A three-time British Karate champion is teaching free martial arts lessons in Ipswich in a bid to reduce violent crime in the town.
Ritchie McMillan, 30, a former Royal Marines martial arts instructor, decided to set up the free lessons following the incident in Pauline Street on Monday where a teenager suffered ten stab wounds.
“The Way Out” Karate Project hopes share knowledge and discipline of the martial art, which means ‘empty hand’, while keeping the young people busy, active and enjoying a new activity.
“The message is quite clear,” said Mr McMillan, “It’s a way out”
“I think after the latest incident this project is needed even more.
“All the lessons are 100% free, no one has to pay a penny.”
Mr McMillan is hosting the free karate sessions at the War Memorial in Christchurch Park every evening, including weekends, from 6pm to 7pm starting from Sunday, July 1.
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