Send us Fan Mail

What if a Martial Arts Academy wasn’t about belts first, but about belonging? Tony Rice, 5th Dan and Founder of Yarm Martial Arts, opens the doors to a place parents call a "Confidence Factory" - where 5 year-olds learn eye contact and kindness, teens find a safe refuge on tough days, and adults rediscover calm between work and family. We dig into the simple habits that build real courage: greet by name, hold eye contact, ask "how can I make your day better?" and mean it. From the family room where parents exhale to the Reception Desk that becomes a village square, this is a living lesson in community done right.

Tony shares the life events that shaped his ethos—the loss of his dad at 42, a mum whose mantras still steady him—and how those threads are woven into the academy pledge: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit. He explains why sparring isn’t the UFC stereotype; most students never compete. The win is stronger minds, steadier moods, and friendships that outlast school years. You will also hear about Mat Chats that turn mornings and sibling squabbles into teachable moments, a praise–correct–praise coaching style that treats kids with honesty and respect, and black belt celebrations where 11 to 16-year-olds deliver speeches that move a room to tears.

We travel beyond the dojo too. During COVID, Tony kept classes alive online and even coached swimming, proving that great coaching is about people first. Flow shows up when structure meets freedom, and that is why his best talks are unscripted and human. There is humour—yes, the legendary Tony Talks and those fifteen-minute rabbit holes of training videos—and there is heart: a garden where the noise falls away, and a vision to build a space that endures long after the next move. If you care about youth confidence, mental health, positive parenting, and community wellbeing, this story will stay with you.

Enjoy the conversation, then share it with a parent, coach, or teacher who needs a fresh way to build courage. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what value do kids most need right now?

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :)

Thanks for listening!