Suggy's Gym students give boxing and kickboxing demostrations at Newark Festival

Young kickboxers and boxers from Suggy's Gym put on demonstrations at the Newark Festival.

They put on demonstrations in Newark Market Place on the first day of the four-day event.

"The great thing about Newark Festival with our demonstrations and workshops in the Market Place is that it was a way of removing all barriers to getting involved," said head coach Dean Sugden.

Sugden, a former world kickboxing champion understands the benefits of teaching children martial arts after training three sons, Regis, Chad, and Bailey, who went on to become professional fighters themselves.

"At Suggy’s Gym, we offer a safe environment for children from the age of five and pride ourselves on creating an even playing field so that the over-confident kids are calmed down and the under-confident kids are brought on," said Sugden.

"With clear boundaries and respect shown by all to other students and coaches alike, it creates an amazing environment for learning and development."

The Mayor of Newark, Laurence Goff, joined the students for a photograph and said it was great that different community groups were getting involved in the festival.

"Over the years, our experienced coaches have been able to help guide and steer some of the most challenging kids and at the same time instil confidence and skills in kids who would never have shown any previous promise," said Sugden.

"The response (to our demonstration) was amazing and although some had to be encouraged and coached to join in, everyone enjoyed the sessions at the festival.

"All of our coaches are DBS checked and safeguarded qualified.

"We teach self defence and self-discipline which builds a child's confidence.

"This gives the children life-changing skills, encouraging fitness with an empahsis on a healthy body and a healthy mind.

"It is also nice to see some of the kids I have trained many years ago are now helping deliver these sessions."

The gym is on Castlegate in Newark.