World Kickboxing Champion, Paul Bernard runs a unique black belt scholarship scheme. It is aimed at helping high-spirited youngsters escape a life of getting into trouble.
Andrew Reynolds supports Paul Bernard’s work of teaching youngsters discipline, respect and self-worth through martial arts. The programme is run jointly by Precision Martial Arts and Hart and Rushmoor Youth Inclusion and Support Panel (YISP).
YISP are part of the Wessex Youth Offending Team. They work with children who play truant and have problems at home and at school. Often the eight to thirteen year olds are referred to YISP by police, children’s services, teachers or community safety teams and sometimes even parents who want to steer their children clear of crime.
Andrew Reynolds first learned of the scholarship scheme from the local news. He says, “I immediately wanted to become involved. This project offers a great foundation of stability for these young people and is a project I am very proud to be supporting.”
Andrew Reynolds donated funds to the project. The donations from Andrew Reynolds will continue to fund the three-to-five year black belt course for three Hampshire boys.
Ross Clynes, aged 14, Aiden Nisbet, 13 and Paul Linsell, 12, started the course in autumn 2009. Andrew Reynolds pledged a further £3,000 to the programme.
Andrew Reynolds says, “I have been impressed by the progress made by the three lads.” Parents and case workers say they have seen positive changes in the youngsters since beginning the course.
Master Paul Bernard adds, “We are very grateful to Andrew Reynolds for his vision and support for this project. His generous donation will help these three boys continue through their black belt scholarship.
The scheme is proof that martial arts can help children with challenging behaviour turn their lives around. The three YISP boys I am coaching have come along in leaps and bounds. They arrived with attitude but within six weeks were attentive and willing to learn.
All three have gained confidence, control and discipline. They have learned to walk away from trouble. The boys are determined to finish the black belt scholarship course at Precision, and thanks to Andrew Reynolds, they are well on the way to achieving that.”