Martial Arts Enrichment Division

Welcome to our Martial Arts page – The Little Dragons & Dragon Martial Arts Around the World

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Founder and Chief Instructor Richard’s autodidact training philosophy”

The term “Martial” derives from Mars, the Roman God of War, thus roughly translated to “The Art of War”, although the path of a true Martial Artist is one of Peace, Tranquillity, Respect, Self-Discipline and Integrity to all. I feel that Martial Arts is truly universal and transcends through a common goal, the love of the art form. It breaks down all social, economic and religious barriers and is none gender or physical specific, bringing many streams to one river and all rivers must flow to the ocean. No one form is greater than the other, each should be respected and translated into the life we lead.

Remember failure is just life’s ways to make us work harder to achieve our full potential, each Black Belt you see was once a White Belt that never gave up.

The Little Dragons & Dragons syllabus has been designed using traditional techniques as a foundation whilst adding Richards auto-didactive hybrid element to them. It is not stating anything other then a different approach to the execution of certain techniques, the aims are not to dilute the purity of those forms but merely demonstrate alternative ways. The belt system is independent and that of the Little Dragons & Dragons only: trading under “The Education Programme Ltd”.
It does not reflect or have any association with the grade structure of any martial art styles or techniques utilised within the “Little Dragons & Dragons Syllabus.

Richard Kirkham – CEO / Chief Instructor

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“I believe that the essences of any Martial Artist is one that will always take the most peaceful and respectful way, surly this will enrich the individual and anyone they meet”

Our Multi Award Winning Martial Arts Programme

Our Little Dragons and Dragons Programmes is a student centred approach where the development of the whole student is paramount. Young people are the future, it is therefore our aim to ensure the students, schools and families with whom we work. Are enhanced academically, physically, spiritually, socially and culturally from this exciting martial arts syllabus.

In Ofsted terms, our Martial Arts Enrichment Clubs also enhances community links through the use of “Friends of School Groups and PTA organisations.

We achieve this each week when we hand over the student to their parents and give them feedback on their development.

This is furthermore strengthened through a series of grading’s where parents, family members and friends are invited to celebrate the achievement and progression of all student’s in a demonstration and
graduation ceremony.

This is further supported when Chief Instructor Richard was observed working within the curriculum day by an Ofsted Inspector of Schools who stated in the official public report that “All pupils have training in the Martial Arts Programme benefit -it is very effectively used as a vehicle to learn about other Cultures, Tolerance and British Values.

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The Little Dragons & Dragons syllabus has been designed under Multi Award Winning Chief Instructor Richard with the help from Olympians, Commonwealth Medallist, World, European and British Champions from the world of: Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Jiu-jitsu, Kickboxing, Muay Thai.

Using traditional techniques as a foundation whilst adding a fusion of hybrid elements to this unique and exciting Martial Arts Style. These traditional art forms originate from Japan, China, Thailand and Brazil and have spread throughout the world for students to enjoy.

There are separations in our syllabus from stand-up styles to ground work grappling styles that include combinations of Katas or Sets to help develop form and flow of movement for the student.

Our QI Gong is a hybrid fusion of traditional posture, breathing and balance along with positive mind set and thought patterns

The Little Dragons & Dragons syllabus is cross curricular and links to Languages, History, S.M.S.C, Cultural Capital, British Values, Tolerance and P.E. Giving students a wide range of physical skills along with essential life attributes which will help them to navigate through life’s great journey.

It will also help the student to understand the ethos and way of the true Martial Artist within the Little Dragons & Dragons syllabus. Our syllabus is not stating anything other than a different approach to the execution of certain techniques and how to implement them.

Throughout the students training we will develop their control over posture and breathing whilst focusing the idea on peace of mind and tranquillity to all mankind.

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Classes

We can deliver classes at a time to suit you (subject to availability). Class sizes from 1 to 1’s, small groups up to 30 students mainstream.

Duration 1 hour session, although we can deliver to your specification. Open to mixed groups and ability range.

We also deliver bespoke sessions to SEN children with wider complex needs and EHCPs

If you would like to know more or apply please click here

A few testimonials from elite martial artists on sensei richard:

‘Richard is a very experienced martial artist whose personal philosophical values reflect and encompass what the ancient martial arts are aimed at, namely sound body and mind. He is able to demonstrate expertise in his own personal training and teaching whilst being open to new ideas and ways of thinking. Richard has helped open my eyes to other martial arts such as Kung Fu and Wing Chun and is a pleasure to work with.’
Team GB Olympian 2004 & 2012  Double Olympian and 7 times British Champion Commonwealth Bronze Medallist Double European Silver Medallist  2017 Athlete Mentor – Sky Sports Living for Sport Athlete Mentor Youth Sport Trust Athlete mentor – DKH Legacy Trust Sporting Champions – Athlete role model

Sophie Cox , 5th Dan Black Belt Judo - Double Olympian and 7 times British Champion, Commonwealth Bronze Medallist, Double European Silver Medallist

Sensei Richard is a man that shows such great integrity and displays this in every session he teaches. He has the ability to engage with children of all confidence levels and easily identifies students that may need more support. He is able to deal with children in a way that positively develops and improves their listening skills.
Little Dragons- Let me first begin with the standard of Sensei Richard’s own skills and abilities, I have trained with professional Mixed Martial Artist (MMA Fighters) and have created various champions of my own, as well has being a Double World Champion myself. Sensei Richard is up there like the professionals. But the most powerful thing in his arsenal is his determination and passion, he leads the charge in his own advice that he gives out. He is not only heavily active and skilful in his own training but in his approach to constantly evolving his own education.
He is doing what no one else is doing, teaching the traditional values of respect of martial arts with modern techniques with a necessary variety of martial arts styles in one. If you are with in his catchment area I can only highly recommend going.

Jake Johnson, 3rd Dan Black Belt Free Style Karate - 2 Times World Champion, European Black Belt Challenge Champion, 6 Times British Champion

I have been training with Richard Kirkham for around 8 years now, and during this time I have learnt a great deal, not only about the art of fighting but also about the disciplines behind it.
Richard is not just trained in one martial art but several – he taught me Kickboxing, Kung Fu, etc. .. even things like meditation. Richards’s abilities at teaching made me a much better martial artist and even a more upstanding citizen. Martial arts helped me to channel energy into other matters, and this is all thanks to Richard. Training with Richard has got me to many of my championship medals I own today, and it’s all thanks to him. He is a superb teacher, one of the best I have ever had the pleasure to train with. Any new students that are thinking of training with Richard should grasp the opportunity, and indulge in his Philosophies and ways of teaching.
Believe me it will only be of benefit to you!

Omar Shamot, Black Belt Chinese Kickboxing - Gold World Champion, Gold European Championship, Bronze National Championship

I am excited and honoured to be a part of The Little Dragons programme. The concept of the programme is excellent and not only introduces children to martial arts from a young age but also allows them to acquire skills and knowledge from both soft and hard style martial arts. As well as developing martial arts skills the students learn about discipline respect to be accepting of others and to keep an open mind.

Richard has an excellent approach to delivering martial arts that makes it fun and exciting for the students. His experience values and open-minded approach to not limiting his students to just one path in the martial arts are what makes Richard an excellent instructor and The Little Dragon’s Programme a great first step for any child’s journey into the martial arts world.

I am looking forward to working along side Richard and the other very experienced instructors in delivering The Little Dragon Programme.

Master Alan Cook, 5th Dan Taekwondo - Close Protection Instructor, Close Protection Officer

Aims, specifications & outcomes

Each student will start at Level 1 (White Belt) duration 1 hour sessions over 10 weeks. On week 10 they will take their White Belt Grading, pass level 70%. On week 11 we invite families and friends to watch the students Graduation & Demonstration Ceremony. They will then progress through the belt system: Yellow, Blue, Purple, Brown, and then the converted Black Belt.