|
The Welsh Academy of Martial
Arts was formed some 17 years ago by then Lynne Tolcher-James
now known as Lynne Caddick
Lynne holds Black Belts in
Karate and Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Freestyle Tae-Kwondo. She is a member of the British National Martial Arts Association,
Combat Sports Worldwide, National Coaching Foundation, Sports Coach UK, Coach Safe and the Vale and District Sports
Council, and has had the honour of being part of the book entitled Young Martial Arts Enthusiast, author Mr. David Mitchell and published by Dorling Kindersley.
W.A.M.A. was formed owing to an attack on Lynne herself. It was a violent attack and due to her knowledge although
scared to death was able to defend herself successfully. She felt that due to her experience that she would like to
help others who were unfortunate victims of violence etc., both female and male. Thus the birth of the Welsh Academy
of Martial Arts.
Most of her female students were victims of either rape sexual
abuse domestic violence and muggings. W.A.M.A. became a huge success virtually overnight. Owing to this,
her female students wished their children to become part of her organisation, teaching them self defence skills to give them
a fighting chance if ever they were bullied at school or attacked on the street.
It is a sad time when we as individuals have to learn to defend ourselves, sometimes, even in our own homes. Lynne
has also been a victim of domestic violence and is happy that the law as now changed to help those victims who in the past
have been afraid to speak out.
Owing to her success in the local community Lynne has unfortunately
been a victim of discrimination. Being a female coach some of the male instructors within martial arts have tried to
cause many problems for her. She has overcome this to continue with her coaching.
Lynne
has gained the respect of many martial arts organisations, and due to her dedication throughout her coaching career was nominated
for the National Millennium Martial Arts Award in October 2000 for Excellence in Coaching. She won this award with honours.
October 28th 2001 was another important day for Lynne as she was awarded The National Coaching Award for
her contribution and developement of martial arts in the United Kingdom.
Lynne has an excellent Fighters Squad who have travelled
far and wide and have over the years made her very proud. She has coached children to international and world
level, and still continues to strive forward to help those within the community gain the level of martial art training
that they deserve.
|
