Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy is a martial arts school located in the heart of Retford. The full-time professional school is led by the Chief Instructor Master Andrew Blinston, who teaches a variety of martial arts programs. The academy is extremely friendly and welcoming, with all classes being taught in a safe and controlled environment. The dedicated team of positive and motivated individuals helps the academy to strive, helping you achieve your desired fitness, health or lifestyle goals.
The academy was first established in 1986 in Doncaster, when Master Blinston became involved in the teaching and coaching of the martial arts at a local class in Armthorpe. Master Andrew Blinston and his wife, Rachel Blinston, decided to make the move to Retford in 2010, launching the full-time school in Retford 15 years ago. They have studied and trained in the Korean martial arts for years to master the disciplines and leadership of the martial arts. The business is family owned and run, with their daughter training alongside them to black belt third Dan and assisting with the administration and organisation of the Academy for many years.
Their belief is that being a martial artist is not just learning to kick and punch, it is about becoming the best that you can be in every way. Lynx black belt leadership Academy has plenty of experiences teaching a range of ages and capabilities, including those with disabilities. They have previously taught those with a variety of disabilities and social challenges, proving there is no boundaries to learning the art. Their youngest student has been 3 years old, with the eldest being 75. They have a variety of martial arts training programs available, including the following:
Positive Start
Black Belt Diploma
Black Belt Leadership
Instructor Scholarship Training
Private Tuition & Master Blinston’s Private Courses
Self Defence
Person Development
Corporate Training
To find out more on what these programs offer, head to their website here and read under the ‘Programs’ drop-down menu – https://lynxmartialarts.com/. These programs and classes cover the core values of martial arts and disciplines, helping students benefit in a range of ways. These skills are transferable across their general lifestyle, helping grow focus, concentration, improving eye contact, voice projection and confidence boosting, all which are invaluable skills.
They had to be extremely adaptable and flexible during lockdown in 2020 due to the pandemic, meaning they offered lessons online. This has since led to offering virtual classes and pre-recorded content via YouTube to share with students, allowing them to further develop their skills away from the academy. From a retail perspective, you can purchase and order uniform and equipment items in-store which are required for lessons. These products can also be browsed and ordered on their website.
They have won an array of awards, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to the community. Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy is actively involved in the Retford community and offers various programs, including Positive Start, Leadership, and Scholarship programs, as well as classes for adults, children, and families. The academy has won the Business Community Partnership award in 2014 and 2015. Rachel Blinston, co-owner of the academy, has also been awarded Business Person of the Year. Other awards include Sports Coach of the Year in both 2013 and 2016.
In 2015, Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy was honoured by the visit of Grand Master Kim Yong Ho 9th Dan as part of the academy’s celebrations of student success in Retford. Upon his visit, he presented a rare Korean calligraphy scroll to Bassetlaw District Council, which is now displayed inside Retford Town Hall. The calligraphy is extremely rare, standing as one of 100 inscribed by the late Korean Grand Master Lee Won Kuk, who was the founder of Chungdokwan Taekwondo in 1944.
The academy is proud to deliver Martial arts and Leadership Tuition to primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and the private sector, covering martial arts self-defence and leadership skills. This covers school across Retford, Worksop, Doncaster, the Bassetlaw/North Nottinghamshire area and Yorkshire area. If your school is interested, please call the academy who will arrange a visit. Classes are also available on a corporate basis, aiding and enhancing individual’s performances in the work environment. This course has a dynamic and fantastic approach to key areas of teamwork, communication, loyalty and more. Light lunch and refreshments can be included, and their martial arts corporate training program can also be adapted to an environment of your choice and accommodate your team’s needs.
The academy holds graduation events allowing students to feel a sense of achievement as they demonstrate the martial arts they have been taught at a special event. Seminars and other activities are also held, including demonstration events, kids holiday half term fun days and more. There is truly something for everyone here, and a lot of families have found themselves signing up collectively for lessons.
Find them located at 22 Exchange Street, Retford DN22 6BL. If you are interested and want to get in touch, call the friendly team at 01777700252 or email lynxacademy@hotmail.co.uk.