Training
At The Way Forward Academy, our training sessions are more than just martial arts — they’re a tool for behavioural change, emotional development and personal growth.
We use structured, high-impact martial arts coaching as a platform to help children build confidence, control, focus, and self-belief — especially those who may not thrive in conventional settings.
How Our Sessions Are Structured
Each session is tailored to the needs of the group or individual, but generally includes:
- Warm-Up & Mobility: Light movement, coordination drills, and focus exercises to prepare the body
- Technical Training: Learning key skills from boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA fundamentals — taught in a safe, step-by-step way the children can easily understand
- Controlled Partner Drills: Working with others to practise techniques, develop social skills, and build trust
- Physical Conditioning: Age-appropriate fitness elements that improve strength, balance, agility, and endurance
- Mindset & Mentoring: Integrated mentoring moments focused on emotional regulation, resilience, and positive decision-making
- Cool Down & Reflection: Stretching, breath work, and space to reflect on personal progress, goals, and behaviour. We will work on certain academic areas that have either been selected by the school or provided by TWFA
What We Focus On
Our sessions are designed to support the whole child, not just physical skill:
- Self-Control & Emotional Regulation
- Confidence & Self-Esteem
- Positive Behaviour & Focus
- Respect & Discipline
- Social Skills & Teamwork
- Resilience & Goal-Setting
This is especially powerful for children with SEN, behavioural challenges or those at risk of disengagement from education.
Where Sessions Are Held
We offer flexible delivery to suit the needs of your setting:
- In-School Sessions: During the school day, as part of enrichment, PE, behaviour support, or alternative provision.
- Off-Site Sessions: At our partnered training facilities or community spaces.
- One-to-One or Group Sessions: Tailored to individuals, small groups, or full classes depending on referral needs.
All sessions are delivered in a safe, controlled and supportive environment by qualified professional coaches and mentors.
Outcomes You Can Expect
Our approach has shown clear positive outcomes in children and young people, including:
- Reduced incidents of challenging behaviour
- Improved ability to regulate emotions
- Increased confidence and social interaction
- Better engagement with school or alternative provision
- A new sense of purpose and motivation
- Physical improvements in coordination, strength and fitness
We regularly review progress and can provide feedback or reporting for schools, parents, or referring professionals.
How We Monitor Progress
Please click a section below to expand:
Core Values & Behaviour (Always Ongoing)
- Demonstrates respect for coach and peers
- Listens and follows instructions
- Shows self-control during training
- Supports and encourages others
- Maintains a positive attitude
- Demonstrates self belief and overcomes failure
Basic Movement & Coordination
- Understands stance and base (balance and guard up)
- Moves with control (forward, backward, side-to-side) linear and lateral movement in fighting stance
- Basic level of fitness (can complete warm-up drills)
- Performs safe breakfalls, forward rolls (back, side, forward)
- Basic level of reaction drills (partner-based or coach-led)
Striking Fundamentals (Boxing & Kickboxing)
- Demonstrates jab and cross with correct technique
- Understands hand positioning and guard
- Learns basic footwork while striking
- Can throw basic combinations (e.g., jab-cross, jab-cross-hook)
- Understands the difference between speed and control
- Demonstrates basic head movement
Wrestling Fundamentals
- Understands wrestling stance and posture
- Can perform basic level change
- Attempts a simple takedown (e.g., double leg or body lock and single leg)
- Understands how to defend a takedown safely-sprawls- single leg defence
- Maintains base and balance during drills
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Fundamentals
- Understands top vs bottom positions
- Can safely transition between positions (mount, guard, half guard, side control)
- Learns basic escapes (e.g., shrimp, bridge)
- Understands the concept of control, not force. Also pressure
- Shows good awareness of partner safety
Mental & Emotional Progress
- Displays patience when learning new skills
- Recovers well from mistakes or challenges
- Shows growing confidence in ability
- Applies focus during sparring or drills
- Reflects positively on personal progress
End-of-Program Milestone
- Completes a controlled technical sparring session (light, safe)
- Demonstrates 3 key techniques from each discipline
- Can explain why respect and self-control matter in martial arts.Why anger is not necessary
- Receives positive peer and coach feedback. Can take instructions and corrections well
- Awarded “Fundamentals Completion” certificate
Ready to Work Together?
Whether you’re a school leader, SEN
coordinator, youth service lead
or a
parent — we’d love to talk about how
we can support your young people
through our structured, impactful
and empowering sessions.