Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy Testimonials

Very well organised – children kept on their toes and very busy. All children enjoyed the sessions and learned a lot in such a short time.

Karen Thompson
Primary Teacher at Carrhill Primary School

Excellent discipline and respect building, explained reasons for everything that was done.
Really good links to Olympics, attitudes and values for healthy, respectful citizens to become.

Judy Kennedy
Primary Teacher at Mattersey School

Master Andrew Blinston explained the reasons behind the exercises – this was good for the children as they understood why they were doing things. It was pitched well to the age of the children. It was great to see how the back ground of martial arts i.e. the respect, responsible use of moves, self confidence etc.

Fantastic way with all the children – they all enjoyed the sessions and responded well.

Thank you very much.

D.C Barber
Teacher at Rampton Primary School

I have looked at all the other academies within a 50 mile radius and I am very pleased to say Master Blinston’s academy is the best by far. A very clean and friendly place. I enjoy watching my daughter progress. Thank you

My son Leo aged 7 enjoys every minute of every lesson, his most favourite is break boarding and he enjoys pattern work.

The lessons we are learning today is an important part for life today. Also it gives self-confidence to the learners. My daughter is very comfortable and she is very polite and brave after having these lessons.

The staff at Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy are fantastic, very friendly, positive and always professional. Because of this my 2 children really enjoy attending their classes. They have grown in confidence and enjoy the exercise.

I have noticed that my son has developed much more confidence in both his martial arts skills and in the outside world. This confidence has grown each week after his classes and is happier due to this. He always finds he enjoys his classes and if anything bothers him Master Blinston helps retrieve any worry.

Good facilities. Respectful and positive environment providing a strong and encouraging example to young and old alike whilst giving valuable life skills. Thank you

My daughter Alex is gaining confidence week after week. She finds her new hobby fun and interesting.

I would strongly recommend Lynx Black Belt Academy from seeing the big change in my son's behaviour and attitude and commitment to his school work and achievements.

I strongly believe had it not been for Master Blinston this would not have happened.

It was wonderful experience learning about the Tai Chi instructor seminar. I really enjoyed learning the structure, for example the self -defence and mediation sections.l

Lynx Black Belt Academy has given our son focus, direction, discipline and a great attitude.

First class instructors in modern facilities with an "all ability, all walk of life welcome" to their "family" !!!!!

I joined Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy 6 weeks ago as I was looking for a new hobby and to get fit. I’ve been attending regularly 2 or 3 times per week and already feel a lot fitter. I’ve learned a lot in a short time – so much so that I’m already about to graduate to my first belt.

Master Blinston is a great teacher whose obvious passion and enthusiasm for martial arts is a great motivator for myself and all the students. Lynx is an excellent place to train, with good training equipment and a friendly atmosphere.

I would thoroughly recommend the Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy to anyone considering martial arts training.

Rhio was an absolute gem on Saturday. Both myself and my 6 year old daughter attended the personal development course at the Retford school. It felt like a long day for my daughter, Rhio helped to make my day better and my daughters to, by taking Hermione under her wing.

It gave Hermione the confidence and encouragement to continue and graduate to her next belt level.
I want to thank Rhio for her kindness and thoughtfulness. She is a true asset not only to her parents but to Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy.


[Rhio is a 12 year old scholarship student at Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy who will be taking her Black Belt graduation very soon.]

I bring my daughter to Lynx Academy. It is just a hobby for her as she is just 5, but she really enjoys herself.

It has improved her self confidence. She really likes the Instructors – as do I. Although they are always professional, they are also child friendly.

She doesn’t feel pressurised if there is a move she not comfortable with.

Lynx Academy has a very friendly atmosphere with friendly instructors whom show a mutual respect for pupils.

Since my son has joined Lynx Academy 2 weeks ago, I have already noticed some positive changes in him. He has more self discipline, listens to me more when asked to do things and takes more pride in his appearance.

His teacher commented today that Jay has been concentrating more on his school work. I as his mum am so glad that I decided to bring my son to Lynx Academy, the attitude and patience towards the young students, in my opinion is simply the best. The dedication of the instructors stands out on every lesson.

I was advised by friends to go and try other martial arts clubs but I am glad I didn’t. My son is so happy and excited every time he knows it’s his martial arts lesson. I believe there is no price too expensive to see my little boy this happy.

They all really care about the students and their families and are always keen to help.

My son Tommy has improved in many ways whilst he has been attending the Academy. He has grown in confidence, much calmer and his concentration has improved when in school. Tommy was diagnosed with West Syndrome at 5 months old, which has caused him to have Autism. Due to his martial arts training he is now sleeping much better – he hasn’t slept through the night for eight years. So I would like to thank Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy for their support.

I really enjoy my lessons and it’s also helping me to become fitter again. I have been made to feel very welcomed into the school.

I would recommend Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy to anyone and encourage them to join.
My whole family are training and we love it.

Clear introduction and engaged with all pupils.
Respect and courtesy was well explained and established.

All instructions very concise and firm. Responses were positive from the children.

Good warm up routine, stretches well demonstrated. Good commentary and informative background information.

Focus and concentration well explained.

Punching drills good all children focused and clearly enjoying it!
Clear progression, steps clearly explained.
Kicking and guard routine as above.

Regularly enforcing the fact that martial arts are not for everyday use eg. Home/ playground.

Reinforcement that it develops self – confidence and control.

Good conclusion – revisited main points asking questions.

Thanks for a great session. All pupils clearly enjoyed it. The lesson was pacy and well presented. Good use of commentary to explain and inform.


Gavin F – class teacher 4/5F, Retford School

The Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy has boosted my son’s confidence by a tremendous amount. Leading him to take part in class discussions at school and also given him great motivation in his martial arts training. I am extremely happy with my son’s progress.

I want to tell everyone about the fantastic time I had when I attending summer school at Lynx Academy. This is the second summer school that I have been too.
On the first summer school Master Andy Blinston taught us about life skills and how important they are, we also did break boarding which was really fun I broke it first time Master Andy was proud I was shocked. We also learned pattern number 3 which we showed to own parents at our graduation.

I enjoyed the first summer so much that my mum said I could go on the next one. We concentrated on confidence and how to be more confident we learned pattern 4 which I enjoyed.
I have met lots of new friends and know that I am more confident in myself.
Thank you Mast Blinston for encouraging me and giving me the confidence to one day achieve my goal TO BE A BLACK BELT

I have been training in the martial arts for seven years and the main reason why I joined the Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy was to build on my co – ordination and confidence. I began my Leadership training when I was 13 and earned my black belt when I was 16. Joining the Scholarship Training Program with the support of my family has helped me become a confident young man developing good interpersonal and communication skills.

I would like to pass on the knowledge and experience Master Blinston has given to me and I have been awarded for my performance and skills throughout my martial arts life.

I have achieved a level of trust and confidence within the Academy and I am looking forward to graduating to 3rd Dan.

I have Dyspraxia and the support from Master Blinston and the Academy has made my martial arts training brilliant.

When describing Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy I would say discipline, respect and passion. All the fore-mentioned are true, but personally, for my family and I, we found being part of the academy, we became part of a new and exciting family, with a strong bond, mutual respect, no matter how old you are, and most of all trust.

My daughter has gained a lot from her martial arts training; she has gained more confidence, and is able to focus more on her schoolwork, as she uses her life skills taught within the academy in her everyday life.

My partner too enjoys life at the academy; he looks forward to training and pushing himself that little bit further to achieve his goal. As for me, well I have learned so much from Master Blinston and the academy that my everyday life has changed. I too can focus on work and life in general, and one-day hope to be able to pass on everything I have learned, and continue to learn, to other students as an instructor at the academy.

Martial Arts complimentary morning – Thursday 4th November 2010 at Hatfield Manor School. Year 4/5.

Excellent introduction to martial arts – brief introduction to martial arts and immediate demonstration

Children were involved from the start and in a 25 minute session they were introduced to all the basic skills of martial arts;
Respect and presentation
How to bow
Warm up
Basic moves of defence, blocking, attack and kicking
Building Stamina
Warm down and finish

A practical and clear introduction to martial arts
The Instructor was clear and precise and thoroughly engaged and encouraged the children to participate and hopefully pursue the sport.

Highly recommended.