Learning to fight and not to fight

PARENTS and grandparents have praised a police-led scheme which teaches youngsters self defence and old-fashioned discipline.

The initiative, organised by last year's first Herald Gold Star Award-winner Pc Al Roberts, is approaching its first anniversary – and the Wednesday afternoon classes at Lipson Community College have welcomed dozens of youngsters from Efford, Lipson, Laira, Cattedown and Mount Gould in that time.

Pc Roberts, neighbourhood beat manager for Efford, was awarded £700 funding by Plymouth police commander Chief Supt Jim Webster to buy martial arts equipment and enrolled local PCSOs and police staff workers to help out as the sessions grew.

At the launch last year Pc Roberts, a black belt Dan-graded Tae-Kwon Do instructor, said the plan was not to train youths how to fight, but how to be "resilient and confident", improve their physical fitness, interpersonal skills and etiquette.

Each two-hour session begins with gruelling circuit training and any lapses, such as talking, misbehaviour or lack of effort, see the culprit receive a penalty of 10 press-ups.

No-one escapes the punishment, including the officers and helpers, and everyone obeys instantly without complaint. Before long everyone is working on kicks and punches, showing off their new skills.

Pc Roberts said: "We have an average of 15 to 20 youngsters each week and we've had up to 56 on occasion.

"I can see the difference in the kids we're seeing: an improvement in their etiquette, standing still, giving common courtesy.

"Some kids have still tried to test the boundaries, but all in all you can see the change in their attitudes and behaviour," he said.

"Along with the fitness, we cover basic martial arts and have introduced a bullying strategy.

"We work on how to communicate and how to keep out of other people's personal space."

Parents who pick up their offspring are equally enthusiastic, praising Pc Roberts and his team.

One mother, who asked not to be named, said her 11-year-old son now had more confidence and had "calmed down a lot".

"I can reason more with him now and he's found a bit of focus," she said.

"In this day and age you hear so much about bullying. You don't want them going out attacking others, but by learning these different skills and gaining the confidence they know how to avoid trouble and look after themselves.

"The children look up to the police officers now and respect them.

"I can't thank them enough."

One grandmother, who was collecting her effervescent nine-year-old, said: "He's been going since September and basically I've got control back over him again. They're all becoming more disciplined and being more respectful.

"I think what Pc Roberts and his team are doing is wonderful."

The free sessions run each Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm. For more information contact Pc Roberts on 08452 777444