Martial arts sessions to get youngsters off the streets (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Martial arts sessions in Clacton to get youngsters off the streets

3:00pm Sunday 28th October 2012 in News

A FIGHT fan is preparing to set up martial arts classes in Clacton in a bid to give youths something to do and cut down crime.

Paul Townsend, from Clacton, already runs a martial arts gym in Colchester.

But he will now open a second gym in Telford Road, Clacton, on November 5.

Paul said: “It has been going really well in Colchester and I think we have really been helping some of the children there.

“It is about giving them something to relate to. We teach a lot of modern styles and techniques.

“Things like this are great at getting youngsters off the streets and giving them something positive.

“There has been lots of bad publicity for Clacton and quite a few serious incidents recently.

“It is not just about fighting but about life coaching.”

The building on Telford Road is currently being renovated and will be open for business as Black Label Mixed Martial Arts Centre next month.