Heads of The Valleys Tan Soo Do martial arts school is free

Heads of The Valleys Tan Soo Do is a martial arts school that teaches traditional Tang Soo Do in Brynmawr.

The school received the grant from the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) and will use the money to run small group classes and one-to-one sessions.

Heads of The Valleys Tan Soo Do (Image: Heads of The Valleys Tan Soo Do)

"We are excited to announce that we have been awarded a grant from GAVO to help anyone of any age with additional needs within the county of Blaenau Gwent for free - no cost at all.

"We believe that martial arts training can help individuals to develop self-confidence, discipline, and respect for themselves and others," said Heads of The Valleys Tan Soo Do

Julie Gardener, an instructor with training in special educational needs, said: "We recognised that martial arts have become prominent for anyone with additional needs, and we found that there were no other facilities in the vicinity."

Angus Rogers and Ritchie Wood are both instructors at the school and run one-to-one sessions and classes for people with additional needs at the studio.

Pupils at the Heads of The Valleys Tan Soo Do martial arts school (Image: Heads of The Valleys Tan Soo Do)

Mr Rogers had a brother with autism and has overcome personal challenges including brain damage and dyspraxia.

"We want to enhance the lives of all the individuals we work with by offering them a safe structured routine of exercise which can bring wider benefits.

"Students will have fun, learn and progress, and become part of a club and community," said Heads of The Valleys Tan Soo Do.