
Our Foundation Programme helps younger children build confidence, improve listening skills, develop self-control and coordination, and enjoy learning martial arts in a safe, encouraging environment.
This programme is ideal for children aged 4-7 who are ready to take part in a structured group class.
It is especially helpful for children who would benefit from:
More confidence and self-belief
Better focus, listening and following instructions
Improved self-control and positive behaviour
Better balance, coordination and movement
A fun, structured outlet for energy
A positive first experience of martial arts
We will help you see whether the Foundation Programme is the right fit before you make a longer commitment.
Parents choose our Foundation Programme because it gives younger children a positive, structured start in martial arts, without pressure or overwhelm.

Permanent full-time training centre with easy access from across Telford
Friendly, structured teaching
Positive and encouraging class environment
Clear progression and support
A great outlet for energy, focus and confidence
Classes available weekday evenings and Saturday mornings
Based at our permanent training centre in Dawley, we welcome families from across Telford, including Priorslee, Lawley, Lightmoor, Horsehay, Apley, Doseley, Muxton, Stirchley, Randlay, Madeley and surrounding areas.

Many parents are looking for an activity that does more than keep their child busy.
They want something that helps their child listen better, grow in confidence, follow instructions, manage their energy and feel proud of themselves.
That is exactly what our Foundation Programme is designed to support.
In every class, children are encouraged to:
Listen carefully and follow simple instructions
Take turns and work safely with others
Build confidence through small achievable wins
Improve balance, coordination and movement
Learn respect, patience and self-control
Enjoy being active in a structured, supportive class
Parents often tell us that after a few lessons, they start to notice small but important changes - their child listens more carefully, shows more confidence and walks into class a little taller.
This gives children a positive first experience of martial arts while helping them develop habits that support them at home, at school and in everyday life.
During the 12-Week Discovery Course, your child will take part in structured, age-appropriate classes that help them build confidence, improve focus and enjoy learning martial arts in a positive environment.
Each class is designed to support steady progress, while helping children develop habits that benefit them at home, at school and in everyday life.

Children learn a structured mix of:
Basic martial arts movement - stance, guard, balance and coordination
Listening and focus skills - following instructions, taking turns and staying engaged
Confidence and voice - standing tall, speaking clearly and using simple boundaries
Age-appropriate safety awareness - understanding personal space, safe choices and when to get help
Simple breakaway skills - taught calmly and safely so children can create space if needed
Breakfalls and safe movement - learning how to move, land and recover safely
Pad work and striking basics - taught with control, discipline and encouragement
Respect, self-control and teamwork - the habits that help children train safely and positively
Although the Foundation Programme is designed for younger children, they are still learning real martial arts skills in a safe, age-appropriate way.
We use a clear belt system to give children achievable goals, visible progress and regular milestones. This helps them stay motivated, feel proud of their effort and understand that confidence grows through practice over time.

Students progress through skills such as:
Stance, guard and basic movement
Balance, coordination and posture
Pad work and controlled striking
Simple blocks, guards and defensive movement
Breakaway skills and personal space awareness
Breakfalls, safe landing and getting back up
Listening, focus and following instructions
Respect, self-control, confidence and persistence
The belt system gives structure to the journey - but the real goal is helping your child grow in confidence, coordination, focus and positive behaviour through martial arts.

If your child enjoys their Free Assessment Class and the programme is a good fit, the next step is our 12-Week Discovery Course.
This gives your child time to settle in properly, build routine, grow in confidence and experience the benefits of regular training.
12 weeks of expert-led Foundation Programme classes
Unlimited training during the 12 weeks
Membership and insurance for the length of the course
Club uniform T-shirt and gloves
Student licence book
Belt testing and certificate
Personal support from fully qualified, insured, DBS-checked instructors
Parent feedback and guidance
Access to our app and training videos
Full Value: £346
Discovery Course Price: £199
Includes 12 weeks of Foundation Programme classes, student membership, uniform T-shirt, gloves, licence book, belt testing, certificate, app access and instructor support.
Your child’s Free Assessment Class is a simple, low-pressure way to see if the programme is right for them.
During the class, we will:
Welcome your child and help them feel comfortable
Introduce simple movement, listening and focus activities
Encourage effort, confidence and positive behaviour
Give you a feel for the class structure and teaching style
Chat with you afterwards about whether the 12-Week Discovery Course is the right next step


“Every child deserves to feel proud of who they are becoming and martial arts is one of the best ways to help them discover that.”
Founder & Chief Instructor, Ed Hodgson
At the heart of Trinity Martial Arts & Self Defence is Chief Instructor Ed Hodgson - a dedicated martial artist, self-defence instructor and children's coach with over three decades of martial arts experience.
Ed has trained across several disciplines including KAPAP Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Wing Chun and Filipino Kali.
For younger children, Ed’s approach is positive, structured and encouraging. Every class is designed to help children build confidence, focus, respect, self-control and coordination while enjoying a safe introduction to martial arts.
See why families across Telford trust Trinity Martial Arts & Self Defence to help their children grow in confidence, focus and self-control.
If your child is enjoying training and the programme remains a good fit, you will have the option to continue with regular monthly training.
Yes. Your child starts with a Free Assessment Class so they can experience the class, meet the instructors and see whether the programme feels right before you make a longer commitment.
Every child is different, but many parents notice improvements in focus, listening and confidence within the first 12 weeks. We celebrate small steps, effort and personal progress - not just belt colour.
That is completely normal. We keep the first class friendly, calm and encouraging so children can settle in at their own pace.
Parents are welcome to watch from the viewing area. Free parking is available nearby via George Street Car Park, and free hot drinks are available while you wait.
Our Foundation Programme is suitable for children aged 4-7 who are ready to take part in a structured group class. The Free Assessment Class helps us see whether the programme is the right fit for your child.
The best way to see if our Foundation Programme is right for your child is to let them experience a class.
They will meet the instructors, see the training centre and take part in a positive, structured martial arts class before you make a longer commitment.
Classes are available weekday evenings and Saturday mornings at our permanent training centre, with easy access from across Telford.
We are based in Dawley, with free nearby parking via George Street Car Park.
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