A martial arts academy in Reading is celebrating its third birthday.

STMA Academy, based in Scours Lane, has seen its membership grow to 260 since its inception in November 2020.

Owner Dan Eden said the steady rise in numbers is due to the academy's reputation as a safe, inclusive environment for personal growth and 'fighting excellence'.

(Image: STMA Academy)

Mr Eden said: "Our partnerships with schools are helping to keep kids on track and off the street.

"We are helping to boost confidence, improve physical and mental issues, and we are giving people more purpose in their lives – whether they are of school-age or in their fifties.

"That gives me an enormous sense of pride."

The academy has also contributed to raising more than £100k for Cancer Research and other charities through Ultra White-Collar Boxing and MMA charity fundraising shows.

It has also sponsored refugees with free boxing lessons.

The academy has recently excelled in Muay Thai, with members winning medals at the Muay Thai GB Championships.

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In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, members have won gold and bronze medals at a recent tournament.

The Scours Lane Boxing Academy has produced 20 amateur-carded boxers, including rising stars Cody-Cooper Jones and Shoib Toofan.

The academy now has its first professional boxers fighting from the gym under the guidance of newly qualified professional coach Tommy Johnson.