New club caters for children, teenagers and adults

Amity Martial Arts has officially opened its new dedicated martial arts centre in Kettering, expanding its offering for children, teenagers and adults across the town.

 The official opening, attended by the Mayor of Kettering, Cllr Lauren Glanfield, brought together members, families and local supporters to welcome the club to its new home.

Having relocated to its own dedicated full time home within the town, Amity Martial Arts has expanded its offering to local residents with the addition of kickboxing classes alongside its established ITF Taekwon-Do programme.

For four-time World Champion Elliott Callahan, the opening represented the culmination of a journey that began when he first stepped onto the mats as a young child.

Elliott, Founder and Chief Instructor of Amity Martial Arts, said: “When I was six years old, I was a child who never seemed to stop moving. I had endless energy and struggled to sit still, but Taekwon-Do gave me focus, discipline and direction. It helped shape the person I am today, both within the sport and beyond it.

 “That experience is a huge part of why I started Amity Martial Arts. We want to give people of all ages the same opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills and become part of a supportive community.

"This new centre gives us the space to welcome more people, expand our programmes and continue making a positive difference in Kettering.

Speaking at the opening, Master Glenn Horan VIII Dan, Chairman of the Unified Taekwon-Do Association, praised the club’s growth and commitment to developing its students.

 He said: “Having taught Elliott for the past 18 years and watched him successfully develop and run his own club for the last seven, it is incredibly humbling to see him take this next step by opening a full-time Taekwon-Do centre in Kettering.

He is also an accomplished competitor, having achieved outstanding success as a National, European and World Champion. His achievements reflect his tremendous dedication, ability and commitment to the art of Taekwon-Do.

As an instructor, there is no greater reward than seeing your students grow, achieve their goals and become successful within the art that we love. His new premises are a testament to his hard work and commitment, not only to his own development but also to that of his students.

I am extremely proud of everything he has achieved and honoured to conduct the official opening ceremony and a special training session on Saturday 12th September.

I wish him and everyone at the club every success as they begin this exciting new chapter.”

The Mayor of Kettering, Cllr Lauren Glanfield, joined members in celebrating the club’s new chapter and the positive impact it continues to make within the local community.

She said: “It was a pleasure to attend the opening of Amity Martial Arts’ new centre and see first-hand the positive environment Elliott and his team have created.

"Clubs like this play an important role in helping people of all ages develop confidence, resilience and healthy lifestyles while bringing communities together.

“I wish Amity Martial Arts every success as it continues to grow and inspire people across Kettering.”

Amity Martial Arts is now welcoming new members across its Taekwon-Do and kickboxing programmes, with classes available for children, teenagers and adults of all abilities.

The new venue on Bath Road will enable the club to introduce even more local people to the physical, mental and social benefits of martial arts.