Trinity Martial Arts & Self Defence
Junior Self-Defence Programme for Ages 8-13
No experience needed - beginners are welcome.
Practical martial arts, personal safety and confidence-building classes in Dawley, Telford.
Help your child build confidence, focus, resilience and real-world self-defence skills in a structured martial arts programme designed specifically for ages 8-13.
At Trinity Martial Arts & Self Defence, children learn practical personal safety, awareness, discipline, controlled martial arts skills and positive habits that support them at school, at home and in everyday life.
Join Our
12-Week DISCOVERY COURSE!
The 12-Week Discovery Course gives your child a positive, structured introduction to our Junior Self-Defence Programme.
During the course, they can attend across our 8-13s Junior Self-Defence timetable, building confidence gradually while developing the awareness, focus and practical skills that help them feel safer and more capable.
What Your Child Will Gain:
Real-world self-defence awareness - how to recognise problems early and make safer choices.
Stronger confidence and self-belief - built through achievement, effort and progress.
Better focus, discipline, and listening skills - useful in class, school and home life.
Practical martial arts skills - including movement, balance, striking, defence, breakaways and controlled partner work
Positive role models and a supportive peer group - away from screens and negative influences.
Improved fitness, coordination, and resilience - without needing to be sporty or competitive.
Whether your child is full of energy, a little shy, or somewhere in between, our 12-Week Discovery Course gives them a positive outlet to:
Learn practical self-defence and personal safety skills
Improve focus, discipline, and emotional control
Build confidence, friendship, and resilience
Your child can train across our 8-13s Junior Self-Defence timetable, with each class helping them build confidence, awareness, discipline and practical self-defence skills.
Some sessions may focus more on practical personal safety and scenario-based skills. Others may focus more on martial arts movement, coordination, close-range defence, pad work, timing and control. Together, they help your child develop a rounded foundation in self-defence and martial arts.
We Understand What Parents Worry About at This Age
Ages 8-13 can be a turning point.
Children are becoming more independent, more influenced by friends and online content, and more aware of the world around them. That can be exciting - but it can also bring pressure, uncertainty and confidence challenges.
Does this sound familiar when you think about your child…?
Worries about bullying, peer pressure, or group dynamics
Struggling with confidence or feeling left out socially
Finding it hard to focus, listen, or stay motivated
Too much time spent online, gaming or scrolling
Being influenced by unhelpful online role models
You feeling like your influence is competing with the internet
Our Junior Self-Defence Programme gives children a positive, structured environment where they can build confidence, discipline, awareness and self-control - while learning practical martial arts skills that help them feel safer and more capable.
The Junior Self-Defence Programme - A Broad Martial Arts Foundation
During the Discovery Course, your child will learn a structured blend of practical self-defence, personal safety awareness and martial arts skills, taught through one clear junior pathway.
Every class supports the same goal - helping children become more confident, more focused, more disciplined and better prepared to stay safe.
What They Learn
Awareness and prevention - spotting problems early and making safer decisions
Confidence and assertiveness - using voice, posture and boundaries
Breakaway skills - getting free, creating space and seeking help
Defensive movement - guarding, moving, blocking, deflecting and redirecting
Pad work and striking skills - taught safely, responsibly and with control
Balance, coordination and posture - building strong martial arts basics
Breakfalls and ground recovery - learning how to move safely if they fall
Focus, respect and self-control - the habits behind good training
Legal and responsible use of force - taught in an age-appropriate way
Why We Use a Blend of Martial Arts
Real-world self-defence is not limited to one style.
Children need awareness, movement, confidence, control, decision-making and practical skills they can understand at their age.
Our Junior Self-Defence Programme brings together useful elements from the martial arts and self-defence systems our instructors have studied, then teaches them in a structured, safe and age-appropriate way.
Structured Progression Through Martial Arts
Although the programme is built around practical self-defence, children are still learning real martial arts skills.
We use a clear belt system to give students achievable goals, visible progress and regular milestones. This helps children stay motivated, take pride in their effort and understand that confidence is built through practice over time.
Students progress through skills such as:
Guard, stance and movement
Balance, coordination and posture
Pad work and controlled striking
Breakaways and defensive responses
Partner drills and safe contact skills
Awareness, boundaries and decision-making
Respect, focus, discipline and self-control
The belt system gives structure to the journey - but the real goal is helping your child become more confident, capable and safe.
What's Included In The
12 Week DISCOVERY COURSE
You'll Receive:
12 Weeks of Expert-Led Classes - multiple sessions available each week.
Insurance & Membership for the full 12 weeks - so they are fully covered while training.
Unlimited Training for 12 Weeks - attend all suitable junior classes for their age while on the course.
Club T-Shirt & Training Gloves - so they know they're part of the team.
Student Licence Book - to track progress and gradings (issued after first belt testing).
Belt Testing & Certificate - structured milestones to keep them engaged and motivated.
Supportive, DBS-Checked Instructors - experienced coaches who specialise in working with children and young teens.
Parental Feedback & Support - we keep you informed on progress and how you can support at home.
Access to Our Training App & Videos - extra support and practice between classes.
Get all this and full support for only £346
Special Offer - £199
for 12 Weeks Training, plus Bonuses
What Happens in Their Free Assessment Class?
(Their First Step into Children’s Martial Arts and Self-Defence)
We know that trying something new can feel like a big step - for both children and parents.
Their first class is designed to be friendly, structured and confidence-building, so they can experience the programme without pressure.
Here’s what you can expect from their first visit:
A Warm, Friendly Welcome
You’ll be greeted by our instructor team, shown where to wait, and your child will be introduced to the class in a calm, relaxed way so they don’t feel thrown in at the deep end.
Confidence-Building Start
We’ll take them through simple, achievable martial arts and self-defence drills that help them feel successful straight away.
Positive Encouragement
We focus on effort, respect, and attitude - not perfection. Your child will be praised for listening, trying their best, and supporting others.
Clear Structure and Expectations
Children this age respond well to clear boundaries. We’ll explain how to line up, how to show respect, and how to stay safe while training - all in a supportive, age-appropriate way.
Parent Feedback & Next Steps
After class, we’ll talk through how they got on, answer your questions, and explain how the 12-Week Discovery Course works.
If the programme feels like the right fit, you’ll have the option to secure their place.
Meet Our Founder & Chief Instructor...
“Every child and young teen deserves to feel confident, capable, and safe - in school, online, and out in the real world.”
Ed Hodgson, Founder & Chief Instructor
With over three decades of martial arts experience, Ed Hodgson has trained across multiple disciplines including KAPAP Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Wing Chun and Filipino Kali, and is a qualified self-defence instructor with knowledge of UK self-defence law.
Ed specialises in helping children and young people develop:
Real confidence that comes from achievement and effort
Focus, discipline, and respect that carry over into school and home life
Practical personal safety skills rooted in awareness, calm and control
Every Junior Self-Defence class is structured to be safe, positive and purposeful - blending practical martial arts, personal safety, fun, challenge and clear expectations.
Parents describe his classes as nurturing, encouraging, and transformative - especially for children who struggle with confidence or focus.
Meet Our Lead Instructor - Sifu Drew Alpine
“Martial Arts helps young people understand their bodies, their minds, and how to move with calm control - not anger.”
Sifu Drew Alpine, Lead Instructor
Sifu Drew Alpine is a lifelong martial artist with decades of experience in Wing Chun Kung Fu and Filipino Kali.
Within our Junior Self-Defence Programme, Drew helps students develop strong martial arts basics, controlled movement, coordination, timing and close-range defensive skills.
Drew focuses on:
Stance, posture and movement
Guarding, deflecting and redirecting
Coordination, timing and control
Pad work and partner drills
Helping students understand how traditional martial arts skills connect to modern self-defence
His teaching style is patient, clear and reassuring, making his classes ideal for children who benefit from detail, structure and calm correction.
Together, Ed and Drew create a powerful, supportive environment where 8 to 13-year-olds can grow at their own pace, with a clear pathway into our teen and adult programme.
Why Parents Choose Our Junior Self-Defence Programme in Telford...
If you’re looking for children’s martial arts in Telford with a stronger focus on confidence, discipline and real-world self-defence, our Junior Self-Defence Programme is designed for ages 8-13.
Great atmosphere and the children are always well engaged. My youngest son is in the 8-12 juniors class and my eldest son is in the adults & teens class…both love their classes!
My son really enjoys his sessions with Ed, he has been with Trinity Martial Arts for almost 4 years now, it's a good place for children to learn discipline and to focus well on tasks. Would definitely highly recommend. It's a friendly place for parents as well as children.
Both of my children eagerly look forward to their weekly martial arts and self-defence classes at Trinity Martial arts. They have recently completed their first grading, which was a proud moment for all of us. I've noticed a boost in their confidence levels since they started. The classes are structured, ensuring steady progress and a good understanding of the martial arts. Ed, the instructor, has really good teaching skills. His dedication and the way he structures the classes make learning both effective and enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone looking to instill discipline, confidence, and skill in their children!
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this course suitable for?
This Discovery Course is designed for children aged 8-13, including Key Stage 2 and early secondary school students. If you are unsure whether it is right for your child, we can advise based on their age, confidence and experience.
Does my child need any experience to start?
No. Most students start with no previous martial arts experience. Classes are structured so beginners feel supported while more experienced children still feel challenged.
Is this martial arts or self-defence?
It is both. The programme uses structured martial arts training to teach practical self-defence, personal safety awareness, confidence, discipline and control.
Children learn real martial arts skills, but the purpose is not competition or trophies. The focus is helping them become more confident, capable and safe.
What martial arts do students learn?
Our Junior Self-Defence Programme is built from the martial arts and self-defence systems our instructors have studied over many years, including KAPAP Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Wing Chun and Kali.
These influences are brought together into one clear junior pathway, designed to help children build confidence, awareness, coordination, discipline and real-world self-defence skills.
Is this MMA?
No. This is not children’s MMA or sport fighting.
It is a structured junior martial arts and self-defence programme focused on confidence, awareness, discipline, movement, control and age-appropriate personal safety.
Will my child grade and earn belts?
Yes. We use a clear belt system to give children achievable goals and visible progress.
Gradings help students stay motivated while developing martial arts skills, self-defence understanding, focus, discipline and confidence.
Is training safe for this age group?
Yes. All drills, partner work and self-defence scenarios are carefully designed to be age-appropriate, controlled and non-frightening. Safety, awareness and respect come first.
Will this help with confidence, focus or behaviour?
Yes. Our structured classes help children build confidence, improve listening skills and practise respectful behaviour that often carries over into home and school life.
Do parents stay to watch?
Parents usually stay for the first few sessions. Once their child is settled and confident, some choose to drop off and return at the end of class.
What happens after the 12-Week Discovery Course?
If your child enjoys their training, they’ll be invited to continue into our full Junior Self-Defence Programme with flexible ongoing membership options.
What should they wear for their first class?
Comfortable clothing such as a T-shirt and joggers or leggings. When they join the Discovery Course, they’ll receive a Trinity club T-shirt and training gloves as part of their starter kit.
Trinity Martial Arts & Self Defence
Unit 2b Matthew Webb House
High Street, Dawley, TF4 2EX
COMPANY
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