Secondary school pupils at St David’s High School and Connah’s Quay High School are taking part in weekly mixed martial arts sessions delivered by The Way Forward Academy. The programme aims to strengthen young people’s confidence and support their mental health through structured physical training.
Each session combines exercise with coaching in a safe, controlled environment. Students work on building resilience — the ability to bounce back from setbacks — while learning to manage the everyday pressures of school life. The sessions give teenagers the chance to burn off energy, move their bodies, and connect with classmates in a positive setting.
Calmer and More Confident
School staff have noticed real changes since the programme began. Teachers report that pupils who take part are showing improvements in classroom learning and in their overall attitude. The effects are visible not just during the sessions but throughout the school day, as students arrive more focused and ready to learn.
Coached partner exercises are central to the training. These activities teach students how to communicate clearly and support one another when facing physical challenges. By working together, pupils learn to trust their peers and build friendships that extend beyond the dojo.
Coach Sees Transformation
Coach Kieran Edwards, who leads the sessions, said: “One of the most powerful parts of this journey has been seeing the changes in the children. Some came into the sessions lacking confidence and believing they couldn't achieve much, but over time I've watched them step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and start believing in themselves. Others simply needed a positive outlet to burn off energy and regulate their emotions.”
He added: “Seeing children leave a session happier, calmer, and more confident than when they arrived is something that never gets old.” Edwards’ experience mirrors the feedback coming from school staff, who see the weekly workouts as a valuable addition to the students’ personal development.
Self-Discipline, Not Aggression
Local council leaders have been quick to highlight the ethos behind the programme. According to Dan Larkin, Flintshire County Council’s Community Focused Schools manager, the martial arts exercises teach self-discipline and self-control rather than aggression. He explained: “MMA teaches self-control and respect rather than aggression. Participants learn that violence is not the answer to conflict and that confidence, communication, and self-discipline are far more effective ways to resolve challenges.”
The life skills gained through the sessions are designed to benefit pupils both inside and outside school. Larkin emphasised that these tools help teenagers navigate challenges in their wider communities, equipping them for situations that go far beyond the classroom or sports hall.
Praise from Cabinet Member
Councillor Mared Eastwood, cabinet member for education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure, voiced her support for the initiative. She said: “These sessions are a fantastic example of how we can engage young people in new experiences that support both their physical and emotional wellbeing. It is particularly encouraging to hear how pupils have grown in confidence and gained valuable life skills through taking part.”
Eastwood added: “The positive feedback from both students and schools shows the real difference initiatives like this can make.” Her comments underline growing recognition among education officials that alternative physical activities can play a key role in student wellbeing.
A Model for Pupil Wellbeing
The programme at St David’s and Connah’s Quay High Schools has become a talking point for those interested in holistic education. While traditional sports remain important, mixed martial arts offers a different route to fitness and emotional control. The blend of physical exertion and mental discipline appears to be a powerful combination for secondary-age pupils.
By creating a space where effort is rewarded and self-improvement is the goal, the sessions encourage pupils to challenge themselves without fear of judgement. That sense of psychological safety is crucial for teenagers, who are often navigating identity, peer pressure, and academic stress simultaneously.
As the weeks continue, staff and coaches hope the momentum will build. With each session, more students are expected to develop the confidence and self-regulation needed to succeed in school and beyond. For now, the results speak for themselves: pupils are leaving brighter, calmer, and more capable of handling whatever comes their way.
