Ref. 26229-76Obesity in children is creating a growing concern. Kickboxing is a good way of combating this, says instructor Stuart Lambert who is offering ten youngsters a free three year course in the sport.

TAMASH LAL discovers how kickboxing can help to take off those unwanted pounds.

MARTIAL arts expert Stuart Lambert is offering overweight youngsters the chance to kick and punch their way to a healthier future.

Stuart, who runs Swindon's Kickin' Heights martial arts academy, is starting a new kickboxing club specifically for children who want to tackle bulging waistlines.

The launch of the Kids Kick Obesity club comes as new research shows that the number of overweight children has almost doubled in the last decade, with one in five youngsters now classed as overweight.

Lack of exercise and a diet of sugary snacks and fast food have been blamed for the problem.

To launch the new classes, Stuart is offering 10 youngsters the chance to undertake a three-year course for free.

The normal cost would be more than £1,000.

A further 15 places on the course, run at Stuart's training centre in Beaumaris Road, Toothill, and at the Cannons Health Club, Greenbridge Retail Park, are available at half the normal price of £30 a month.

Besides causing health problems, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and joint problems, obesity can have a devastating impact on a youngster's self-esteem.

It can lead to bullying and name-calling, and make children loose confidence in themselves.

The KKO sessions will be run separately to Stuart's other children's classes so the overweight youngsters do not feel self-conscious.

"Kickboxing is something anyone can do, it doesn't matter if you're overweight," said Stuart, who has been doing kickboxing since he was six.

"It's a really good way of losing weight.

"It also gives children the opportunity to build up their self-confidence and increases their self-esteem.

"It is something they will enjoy, and gives them the chance to make new friends.

"Once you get into the sport, it gives you a real buzz."

High-energy sports such as kickboxing, which combines elements of karate, tae kwon do and boxing, are an excellent way to burn off excess calories.

Stuart said: "It involves a lot of kicking and punching, which gets rid of the calories.

"The fitter you become, the more efficiently your metabolism will get rid of fat.

"It's also a great way to release stress.

"If kids have had a bad day at school, and have been called names, they can take out their anger here in a controlled way."

The KKO students will not be able to move on to their next belt until they have reached a personal weight loss goal.

They will be aiming to lose at least 10lbs every three months, when they will also be graded for their next belt.

The children will be encouraged to eat a sensible diet, with fresh vegetables and fruit, and to cut back on fatty foods, such as burgers and pizzas.

But Stuart is keen to stress that he is not encouraging them to diet.

He said: "I don't believe anyone under 16 should be on a diet unless their doctor has advised it.

"Even if the youngsters don't change their diet, they will find that kickboxing will make a difference.

"But to make a real difference they have to eat healthily."

Earlier this year, Government figures revealed that Wiltshire has the highest obesity rate in the South West.

The figures show that around 39.7 per cent of the population is clinically overweight, compared to the national average of 37.6 per cent.

Doctors say that it is important to make youngsters aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.

Earlier this month concern over obesity in children led to the Institute of Cancer Research to call for schools to weigh pupils annually, and to send parents a so-called fat report.

In February, the Evening Advertiser reported on how the mother of 12-year-old Joy Wilson, who weighs 25 stone, is struggling to help her lose weight.

Evening Advertiser health expert, Dr Peter Swinyard, said: "Children nowadays are more interested in pressing buttons on PlayStation consoles than kicking footballs around.

"I think kickboxing is an excellent way to control weight problems. It is good, vigorous exercise."

Stuart currently teaches kickboxing to 19 children on his regular course.

How you can join classes for free

Stuart Lambert has 10 places on his new Kids Kick Obesity classes to give away free.

He is also giving away a further 15 places for half the normal price of £30 a month for up to three years.

The places are for children between 10 and 18 years old with weight problems who, for whatever reason, are unable to afford to pay for lessons.

To apply for a place, parents need to write a testimonial outlining why their child deserves one.

A photograph should also be included. Stuart will pick the winning entries out of a hat.

KKO sessions will be held four times a week, and the minimum attendance is two sessions.

Entries should be sent to Kids Kick Obesity, c/o the Newsdesk, Evening Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BE.

They will be passed on to Stuart.

For further details about the KKO course contact Stuart on 07986 454622.

Kickboxing sprang up in America in the 1970s when karate experts became frustrated with the strict controls on martial arts contests. They introduced new moves, allowing full body contact kicks and punches.

Novices progress through 10 stages, starting with a white belt, or kup, which signifies innocence, and ending with a black belt, which means maturity, and indicates that the student is impervious to darkness and fear.

It takes around three-and-a half-years to become a black belt, after which students progress through a series of Dans.