YORKSHIRE MARTIAL ARTS established itself on 1st January 2023. However, the academy has been running for a number of years under a different brand. Mr Ewan Hewett, a former Firefighter and martial artist for over 35 years is the owner (along with his wife, Jenny) and Chief Instructor of the academy.
We advocate Martial Arts Diversity, the practice of respecting and including people from all ranges of social backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and physical and mental abilities in martial arts. We ensure equal opportunities for everyone to train, which may involve modifying the syllabus and the way lessons are conducted, provided these changes are safe, practical and not detrimental to the planned class, to foster inclusivity. Please note, students should show suitable capability of adaptability under group instruction. We do not provide individual instructor/student training during classes. However, no matter what your background or experience you’ll be welcome at YMA.
We are the largest martial arts venue in Tadcaster! We are fully inclusive and the academy is comfortable and welcoming for both students and parents/carers. There is a large fully matted training area with plenty of equipment and a gym for academy members.
Since June 2023 we have attained the BMABA Club Colours Award. The Club Colours award recognises those who go above and beyond to ensure the highest possible level of vetting available anywhere in UK martial arts. Attaining the Club Colours Mark designates you as one of the small percentages of fully vetted martial arts clubs operating within the UK martial arts landscape. We have now secured this award for the second year running.
Mr Ewan Hewett
Chief Instructor
Mr H owns the academy and works there full time. He has trained in Martial Arts for over 35 years. He’s a professionally qualified martial arts instructor, L3 fitness instructor, qualified first aid trainer, nutritional advisor, mental health first aider, EDBS checked and lead safeguarding qualified.
Mrs Sara Selway
Instructor
Mrs S is a Personal Trainer. She’s a qualified Instructor, 1st Dan Black belt in Taekwondo and 2nd Dan Kickboxing. She is EDBS checked and First Aid and Safeguarding qualified
Miss Charley Wilson-Jennings
Instructor
Miss CWJ is a school student. She’s a qualified Instructor, 2nd Dan Black belt in Karate and 1st Dan in Kickboxing. She is First Aid qualified.
Mr Shaun Collins
Instructor
Mr C is famously known as the ‘Brick Dude’ and works magic with Lego. He’s a qualified instructor, 1st Dan Black belt in Karate and Blue belt in Kickboxing. He is EDBS checked, First Aid and Safeguarding qualified.
Miss Isobel Mellor
Instructor
Miss M has just finished her A-levels. She’s a qualified Instructor, First Aid qualified, 1st Dan Black belt in Kickboxing and a Brown belt in Karate.
Miss Libby Mellor
Instructor
Miss M is a school student and musician. She’s a qualified Instructor, First Aid qualified, 1st Dan Black belt in Kickboxing and a Blue belt in Karate.
Mr Jack Simpson
Instructor
Mr S is a school student. He’s a qualified Instructor, First Aid qualified and 1st Dan Black belt in Kickboxing.
Mr Sam Holland
Instructor
Mr H manages a business involving quad bikes, archery and other cool stuff. He’s a qualified Instructor in Kickboxing, EDBS checked, Safeguarding and First Aid qualified.
Mr Garth Vladislavich
Instructor
Mr G is a business owner and property developer. He’s a qualified Instructor and 1st Dan Black Belt in Karate.
We currently have four more students recently qualified as Instructors. They are just finalising their probationary period as we speak.
Miss Ailis Jennings
Miss Phoebe Coy
Mrs Charlotte Coy
Mrs Stephanie Spaargaren