Why Team Invictus?
May 10, 2026
Family Martial Arts Black Belt Schools in Gravesend and Maidstone, founded and led by 9th-degree black belt Grand Master David Martin, have become cornerstone institutions for communities across Kent. Boasting over 40 years of experience, Grand Master Martin has developed a unique training program that seamlessly blends traditional Taekwondo, Kickboxing, self-defence, and core life skills.
What makes these full-time, fully safety-matted schools so uniquely universally loved? The answer lies in how the curriculum addresses the distinct needs of three core groups: children, parents, and adults.
Why Children Love It: Fun, Achievements, and Community
For younger students, the mats at Family Martial Arts are a source of endless energy and excitement.
- Engaging, Age-Tailored Programs: Children as young as four can start in specialized programs (such as the “Little Pumas” for ages 4 to 6), ensuring tasks match their cognitive and physical development.
- The Thrill of Progression: The structured belt and reward system gives children a visual milestone of their effort. Reviewers highlight that kids “absolutely love their classes and especially enjoy their gradings and learning new patterns.”
- Patient, Inspiring Instructors: Highly praised team members like Mr. Louis Tandoh (Chief Instructor at Gravesend) make lessons realistic and hard-working while keeping them thoroughly entertaining and accessible, even providing extra 1-on-1 support to anyone struggling with a move.
Why Parents Love It: Character Building and Safety
Parents view the academy not just as an after-school hobby, but as an essential partner in raising resilient, well-rounded individuals.
- A Foundation for Life Skills: Grand Master Martin’s curriculum places a massive emphasis on life and leadership skills. Parents routinely notice major turnarounds in their children’s discipline, courtesy, focus, and respect at home and school.
- Confidence & Anti-Bullying Support: The classes give children concrete, functional self-defence knowledge that builds genuine, quiet confidence, helping them safely navigate peer pressure and bullying.
- Peace of Mind & Comfort: Parents appreciate the highly professional structure. Both venues offer dedicated viewing areas with refreshments, allowing parents to relax comfortably while watching their children excel on the clean, safe matting.
Why Adults Love It: Practical Skills, Fitness, and Stress Relief
Adult members find that Family Martial Arts provides a refreshing, purposeful alternative to traditional, monotonous gym routines.
- Dynamic Conditioning: The adult classes combine explosive Kickboxing drills with traditional Taekwondo and functional stretching. It forms a high-energy workout that improves core strength, muscle tone, and flexibility.
- Combative Self-Defence: Because Grand Master Martin holds master-level certifications in practical pressure-point arts like Kyusho-Jitsu, the self-defence taught here goes past theory. Adults learn realistic, highly effective physical management tactics.
- Welcoming, Safe Atmosphere: Adults of any age or fitness background can step onto the mat without anxiety. The community is completely supportive, encouraging individuals to train at their optimal progression rate.
A True Family Affair
Ultimately, the greatest testament to Grand Master David Martin’s schools is how frequently they bring entire households together. With family discounts and inclusive schedules, it is common to see parents training side-by-side with their children. It provides a shared healthy lifestyle and an enduring bond of mutual support.
