What the parents say…

“They are fantastic at bonding with the children and inspirational in their approach.”

My daughter has been attending Little Ninjas at the Ilyokwan Black Belt Academy for almost two years and has thoroughly enjoyed every lesson. It has helped my daughter to understand the benefits of focus and discipline which has helped her in many different ways.

Master Olpin and Mr Hirst manage to make the lessons thoroughly enjoyable while still gaining respect from the students. They are fantastic at bonding with the children and inspirational in their approach.

On days when my daughter has struggled at school, Little Ninjas is guaranteed to boost her self-confidence and as a parent that is always wonderful to see. I would thoroughly recommend Little Ninjas for children of all abilities.

– Michelle O’Brien

“high quality martial arts sessions, inspiring and motivating”

“Freddie has been a member of Ilyokwan Black Belt academy for 2 years.

Master Olpin delivers high quality martial arts sessions, inspiring and motivating the children and helping them to improve their fitness, focus and skill set.

The lessons are great fun and the club is really friendly and welcomes new members. ”

– Emma Darbyshire

It didn’t take long for other people to start to notice an obvious difference in Toms Focus and confidence.


KidsPhotoNight-0465-Edit“After my Son started school as with many children he suffered with a loss of confidence. In an effort to help him we wanted an extra curricular activity that would boost his confidence. After looking at many activities it was clear that Tom liked the look of martial arts. We searched locally for martial arts club and enrolled in a different karate school. These classes were rigid long and quite frankly boring.

By chance at a local summer fair we ran into Master Olpin and after talking with him I decided to take Tom along to little ninjas for a months free trial, the difference was amazing Tom was fully engaged with class. Because the classes are tailored to appropriate ages, the length of class and content was just right for his attention span. The main thing for us was that he was having fun. After the months free trial it was obvious that Tom wanted to continue. It didn’t take long for other people to start to notice an obvious difference in Toms Focus and confidence. 

Master Olpin’s enthusiasm for martial arts is addictive, not only do the kids get hooked but the adults do as well.  I have now joined as has my 5 year old daughter who also just started little Ninjas.

I can only Thank Master Olpin for all the time and commitment that he and the other instructors put into providing such a high quality Martial arts class.

– Phil Munyard

“The Academy has a lovely welcoming family-friendly atmosphere”

Kid love our classes!

My 10 y/o has been a member of Ilyokwan Black Belt Academy for over 5 years and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

It has been brilliant watching him steadily grow in confidence and ability since he joined. Master Olpin is an excellent teacher and mentor to the children and has the gift of commanding respect while making classes fun and enjoyable, all the while teaching them, not only the physical Taekwondo skills and moves, but the discipline and philosophy that goes along with it.

The Academy has a lovely welcoming family-friendly atmosphere so I would definitely say it’s worth coming to a class, chatting with Master Olpin and a few of us mums & dads so you can see for yourself.

– Fanny Marshall

A martial arts academy where there’s a place for everyone

Hirst Family

A martial arts academy where there’s a place for everyone however big, small, fat, thin, fit or unfit you are.

Master Olpin understands everyone has their own abilities and respects what any individual is capable of and could achieve if they desire. He is especially good with the kids who all look up to him in a big way. My eldest son Robbie has been training at the academy since he was 5 1/2 in 2005. He’s now just turned 14 and is in training for his 2 degree black belt. I would personally like to thank Master Olpin for his continued support of Robbie especially with what Robbie has to go through on a personal level. My younger son Jamie also trains at the academy and although he’s a bit of a character he absorbs the information he received from master Olpin and brings it to ‘life’ when least expected.

Thank you Sir, please continue with the good work.

– Martyn Hirst

A warm welcoming environment..

Testimonial-Traynor-1025
Master Olpin runs an excellent school where both children and adults of all ages enjoy learning the art of Taekwondo.

He has created a warm welcoming environment but at the same time teaches in a  very professional manner. His knowledge of Martial Arts and other related subjects is vast and this, for me, is what makes every class interesting and different!”

– Annie Traynor

Their approach really builds confidence with all the youngsters

Rhyannon Burman-Day with her daughter Bryony at the Ilyokwan Black Belt AcademyA great martial arts school, really welcoming for girls even though they are outnumbered largely by boys. Their approach really builds confidence with all the youngsters no matter how good they are. My daughter loves going twice a week, it keeps her fit, teaches great skills and how to get on with kids and adults of all ages.

– Rhyannon Burman-Day

Master Olpin provides a superb role model for the children

My Son, William, has been attending the Ilyokwan Black Belt Academy for over two years, under the leadership and guidance of Master Richard Olpin and his dedicated team.

William

William has not only enjoyed the experience, but the way Master Olpin teaches and guides the children through not only the physical, but also the phycological side of the taekwondo philosophy and has been influential in developing William’s attitude to the way he conducts his own life and the way he reacts to and with others. He is thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Master Olpin provides a superb role model for the children and demonstrates enthusiasm, fun and a complete understanding of the benefits martial arts and it’s philosophies can provide in human development. His classes are well structured and disciplined, whilst promotion learning through fun and attention. Through this he generates great respect from his pupils.

– Steven Price

“From the first enquiry about the school I have been impressed with the standard of presentation, support, follow-up and training for my son”



Julie_Taylor_Testimonial“From the first enquiry about the school I have been impressed with the standard of presentation, support, follow-up and training for my son. The varied programme of activities has given Aaron a focus to improve his concentration, balance and d
iscipline. I look forward to his continued success in a friendly environment.”

– Mrs Julie Taylor

“My sons confidence, listening ability and hand eye cordination skills have greatly improved”

Amazing focus for a five-year old!

My 5 year old son joined Ilyokwan Black Belt Academy in October and now it’s like he was always there. Master Olpin is great with the little ones and gives them as much attention as the older more experienced guys with his tailored ‘Little Ninja’ Classes. Already my sons confidence, listening ability and hand eye cordination skills have greatly improved. We have had a very warm welcome and I Can not recommend highly enough. My 4 year old is eager to get going too!

– Mary Lonican

Master Olpin has an excellent approach to conducting his classes.  Not only is he very clear and demonstrative regarding the physical instruction, but he also ensures that the children understand the mental aspects of the training elements and emotional connection.
My son’s self-confidence has improved significantly since taking up the discipline and he has made a number of new friends.  We never have to ‘drag’ Joe to class; a feature largely attributable to Master Olpin’s manner and the way his class is run. I have never known him to be absent and his insistence on punctuality and notice if a child cannot make a class is a positive influence for the kids in this and other sports/activities.  I commend his approach.
– Matt Galvin (Parent)

“I can’t believe what a difference your classes have made to my daughter’s confidence”

“I can’t believe what a difference your classes have made to my daughter’s confidence. In only a few weeks her attitude towards people and difficult situations has improved dramatically! She can’t wait for her next class.

Thanks to all the instructors for their patience and good work”

– Lee Garside

“it has been the making of him and we are very grateful to you all.”

“Since my son joined the Academy he has more self confidence and is more disciplined with a much more positive attitude” – Lawrence Watson

“Before joining the Academy, Liam was having problems at school with a lack of confidence. He has now overcome this and has a much better outlook on things.

The Academy gives Liam something to focus on, it has been the making of him and we are very grateful to you all.” – Sarah Watson

Cam Everlands Primary School

January 2016

We are really proud to host the Academy at Everlands Primary School.

Pupils in our school and those who also live in the local area are able to receive expert training.

Richard has many years of experience and he combines this with a high energy and high quality martial arts instruction.

As a result of the teaching at the Academy, the pupils are more confident, fitter, more skilled and talk positively about their club. It is evident that the sessions are well organised and highly motivating.

I can thoroughly recommend the Ilyokwan Black Belt Academy without reservation.

Craig Jones
Head Teacher
Cam Everlands Primary School

Cam Everlands Primary School

March 2014

The Academy has been a valued contributor to our school community for seventeen years. I have known Richard Olpin, the Academy’s Founder and Chief Instructor since 1997, when he moved his group to Cam Everlands to use our facilities. Since then I have often watched his sessions and know that Richard provides well planned, safely structured Martial Arts classes with an emphasis on fun. He does so in a way that encourages his pupils to come back for more and continually improve their skills and attitudes. Put simply, his pupils, both adult and junior, enjoy and benefit from their sessions.

For anyone looking for a well organised and motivating martial arts class, run by an expert with many years of experience, I can thoroughly recommend the Ilyokwan Black Belt Academy.

 

“Brilliant fun tonight – girls absolutely loved it, you’re almost as funny as tweedy the clown according to Jess…. High praise indeed. Thanks!”

“Simply an Excellent Place to Learn Martial Arts”

“The school is a positive place that welcomes everyone”

Master Olpin provides a superb role model for the children

Master Olpin inspires each child and encourages them to be the best they can be

They are fantastic at bonding with the children and inspirational in their approach.

On days when my daughter has struggled at school, Little Ninjas is guaranteed to boost her self-confidence and as a parent that is always wonderful to see.