A martial arts gym in Sheffield is offering free sessions in a bid to encourage people to come forward and speak about their mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
X Martial Arts School, in Nether Edge, are offering free \u2018mental health\u2019 sessions on the first Wednesday of every month, starting on Wednesday 1st March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Craig Williams, 38, first tried martial arts whilst at University, before picking it up again in 2015 when he found himself struggling with his mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Williams said: \u201cI know what it can be like, my cousin took his own life and I have struggled myself. People can feel isolated and like they have no purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At first he was apprehensive, but believes that training in martial arts helped him to build his confidence and social skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Five years into his training Mr Williams was rewarded for his dedication with a black belt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past three years he has worked as a trainer at X Martial Arts School, and he firmly believes that martial arts can offer those who are struggling with an opportunity to open up and get help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Williams said: \u201cThe tide is turning. More people are coming forward and encouraging that openness to get help and get rid of the stigma.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sessions are aimed at tackling the stigma around men’s mental health. However, anyone can attend and use the sessions to connect with others and become a part of the community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He described his classes as a safe space, and assured that the sessions would leave people feeling motivated and lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sessions will be striking based martial arts sessions, including boxing, kickboxing and karate training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Williams said: \u201cJust come once and you will find like minded people and a welcoming community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEveryone\u2019s been super supportive and I hope more people can get on board and open up. Even if just one person shows up I\u2019ll be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Free ‘mental health’ sessions are being run at a martial arts gym, offering help to any who need it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":83,"featured_media":47921,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[415],"tags":[231,870,379,38],"class_list":["post-47914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-community","tag-martial-arts","tag-mental-health-awareness","tag-sheffield"],"yoast_head":"\n