The Empowerment Dojo

Sometimes, having the people, the place and the passion still isn’t enough…

The reality is, we have the manpower, the space and families who want the what we offer… but right now, the funding simply isn’t there to keep it running.

So, for the foreseeable future, there’ll be no more Empowerment Dojo classes.

That’s a tough one to say, because this has always been about so much more than martial arts.

It’s been about confidence, connection, having fun and giving people a place where they feel welcome.

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated, fundraised, volunteered or supported us behind the scenes.

But most importantly, thank you to the families, parents and students who turned up every week, got stuck in and made the Dojo what it was ❤️

This may be a pause, but it doesn’t have to be the end…

Working with SEND children and their families is something we’ve been passionate about at Tempest long before The Empowerment Dojo came along.

And although ED may be taking a pause, our commitment to supporting children and families across our community continues through classes at Tempest Martial Arts 🌪️

The Empowerment Dojo might be quiet for now… but the mission isn’t going anywhere ❤️

☀️🥋 Summer Holiday Classes Are Here! 🥋☀️

We’re so excited to kick off our Summer Holiday Empowerment Dojo classes and can’t wait to welcome everyone back onto the mats!

Our inclusive martial arts sessions are designed specifically for children with SEN, providing a fun, supportive environment where they can build confidence, make friends, stay active, and have an amazing time.

📍 Locations: North Shields & Blyth

📅 Class Dates:
• 22/07
• 29/07
• 05/08
• 12/08

🕛 Ages 5–9: 12:00pm
🕐 Ages 10–15: 1:00pm

Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, we’d love to see you there!

📩 Drop us a message to get booked in. Spaces are limited, so don’t leave it too late.

Confidence starts with one small step!

Last week we had the pleasure of visiting Benton Dene as part of their Healthy Living Week… and what a brilliant day it was.

We loved spending time with the students, helping them build confidence, step outside their comfort zones and realise what they are capable of.
Seeing young people stand a little taller and believe in themselves is what it’s all about.

A huge thank you to everyone at Benton Dene for making us feel so welcome.
We had an amazing time and loved every minute ❤️

If you’d like us to visit your child’s school, simply drop us into an email at [email protected].🦸

A few weeks ago, Blyth Beach Huts and the Dave Stephenson Centre ran a raffle to support local charities, with one of the prizes being a beach hut experience during the Blyth Live Event… a belta festival held right on Blyth beach every year.

We’re proud to share that The Empowerment Dojo was one of the chosen charities involved.

For anyone new here, The Empowerment Dojo exists to provide free martial arts classes for children with additional needs. It’s a space designed to help them feel safe, included, build confidence, make friends, and develop real life skills through movement and structure at the Tempest Martial Arts academies.

Thanks to the incredible support of everyone who got involved, shared, and purchased tickets, we’re thrilled to announce a total of £265 raised for the cause 🙌

That money goes straight back into helping us create more opportunities for local children who need it most.

A massive thank you to Blyth Beach Huts and the Dave Stephenson Centre for choosing to support us through this initiative, and for backing community projects that genuinely make a difference.

The winners… 🥁

🎉 Ticket 0522 - Callum Brunton
🎉 Ticket 0541 - Natalie Dixon

Congratulations!
Enjoy 😎


For everyone looking to have us in your school or community groups… reach out.
Those wanting to participate in our in-house classes. Check out these dates ⬇️

📅 22/07/2026
📅 29/07/2026
📅 05/08/2026
📅 12/08/2026
📅 28/10/2026

To book a place, drop us a message or email [email protected]

⚠️ THIS WEDNESDAY… our Empowerment Dojo sessions return!
& some classes are almost FULL… others have plenty spaces!

For many children, walking into a new environment can feel overwhelming.
That’s why these sessions matter so much.

Our Empowerment Dojo is built specifically for children with SEN: helping them grow in confidence, make friendships, feel included and achieve things they never thought possible 💙

No pressure. No judgement.
Just an environment where children can feel safe, supported and proud of themselves. #

It’s all happening THIS Wednesday 27th May at Tempest Martial Arts Blyth & North Shields.

Blyth
🥋 12pm - 6 spaces left (5-9yrs)
🥋 1pm - 10 spaces left (10-15yrs)

North Shields
🥋 12pm - ONLY 2 spaces left (5-9yrs)
🥋 1pm - 6 spaces left (10-15yrs)

If you know someone who’d love this… please share!
It’s all absolutely free and our way of giving back 🥋🌪️

Drop us a message now if you’d like your child involved 🙌🏼