'A PERSON with their head held high looks more confident and less likely to be attacked than a person with little confidence.'

These are the words of Chris Foran, a martial arts instructor who achieved much as an athlete but whose interests clearly lie in helping people build their self-esteem and defend themselves, writes Robin Clementson.

Chris, 27, is a former British and European Taekwondo champion and now a full-time instructor at his own academy.

"Martial arts is not just about kicking and punching but also about discipline, respect, focus and concentration," he says.

"I say to people 'what price do you put on your education or safety?' the answer is obvious.

"We have just launched a short course called SHARP (Sexual Harassment, Assault and Rape Prevention). The course includes teaching women about prevention, psychology, professional and social harassment and assault countermeasures.

"Learning about these different areas could prove invaluable for a woman in the workplace or on the streets.

"We've had a rise in the numbers of women coming to classes, probably because of the increasing levels of street crime.

"I want people to come to me to learn the martial arts and build their self confidence and ability to defend themselves."

The academy caters for all types of people from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. Chris' youngest student is three years old and his oldest 64 and has recently received his black belt.

Chris added: "We have a very strong team of successful international competitors but most students want to train for recreation, fitness but mostly self defence.

Chris also teaches Taekwondo to children from seven years old and has a class called the Little Ninjas teaching children from three to six years old, which his wife Jenny, also a black belt, and fellow instructor Stephanie Collins run.

"We have many success stories, whereby children have gained better grades in school, building on concentration and discipline, developing them in the right way from an early age," he said.

Joining the Chris Foran Academy is not about becoming the next Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan, it teaches all levels of martial art including PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics), ground fighting, street self-defence and weapons training.

"We cater to people's needs," says Chris. "A person can come here to improve their fitness levels, to learn martial arts and compete or to become an instructor."

The academy is run in a professional but relaxed format, Chris believes this way his students get the best quality instruction students, he says respond much quicker when enjoying recreation.

Instructors at the academy are all black belts and have to undertake rigorous training before they're allowed to teach under the Chris Foran name.

You can contact the academy on 0800 093 1273.