About us

The Way Forward Academy was founded by Kieran Edwards, an experienced Behaviour Mentor who is team teach-positive behaviour trained, an SEN MMA Coach and active Mixed Martial Arts competitor. We specialise in delivering targeted, high-impact behavioural and wellbeing support through the structured discipline of mixed martial arts.

Our approach is bespoke — carefully designed to support young people, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), behavioural challenges, or those at risk of disengagement. With over eight years of MMA experience and a proven background working within education and youth services, we understand how to connect with young people who may not respond to conventional methods.

Kieran combines professional insight with lived experience. With a First-Class Honours Degree in Sport and Exercise Science and a Level 3 Personal Training qualification, he brings academic rigour alongside the relatability of being an active MMA athlete. This unique blend allows The Way Forward Academy to deliver sessions that are both physically engaging and developmentally meaningful.

We’ve seen firsthand how mixed martial arts can transform behaviour, boost self-esteem, and give young people a renewed sense of purpose and self-control. Through physical discipline, emotional coaching, and consistent mentorship, our sessions create safe, structured environments where young people can thrive — both in and out of school.

Whether commissioned by schools, local authorities, or alternative provision settings, our goal remains the same: to offer a new pathway forward for young people — one built on respect, resilience, and personal growth. For many, this is more than sport — it’s a way forward.