A NEW martial arts school in Dursley has recently kicked open its doors. 

Urban Martial Arts Schools opened last month in the former Natwest building on Long Street.

The 17th-century building, which is grade II listed, was also previously used as a guitar shop known as Renegade Guitar Co.

Owners from Urban say they want to help adults and children gain confidence in themselves by taking part in the sport and meeting new people.

The school previously opened a site in Stonehouse in September 2020 and also operates other venues in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean. 

Carl Swaby CEO of Urban Martial Arts Schools said: “We opened Urban Martial Arts Schools as I have always done Martial arts since I was four-years-old. 

“I have personally seen the results that martial arts has given me throughout my life. The benefits are incredible. 

Gazette Series: Owner and CEO Carl Swaby outside the Urban Martial Arts School in Dursley Owner and CEO Carl Swaby outside the Urban Martial Arts School in Dursley (Image: Urban Martial Arts Schools)

“It's not just about kicking and punching, it's about having an outlet for stress and having something to focus on and strengthen your mental health. 

“It's also about having a safe place where you can socialise with other like minded people and make great life-long friendships.
 
“I wanted to give back to our communities and help children and adults who want to meet people and socialise, who have difficulties with anxiety and mental health. 

Gazette Series: Children taking part in a lesson in Stonehouse Children taking part in a lesson in Stonehouse (Image: Urban Martial Arts Schools)

“We want to stand next to those individuals and let them know they aren't alone, we are right there with them. 

“We have huge plans for the future of Urban and hope to expand further. 

“We want our new school in Dursley to bring in lots of individuals with needs that we can help them overcome, whether that be loneliness and to gain new friendships or whether it be anxiety or stress relief, or confidence building. 

Gazette Series: Inside the new Urban Martial Arts School in DursleyInside the new Urban Martial Arts School in Dursley (Image: Urban Martial Arts Schools)

Gazette Series: Inside the new Urban Martial Arts School in DursleyInside the new Urban Martial Arts School in Dursley (Image: Urban Martial Arts Schools)

Gazette Series: Head Stonehouse coach Brandon Swaby, CEO Carl Swaby, coach Cayla Ford-Jones and head Dursley coach Cayden Ford-Jones Head Stonehouse coach Brandon Swaby, CEO Carl Swaby, coach Cayla Ford-Jones and head Dursley coach Cayden Ford-Jones (Image: Urban Martial Arts Schools)

“We want to help those individuals and give them the confidence they need to be that best version of themselves. 

“We have already had a huge impact in Dursley, 

“We have had the most amazing amount of lovely feedback from the locals and have already gained 55 awesome students who have started their martial arts journey with us.

“We will only be accepting 150 members in Dursley, which means we have less than 100 spaces left, so if anyone is interested please get in touch with us so we can get you started on your martial arts journey.”

To get in touch contact Kate on 01453 70228