A NEW martial arts academy is calling for support to carry out ‘a massive amount of work’ ahead of its big launch later this year.

The Master of Martial Arts Academy will be opening a new centre in Blackburn town centre in September and has launched a campaign to help improve facilities.

Organisers, Steve Nightingale and Phil Turner, who have years of experience in teaching children from across East Lancashire have formed a Community Interest Company for the new academy.

The academy currently has bases in Blackburn at St Bedes RC High School, Bank Top Community Centre and Holy Souls RC Church and at Norden High School in Rishton, which will be amalgamating into the new base.

It also has a base at St Oxford Street in Accrington.

They have also launched a crowdfunding campaign which will look to raise as much money as possible.

The new town centre venture will be based in former offices above that have been empty for years in King William Street.

Mr Nightingale said: “We are very excited about the prospect of launching this new centre in Blackburn.

“The town centre is definitely on the way up and this new location will make it easy for as many people as possible to reach us.

“However, the space has been empty for years and needs a massive amount of work and renovation to bring it up to standard and a safe place to learn.

Organisers are keen to get as many people involved with the project over the summer holidays ahead of the September launch.

Mr Nightingale said: “It isn’t just a hobby, it helps define the person you are and more importantly who you want to be.

“Learning self-defence improves fitness, builds character and develops self-respect and self-discipline, which all contribute to raising self-esteem”.

Children and families have already committed to supporting the campaign which begins on July 31 and runs for 4 weeks.

People are encouraged to discover the crowdfunding campaign from Monday 31st July at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/blackburn-academy-of-martial-arts.

They can also visit the new academy Facebook page on www.facebook.com/MastersOfMartialArtsBlackburn/