Self-defence school opens permanent centre in Dawley

Since it was founded in June 2021, Trinity Martial Arts & Self Defence has operated out of rentable spaces across Telford.

But now the business has opened up a new permanent home at Matthew Webb House on Dawley High Street.

For almost four years now, the school has been teaching foundation martial arts to children aged four to seven and junior self-defence for children aged eight to 12.

It also offers KAPAP Krav Maga, Kung Fu and Kali to teens and adults through scheduled weekly classes, but the school's rapid growth has necessitated a new, permanent training centre.

The latest move means that all classes will now be held under one roof in Dawley, and the business has plans to start preschool classes, women’s-only classes and self-defence courses.

Students travel to sessions from all over Shropshire and Staffordshire, including Market Drayton, Much Wenlock and Cannock, and directors Ed and Raj Hodgson see their business growing rapidly.

Ed said: “We’re really excited to launch our new base on Dawley High Street as we continue to grow.

“We’re introducing martial arts, self-defence, personal safety awareness and conflict avoidance to people of all ages, from young children upwards, as well as providing support to vulnerable people within our borough, as our classes can improve self-confidence, mental health, physical health and fitness levels and teach good ethics and morals. We also offer pure martial arts classes with recognised grading opportunities."

The move has been boosted by a business start-up grant from Telford & Wrekin Council, which has covered essential start-up costs and helped fit out the unit with specialist matting and punch bags ahead of the opening.

Ed added: "We’re really grateful for the start-up grant from Telford & Wrekin Council which has enabled us to secure this unit on the high street and take our business to the next level.”

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for the economy, said: “This is fantastic news for Dawley and brings a popular martial arts business to the town which will attract increased footfall to Dawley and the high street from across Telford and Wrekin and beyond.

“This is another example of where we are bringing something different to our high streets and transforming a previously empty unit into a centre which will benefit Dawley and the wider community.

“We look forward to seeing the business continuing to grow in the months and years ahead.”

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