laura with things they ask me to do like get equipment and hold pads, demonstrate to children and adults showing what they need to do, support Lucy with events out of the factory. Attend monthly swat team meetings and do some assignments.

What belts and gradings have you done?

All the belts upto brown and white and did up to blue in dragons. I have done 8 (I think) gradings it is hard but I learn things in class to help me. I get nervous but happy when i reach my goal.

Why did you start kickboxing?

Aged 6 years I had no confidence and mummy wanted me to get some so I joined and I love it. It really helps.

Why did you want to be in the SWAT team?

To help the younger children, I like to show them what to do to help them. I like to tell them they've tried really hard and make them smile. I also like to help Lucy and Laura with setting up the room.

What are your future plans in kickboxing?

Get to black belt and make sure I can do all my drills quickly and properly. Maybe become a coach one day. I'll always enjoy kickboxing and I never want to leave.

Anything else you would to say to other children of your age about kickboxing and being active?

Kickboxing is lots of fun, it has made me have more confidence and believe in myself more. It has given me more independance and I trust Lucy and Laura to help me learn. I feel safe when I learn self defence in case anyone tried to hurt me.

Oliver Abbott, aged 10;

When did you start training?

I started training in March 2018.

What do you do as part of the SWAT team?

As part of the SWAT team we help out Sensei Lucy with the children by holding pads, getting out equipment and putting it away and showing younger children how to do different exercises, kicks and punches. Lucy chose me as a role model for younger children.

What belts and gradings have you done?

I have my white, red, yellow, orange, green and blue belt. I will be grading for my purple belt next month (Oct 19).

Why did you start kickboxing?

I started kickboxing because I saw my Mum in her first kickboxing classes and wanted to try it and learn to defend myself if ever I’m in danger.

Why did you want to be in the SWAT team?

I wanted to be in the SWAT team because I thought it was a new opportunity for myself to develop and be a role model to younger children. I want to become a black belt and stay a black belt forever.

Anything else you would to say to other children of your age about kickboxing and being active?

Never quit because it’s fun and it’s good for your mental health and it’s brilliant!

Samantha Young, aged 11

When did you start training?

I have been training just under 2 years.

What do you do as part of the SWAT team?

As part of the SWAT team, I help at training for both dragons (4-7 yrs) and juniors (7-11 yrs), mix of pad holding, guidance and general helping to sensei Lucy/Laura. Handing out homework. Swat team meetings to brush up on skills.

What belts and gradings have you done?

Belts white/red/yellow/orange/green

Why did you start kickboxing?

I started because I watched Harriet (my sister) at dragons and wanted in on the fun/to keep safe if needed.

Why did you want to be in the SWAT team?

Wanted to be in swat team because I like to help and support the younger kids. I get on well with anyone.

What are your future plans in kickboxing?

Future plans are to become a black belt and to be a coach one day.

Anything else you would to say to other children of your age about kickboxing and being active?

Kickboxing is good for you but fun, something the whole family can do and you gain a new kickboxing family too whilst learning discipline and respect.