Martial arts helping tackle anxiety, says coach

Mark Bishop said martial arts was a source of comfort to some students

A martial arts teacher has said wellbeing is becoming a bigger part of the sport.

Mark Bishop, who owns New Wave Martial Arts in Plymouth and Liskeard, said he had noticed a rise in anxiety among adults and children since the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said the sport was becoming a "source of comfort" to help people become stronger willed.

Mr Bishop is raising money for BBC Children in Need through a "spar-a-thon" event in Plymouth between 17:00 and 20:00 GMT on Friday.

He said those aged four and up were invited to take part in sparring, with about £10,000-£15,000 raised for charity through previous spar-a-thons.

"We've been involved with it for a while," he said.

"It teaches the children to be charitable.

"They might have not done anything for anybody else or for a cause yet, so it's a good life lesson."

Mr Bishop said the sport offered children a break from devices and other distractions.

"I think parents sometimes might be giving their children devices to occupy them to get a bit of peace and quiet and then they can't get them off it," he said.

"I think governing the time they have on them and getting them a bit more physical is good for them."