All travel partners, from tour guides to bus operators, are women, creating a safe space for some 'me-time'
uae18 hours ago
The UAE’s largest martial arts organisation has opened a new dojo in Abu Dhabi to support children’s character development.
The Warrior Academy, with its first location in Dubai’s Al Quoz, has launched a world-class facility at Al Wahda Mall in the Capital.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who attended the opening ceremony, noted that Abu Dhabi has always embraced the growth of education and sport.
“It is important to nurture children’s development to become well-rounded citizens of the future, and the Warrior Academy creates a world class platform through martial arts that is set to inspire thousands of children to achieve their goals around the world. I’m honoured to be here to mark the opening of the only specialist character development centre in Abu Dhabi,” he said.
Initially, the academy was started in the UK in 2011. In Dubai, the academy trains nearly 1,000 children a week using a unique ‘the Warrior Method’ focused on confidence, conduct and concentration. The training is offered by a team of world-class professionals, including national, European and world champions, and personal trainers.
Academy founder Sebastian Bates pointed out that the launch of the Abu Dhabi facility was a result of demand from parents.
“We had so many parents reaching out to us to encourage us to open in Abu Dhabi, and so this was a natural step forward for us to be able to bring the organisation to the capital,” said Bates, who is also an author, a former professional fighter, extreme sports athlete and philanthropist.
According to the academy, more than 80 per cent of children report an increase in confidence within a year of joining the facility.
“We’re incredibly proud of the impact the Warrior Academy is having on children’s lives. This is much more than a martial arts academy. Through our small class approach and the methods taught, we’re able to rapidly increase a child’s confidence, conduct and concentration, so that they develop a black belt mindset, and go on to live a happy and compelling life as an adult,” Bates noted.
At the academy, the instructors practice taekwondo, which can have a significant impact on a child’s character development, helping them to build confidence, discipline, and focus.
Bates is also passionate about putting an end to the cycle of bullying, following his own experiences as a child, and helping young people through the academy.
“Bullying is not a single event, but a transition. It’s a transition that carries with it the potential for huge growth with the right mentoring. It is through this approach, that I hope the Warrior Academy will continue to help children, and we could not be more excited to be welcoming students to our dojo in Abu Dhabi,” Bates added.
There are plans afoot to expand the operation across a further nine cities in the GCC over the next three years.
ALSO READ:
All travel partners, from tour guides to bus operators, are women, creating a safe space for some 'me-time'
uae18 hours ago
The trekkers formed a connection with the camels, and found the digital detox to be refreshing
uae1 day ago
This gesture aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to support those affected by the crisis in Gaza through initiatives like Operation Chivalrous Knight 3
uae1 day ago
Imagine braving freezing temperatures of -25°C while running 42.2km in Antarctica and then catching flights to hit the ground again in South Africa, Australia, the UAE, Spain, Brazil, and the US
uae1 day ago
One learner was at the Sharjah International Book Fair last month, working as an interpreter; she also hosted an Arabic podcast about SIBF
uae1 day ago
'What drew me to this study was the realisation that no comprehensive fieldwork had been conducted in this area,' he said
uae1 day ago
Many residents in the UAE stressed that maintaining these regular bedtime routines can be difficult as professional lives can often be quite demanding
uae1 day ago
The UAE reaffirmed its consistent rejection of all forms of violence targeting civilians and undermining security and stability
uae1 day ago