Resilience
Through Martial Arts
Resilience through Martial Arts CIC is a community interest company (CIC) dedicated to supporting children and young people who have lived care experience, by promoting improved mental and physical health and wellbeing. Our innovative approach combines Kickboxing and hot yoga through therapeutic interventions to give children and YP the education and tools needed for optimal health and well being. Our goal is to empower young individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s), with essential life skills, coping mechanisms and long term opportunity. Our mission is to enhance their overall well-being and foster a sense of belonging, while also helping them build self-confidence, resilience, and emotional stability. Through partnerships with local care facilities and educational institutions. RTMA CIC aims to make a positive impact on the lives of young people with lived care experience throughout the East Midlands region.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission: To empower children and young people with lived care experience with physical and mental health tools, helping them thrive and succeed in their lives. Helping them realise the resilience they have gained through perseverance in the gym can be one of many transferable life skills they will gain.
Vision: Statistics show 1 in 6 children between 5 - 16 have a diagnosed mental health disorder (FCA, 2022). The Statistics for children who have had a lived care experience specifically is most likely much higher due to traumas these young people will have faced, however the last comprehensive study was last conducted in 2002. Only 6% of young people who have had a lived care experience across the UK have opportunity for higher education (gov.uk, 2019). Care leavers make up to 25% of the homelessness population, and over 52% of care leavers make up the criminal justice system (Children’s commissioner, 2022). Additionally, over 40% of adults who have had a lived care experience end up having their own children removed in the future (Nuffield Foundation, 2017). Our vision is to see a future where every young person in with lived care experience has access to effective mental and physical health support, contributing to their overall well-being and life success, ultimately defying the statistics that currently present in young people with lived care experience.
Meet Charlie - Our Mentor & Guide
Charlie is the heart and soul of Resilience Through Martial Arts. With many years of experience in martial arts and a passion for helping others, Charlie has touched the lives of countless individuals. As our lead instructor and mentor, he brings unparalleled dedication and expertise to each training session. From building strong foundations in self-defense techniques to instilling essential life values, Charlie's commitment to the growth and well-being of our community is truly inspiring.
Meet Josh - Our Dedicated Coach & Inspiring Guide
Josh is an integral part of Resilience Through Martial Arts, embodying our commitment to empowering individuals through martial arts. With a wealth of experience in martial arts and an unwavering passion for making a difference, Josh has positively influenced numerous lives within our community. As one of our skilled coaches, he brings his unique expertise and relentless dedication to every training session. Whether it's refining self-defense skills or imparting essential life values, Josh's impact resonates with our community, fostering growth and well-being in an inspiring way.
Be a Changemaker
For more information on how to enrol yourself or any young people within your care to our programme, please contact us via email at resilience@leiceastmids.onmicrosoft.com We can discuss with you how our programmes look different for each young person we work with and arrange a home visit to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Hear from Our Community
Don't just take our word for it – read what our community members have to say about their transformative experiences at Resilience Through Martial Arts. From parents witnessing positive changes in their children to individuals overcoming personal hurdles, our programs have made a lasting impact. These testimonials are a testament to the power of martial arts and the incredible support our community provides. Join us today and become part of a life-changing journey!
I work at an SEMH school in Leicester city centre, and have seen first hand the benefits and positive impact that the work 1st Legion Gym has on young people in our city who need it most. We have run numerous interventions with 1st Legion over the years, and our pupils have been able to develop their communication skills, resilience and confidence which they have been able to transfer to their academic studies and wider social situations.
Charlie, Josh, George and Jamie have always worked brilliantly with our young people who have a wide range of complex needs. Their ability to communicate, teach, and relate to our young people is a huge part of why the interventions have been successful.
- Shaun Denigan SEMH school teacherI've known Charlie O’Neill for five impactful years in a professional capacity. As a dedicated Childcare Practitioner at Watermead Care from 2017 to 2021, Charlie's passion for looked after children shone brightly. He skillfully managed paperwork, embraced care planning, and seamlessly applied training to real-world scenarios. His leadership, composed demeanor, and engaging approach formed strong bonds with the care team and young individuals alike.
Despite demanding commitments, Charlie's unwavering dedication never wavered, highlighting his adeptness at prioritization. His professionalism, approachability, and unflagging determination ensure a promising journey in his new venture. Charlie’s potential to excel in the realm of looked after children is undeniable, and I eagerly anticipate his future accomplishments.
- Anne-Marie O’Reilly Watermead CareCharlie's profound influence on my children's lives has been nothing short of transformative. His dedicated martial arts instruction has not only equipped them with vital self-defense skills but has also nurtured the cultivation of core values such as respect, discipline, and perseverance. The holistic impact of Charlie's teaching and mentorship is evident as my kids now exhibit enhanced focus, heightened self-assurance, and a profound sense of respect, standing as a testament to Charlie's exceptional ability to inspire growth and positive change.
- Sarah Smith parentOur Services
Kickboxing: We offer tailored Kickboxing classes, providing a safe and supportive environment for young people in care to learn self-defense, improve physical fitness, and manage stress. Sessions are structured as part of a 10 week course to allow young people to grow in confidence and take away transferable life skills around positive male and female role models. These Martial Arts sessions are delivered by a team of established professional competitors and coaches at 1st Legion gym. The team has been a pillar of the community in Leicester city center for over 10 years now and continues to have a massive positive impact on people of all ages and abilities. The coaches also have extensive backgrounds in working with young people in care and have done for over 6 years.
Hot yoga classes: Under the same roof as the gym young people will have the chance to take part in hot yoga classes at Hotpod Yoga Leicester. Yoga serves as a great addition to the martial arts training, helping recovery, flexibility and mindfulness. As well as being a great workout the hot yoga sessions, which take place in a large ‘pod’, are a fantastic way to learn meditation techniques. Guided by experienced instructors, who have many years of teaching experience as well as a background in kickboxing.
Therapeutic 1 to 1 support: Through the use of a range of therapeutic nurse-led interventions, the young people will be offered 1 to 1 support on a regular basis, addressing individual emotional and psychological needs and helping participants build coping skills and resilience.
Workshops and Events: Periodic workshops and events focused on mental health awareness, nutrition, and well-being are organised to support the overall development of participants. The team at RTMA is also able to provide a similarly structured programme for staff teams and businesses as a team building day which can also serve as a challenging way for them to let off steam.