Unique black belt scholarship scheme to be rolled out in SurreyWorld Kickboxing Champion Paul Bernard’s unique black belt scholarship scheme teaching youngsters discipline, focus, respect and self-worth has been so successful in Aldershot it is being rolled out in Surrey. Surrey Heath Area Partnership for Education (SHAPE) has won funding to cover the cost of the initial kit for 12 students and six-week induction course with Master Bernard at Precision Martial Arts academy in Blackwater. The students kick-started their master-class in martial arts last week (March 10). From the original 12, four students showing the most promise will secure scholarships to train for their black belts. SHAPE is the consortium of six Surrey Heath secondary schools whose primary aim is to improve the education of young people in the region. SHAPE was fortunate to be able to secure funding from the Surrey Heath Confederation of Schools to cover the costs of the students’ safety equipment and uniforms. Marian Raine from SHAPE said: “We were so impressed by Precision’s scholarship scheme in Rushmoor and the way it helped three young boys turn their lives around that we wanted to offer young people in Surrey Heath the same opportunity. “We are delighted to have been able to secure funding for the scholarship programme and are looking forward to working with Master Paul Bernard.” Helping young people get back on track using martial arts has been a life-long dream for Master Bernard. “My goal has always been to take a group of children and improve their lives by teaching them to respect themselves and others, and give them self-confidence and the belief they can achieve great things,” said Master Bernard. “Our scholarship scheme was a resounding success in Hampshire and news that SHAPE has secured funding to roll-out the Precision project in Surrey Heath is wonderful. “Funding, no matter how small, allows us to help more youngsters in the region realise their full potential.” 15 March 2010 About Precision Martial Arts:Precision Martial Arts has two academies catering to the needs of people in Surrey and Hampshire. The Camberley school was launched in 2001 and Precision's first full-time academy opened January 2007. The second full-time academy opened in Aldershot in March 2008. Precision Martial Arts was founded by World Kickboxing Champion Master Paul Bernard in 2001 to meet the demand for lessons from the local community. Today, with his wife Elaine working alongside him, Paul has four highly trained instructors on staff teaching a total of 200 students in the two academies. Students are taught a selection of martial arts including Kickboxing, Karate, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jujitsu and Kung-Fu and work their way up a succession of belts from the beginners white to the ultimate black belt. MEDIA CONTACT: PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
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Elaine and Paul Bernard
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