Daniyaal's Martial Arts Academy

What does a busy Mini Kickers class look like when every child has the support they need? 🥋

This morning’s class had:

9 Mini Kickers.
8 DLA Class Leaders.
1 instructor.

It was a busy early-Sunday class, but it didn’t feel stressful or chaotic.

Our Daniyaal’s Leadership Academy Class Leaders worked directly with the children, helping them understand each activity, keeping them engaged and providing encouragement whenever they needed it.

That meant nobody was left standing around, struggling or waiting for the instructor’s attention.

Every Mini Kicker was involved.
Every Mini Kicker was learning.
Every Mini Kicker was supported.

It also allowed our instructor to concentrate on delivering an excellent class, knowing our trained Class Leaders were there to help each child remain focused and involved.

This is one of the many ways our DLA programme adds value to the experience families receive at Daniyaal’s Martial Arts Academy.

But DLA isn’t only about supporting classes.

Our Class Leaders are developing their own confidence, patience, communication, responsibility and coaching skills through genuine practical experience.

They’re learning how to become positive role models for younger students while progressing towards becoming Junior Instructors and, potentially, the instructors and academy leaders of the future.

The Mini Kickers receive more support.
Parents see their children actively learning.
Our instructors can teach more effectively.
Our young leaders develop valuable skills for life.

That’s what happens when an academy invests in every stage of its students’ development. ❤️

This is what makes our Mini Kickers classes so special. 🥋

Today, we had seven Mini Kickers aged three to five on the mats, supported by six DLA Class Leaders and one instructor.

Just imagine trying to teach seven energetic little ones with only one or two people available, keeping everyone focused, engaged and learning would be a completely different challenge!

But at Daniyaal’s Martial Arts Academy, we do things differently.

Our Daniyaal’s Leadership Academy works hand in hand with DMAA. Our Class Leaders don’t simply stand at the side, they get involved, encourage the children, demonstrate activities and provide extra guidance whenever it’s needed.

That meant every Mini Kicker in today’s class was:

🥋 Focused
🥋 Supported
🥋 Engaged
🥋 Learning
🥋 Having a brilliant time

And the parents absolutely loved watching it.

Whether it’s Mini Kickers or Ninja Kids, we never want children to feel lost in a large group. We go out of our way to ensure they receive the attention, encouragement and support they deserve.

That’s real value for money—and it’s the power of DMAA and DLA working together.

Seven Mini Kickers.
Six DLA Class Leaders.
One instructor.
Every child supported.

One of our awesome Instructors, Zaid-Ali is running this years Robin Hood Marathon and raising money for Nottinghams charity Himmah

We wish him all the best in his efforts 🙏

Run for Himmah: Robin Hood Half & Mini Marathon 2026 Help Zaid-Ali Shahzad raise money to support Himmah

Eight years ago today, we picked up the keys to a dream. 🔑❤️

After years of renting community centres and school halls, Daniyaal’s Martial Arts Academy finally had its first full-time home in Basford.

It was a run-down warehouse that had previously housed an old-school gym. Outside were broken-down vehicles and pavements scattered with broken glass. It needed a lot of work, but I could see the potential and imagined what it could mean for our students.

For four years, I balanced working full-time in education with running a full-time martial arts academy. There were long days, difficult decisions and plenty of mistakes.

I wasn’t an experienced businessman. I was a martial artist with a goal, a lot of passion… and a white belt in business! 😅🥋

Financially, that first chapter cost me a lot. Personally, it taught me lessons I still carry today. With hard work and the support of people who believed in the academy, we created something special inside those walls.

Looking at these old photos brings it all back. The work, the worry, the excitement — and the pride of welcoming students into a place we could finally call our own.

Today, seeing how far we’ve come in Radford means so much to me. We have an amazing team, home-grown instructors and our own Instructor Leadership Academy helping develop the next generation.

Watching students grow into people who now guide and inspire others is something I’m especially proud of. ❤️

To everyone who trained with us, trusted us with their children, supported us through the difficult days or joined us along the way: thank you. You’ve helped shape this academy and its story.

We teach our students that being a beginner is something to embrace, that mistakes help us learn, and that progress takes perseverance. Looking back, I was learning those lessons right alongside them.

Eight years on, there’s so much to be proud of and so much still to look forward to.

But you never forget your first. 👊❤️

— Kancho Daniyaal

Were you with us in Basford? We’d love to hear your memories.👇

Good luck to every child heading back to school this week. ❤️

A new school year can be exciting, but for some children it can also bring nerves, uncertainty and a few wobbles in confidence.

That’s where martial arts can really help.

We see children walk through our doors feeling shy, nervous or unsure of themselves. Then, little by little, they begin to stand taller, speak up, make friends and believe in what they can do.

It doesn’t happen overnight, and every child develops at their own pace—but watching them come out of their shell is something special.

Our students are going back to school with confidence. If you’d love to see your child develop that same self-belief and really blossom during the new academic year, now is a great time to come and meet us.

Start by booking a FREE Martial Arts Experience. There’s no pressure to join—just bring your child along, let them experience a class and see how they feel.

If they enjoy it and you’re ready to commit to becoming a full-time member, our Back to School 50/50 Offer is available to the first 20 new students:

🥋 One FREE Martial Arts Experience

🥋 50% off Positive Start training for the first two months—just £29.50 per month instead of £59

🥋 Pay 50% of the £150 registration when joining—that’s £75—and receive the Positive Start uniform

🥋 Pay the remaining £75 within 30 days and receive the safety equipment

Classes return on Wednesday 2 September.

Let’s help your child walk into this new academic year feeling more confident, focused and ready to grow.

Check the comments to see how to book your Free Martial Arts Experience

The break is almost over…

And we are ready to get back to work 🥋🔥

New goals.
New focus.
New confidence.
New progress.

Whether your child needs more discipline, confidence, focus, or a positive activity after school…

Or whether you are an adult looking to get fitter, stronger, and release stress…

DMAA is ready to welcome you.

🥋 Mini Kickers
🥋 Ninja Kidz
🥊 Teens & Adults
⭐ Leadership Academy

Different people. Different needs. One academy.

Starting school or nursery can feel like a big step when you’re only little.

That’s why our Mini Kickers classes are about much more than learning martial arts. We help children aged 3–5 become more confident moving their bodies, listening to instructions and having a go—even when something feels new.

Through fun, structured activities, they work on balance, coordination and fitness while also developing focus, self-control and independence.

Every child learns at their own pace, and seeing them come out of their shell is one of the best parts of what we do.

We’re currently welcoming new Mini Kickers with:

🥋 One FREE Martial Arts Experience
🥋 Half-price training for the first two months
🥋 Our Back to School offer for the first 20 new students

See comments for bookings and Website for further information

2 Days to go, the team can't wait to see you all again.

Meet the team

Introducing Ayaan and Inaya, both class leaders

Meet the team

Class Leader Dilan, started his journey with us at the age of 4.