Staffordshire martial arts schools help to feed local families in need

MF Tamworth was the first MF Martial Arts school in Staffordshire and launched in November 2023. Matt Fiddes is a respected expert in the international world of martial arts, fitness, and entrepreneurship. He first discovered a talent for martial arts at seven years old after being bullied at school. 

Matt Fiddes said being picked on at school led him to take up martial arts and eventually to his working for a decade as a bodyguard to Michael Jackson. Matt’s unique award winning life skills and educational programs have been a massive success, with over 1,500 MF schools across the UK/Europe, including Ireland, Germany, Holland, Australia, and South Africa.

Mr and Mrs Woollard had an idea towards the end of 2024, they went above and beyond the Dojo, by making a made a heartfelt call to its students across Lichfield, Tamworth, Cannock, and Burntwood, asking them to contribute to a food bank donation drive aimed at helping local communities in need. The response was overwhelming, showcasing the incredible generosity of both long standing and new students.

The initiative, launched by the team at MF Martial Arts Staffordshire was simple but impactful: students were encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to support local food banks. The goal was to provide vital supplies to families facing hardship, especially as the winter season approached, and many individuals and families across the region struggling to find the money for all of life’s necessities.

The call to action was met with enthusiasm, and the amount of food collected far surpassed expectations. “It was a heartwarming sight to see the amount of food collected for those in need.” says Natalie Harris, her son attends the Burntwood Classes on a Tuesday. “We didn’t expect so much to be donated. We were genuinely shocked when we put it all together as to how much there was”

As part of the initiative, the students were also given a unique opportunity to learn about why these donations are so important. As part of the award winning life skills program the students have been learning about the importance of such collections.

At the local food banks in Lichfield, Tamworth and Burntwood, staff took the time to explain how the contributions would make a significant difference to families struggling to put food on the table. They spoke about the rising demand for food assistance and how every single donation, no matter how small, has a ripple effect in making the holidays a little brighter for those in need.

The campaign has allowed MF Martial Arts Staffordshire to instil deeper values in their students. Through discussions in class, students were reminded of the importance of compassion, generosity, and community.

“Through our weekly ‘Mat Chats’ our students were encouraged to reflect on how fortunate they are and how their discipline and skills can extend beyond personal achievements to positively impact others.” Say Pete Woollard, who runs the classes. “We are firm believers that martial arts is about more than just what happens at class it’s about building character, respect, and a sense of responsibility toward others. This food drive was a perfect example of how we can use our strength to help those who are struggling.”

Amy Stansbie, whose four children attend the MF Lichfield School went on to say: “This martial arts school is not just focused on developing physical strength; it’s also about nurturing emotional and moral strength."

The success of these initiatives would not have been possible without the dedication and generosity of the students, their families, and the MF Martial Arts instructors. The event demonstrated that the values cultivated in martial arts - respect, discipline, perseverance, and humility - can be applied not just in training, but in everyday life, to make a tangible difference in the world around us.

In addition to this the team at MF Staffordshire, got the students also involved in donations of brand new toys and games for the Mission Christmas campaign. Again, so soon after the food bank donations it was fantastic to see the amount of donations made.

MF Martial Arts Staffordshire, through this initiative, has demonstrated that martial arts is not just about punches, kicks, or competition -  it’s about fighting for what’s right and lending a hand when it matters most. These classes are a community that fosters care and kindness. MF Martial Arts Staffordshire truly exemplifies the spirit of “Martial Art with a Heart.”

The MF Martial Arts Staffordshire team plans to undertake other incentives in the 2025 including an Easter egg collection and are looking for volunteering opportunities for their students to partake in. “We have already been asked by Arkall Manor Care Home in Tamworth to come and do some demonstrations and engage with the residents” Says Mr Woollard. “and we are looking to undertake other volunteering opportunities such as litter picking. As we look toward the future, we are more committed than ever to helping not just our students and their families but the local community”

During 2024, the self-esteem, the confidence and the resilience of these students went from strength to strength. In November, five students - Heidi Billington, Aurora Stansbie, Aidan-James Hawkins, Tina Prince and Daniel Harris from MF Staffordshire travelled to Thornbury to take part in the MF British Championships. Something that took a massive amount of courage and bravery from the students and parents alike. The students did themselves super proud, and they were able to learn valuable life skills, and more importantly they all had fun!! 

Dan's mum shared: “When we waked into the hall, we already knew we were part of something big with being part of the MF Family, but that day we realised we really were a part of a much larger amazing family. Having never attended anything like this before, it was very daunting. Whilst it was a rollercoaster of emotions; upset, devastation, pride, admiration, love for what all the kids achieved that day it was the best experience. 

"Dan had already grown in confidence in his time with Mr Woollard and the MF Family, but attending the championships instilled a pride in him I had never seen before, and a realisation that he could do things he never thought he could”. 

The students did themselves proud, had fun and brought home a silver and bronze medal. In addition to this as well as meeting lots of other students, and families from around the country they got the opportunity to meet Master Fiddes himself.

In 2025, in October, the UK is hosting the MF International Championships, and already there are lots of excited MF Staffordshire students eyeing up an amazing opportunity this is to take part in something special.

Mr Woollard, says: “I am beyond proud of all of the students who are part of the MF Family with us, and their parents and families who support their journey. It is great to watch confidence grow, resilience build and be part of the journey for these young people to help them learn the important life skills that they and their families need”.

“Seeing these students flourish, in their education and home life is great to see. A number of our junior students have also been selected for the exclusive Junior Instructor Program, and are already demonstrating how they can be future leaders.”

Just over 12 months on from its launch, there are over 100 students training and completing the award-winning MF Life Skills Program with MF Staffordshire, many students training with family members, brothers, sisters, mums and dads.

The team launched MF Dance Tamworth, at the end of 2024, and MF Dance Instructor, Miss Lyra Williams, said: “It is so rewarding already to see the improved confidence in self-belief in the students attending the classes”.

The team also make themselves available to local schools offering assemblies and workshops, helping pupils understand the importance of topics such as Respect, Focus and Anti-bullying. Mr Woollard says: “Helping our students learn how to become bully proof, is so important in the world today.”

Mr Woollard and the team also deliver self defence workshops for adults, Mr Woollard delivered a corporate self defence workshop recently at St Georges Park, the home of England’s FA football teams, he said: “It is so important to be able to share the message of how to keep safe in a fun manner, with all ages and abilities”.

For more information about MF Martial Arts & Dance please contact Pete Woollard on mrwoollard@mattfiddes.com or visit their Facebook page.