Integrity Martial Arts

rising
stars

At IMA Rising Stars, our approach to teaching children kickboxing goes far beyond punches and kicks — it's about empowering young minds and bodies for life.

We believe in building strong, confident, and resilient kids through a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment. Kickboxing is the tool we use, but the real impact lies in what it teaches outside the class, teamwork, discipline, self-belief, and perseverance.

Rising Stars News

20/07/2026

By Amanda Farran

Dear Parents and Carers, As we come to the end of another fantastic term, I just wanted to say what an incredible few months we've had! It's been a busy and exciting term filled with so many memorable experiences. Our students have worked incredibly hard. Many of our students took their public grading in June, […]

All Rising Stars News

Through dynamic and engaging classes, children develop:

Coordination and balance

building motor skills that benefit all areas of life

Physical fitness

improving strength, stamina, and overall health in a way that feels like play

Confidence

learning to push past self-doubt, celebrate small wins, and take pride in effort and progress

Resilience

understanding how to face challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and keep moving forward

Teamwork

recognizing the value of support, respect, and shared growth in a community of peers

Fun and joy

because when children enjoy the journey, they build a lifelong love for movement and self-improvement

We believe in building strong, confident, and resilient kids through a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment. Kickboxing is the tool we use, but the real impact lies in what it teaches outside the class, teamwork, discipline, self-belief, and perseverance.

meet the team

Jamie

First-degree black belt

Emergency First Aid - Level 3
UK Coaching - Safeguarding & Protecting Children
Enhanced DBS

Jamie is a first-degree black belt who brings a fun, inclusive, and adaptable teaching style to every class. With a focus on both kickboxing skills and personal growth, Jamie tailors lessons to meet the needs of each student, especially children and those with additional needs. A proud parent of three children aged 22, 14, and 8, who all love kickboxing, and are on their own kickboxing journeys. Jamie understands the value of fitness, confidence, and fun in every stage of life. Kickboxing with Jamie is about enjoying the journey while building strength and self-belief.

Click here to see Jamie's BMABA Martial Arts Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Award.

Sophie

Second-degree black belt

NSPCC - Child Protection in Sport & physical activity
Paediatric First Aid
Enhanced DBS

Sophie was inspired by her older brother to give martial arts a try. Her journey started in 2015, and Sophie has been training at Integrity Martial Arts ever since. She is now a second degree black belt, and an instructor for IMA Rising Stars. Sophie enjoys working with children, and inspiring the future generation. In her spare time she loves going to gigs, playing music and trying to learn the bass guitar. Sophie says, "Being a kickboxing instructor was a big dream of mine when growing up, and now I can proudly say I am party of an amazing team doing what I love".

Amanda

Fifth-degree black belt

BMABA - Safeguarding
in Martial Arts
Paediatric First Aid
Enhanced DBS

Safeguarding Lead - Integrity Martial Arts

Amanda is a fifth degree black belt, having trained with Integrity Martial Arts for over 15 years! She previously worked for Samurai Kickboxing as Dorset Area Manager, before buying the business from the owner, and rebranding it to IMA Rising Stars. She is passionate about teaching kickboxing to children, focusing not only on physical fitness, but also on instilling confidence in her students. alongside core values such as respect, integrity, and teamwork. Outside of work, Amanda has three children, a grandson and a dog called Wilson. She enjoys meeting up with her friends, and spending time with family.

Camps

Our action packed camps are for beginners and seasoned kickboxers. The children take part in engaging activities, learn techniques, have fun and make new friends!

(for regular classes see below)

SUMMER KICKBOXING CAMP

Monday 27th July – Friday 7th August

We’re excited to announce our Summer Kickboxing Camp. This is a fantastic opportunity for children to stay active, build confidence, make new friends and get in some great kickboxing practice.

We are also pleased to offer funded places through the Schools Out program, but please note that spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email me to request a HAF space.

Location: Sunninghill Prep School, Dorchester, DT1 1EB

Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm

Open to: Children aged between 5 -12 years old

Hot Lunch Available

If you have any questions please email - info@imarisingstars.com

EVENTS

Sunday October 4th

Integrity/ Rising Stars Tournament - Charlton Marshall Village Hall

Saturday 14th November

EMAP Tournament - Thornbury Leisure Centre

School Classes

For children who attend the school only

Mini Stars - Nursery
Little Stars - Reception - Yr.2
Rising Stars - Yr. 3 up

MONDAY

12.45pm - 1.15pm

Winterbourne Valley First School (Little & Rising Stars)

3.15pm - 4.15pm

St Mary's Catholic First School (Little & Rising Stars)

3.15pm - 4.15pm

Upton Junior School (Little & Rising Stars)

4.45pm - 6.00pm

The Prince of Wales School (Elite - invitation only)

5.00pm - 6.00pm

Manor Park First School (Elite - invitation only)

TUESDAY

7.50am - 8.20am

Sunninghill Preparatory School (Little Stars)

10.30am -11.00am

The Prince of Wales Pre-School (Mini Stars)

2.45pm - 3.45pm

Greenford CE VE Primary School - (Little & Rising Stars)

3.15pm - 4.15pm

Hillbourne Primary School - (Little & Rising Stars)

3.30pm - 4.30pm

St Mary's Middle School - (Rising Stars)

4.30pm - 5.30pm

Leweston Senior School - (IMA Kickboxers)

WEDNESDAY

3.05pm - 4.05pm

Courthill Infant School - (Little Stars)

3.25pm - 4.25pm

Bincombe Valley Primary School - (Little & Rising Stars)

THURSDAY

4.45pm - 6.00pm

Broadstone Memorial Hall - (Little & Rising Stars)

FRIDAY

8.10am - 8.40am

The Prince of Wales - (Little Stars)

12.45pm - 1.15pm

Leweston Junior Prep School - (Little Stars)

3.15pm - 4.15pm

Talbot Primary School - (Little & Rising Stars)

Public Classes

TUESDAY

4.45pm - 5.45pm

Puddletown Gym - (Little & Rising Stars)

WEDNESDAY

5.30pm - 6.30pm

Piddlehinton Village Hall - (Little & Rising Stars)

THURSDAY

4.15pm - 5.15pm

Talbot View Community Centre, Poole - (Little & Rising Stars)

SATURDAY

8.45am - 9.45am

Broadmayne First School - (Little Stars)

9.45am - 10.45am

Broadmayne First School - (Rising Stars)

SUNDAY

9.30am - 10.30am

The D'Urbeville Centre, Wool - (Little & Rising Stars )

Grading

How Grading Works

Grading is an exciting part of learning martial arts. It gives children a chance to show the skills they have been practising in class and celebrate their progress.

At the end of each term, children may be invited to take part in a grading if their instructor feels they are ready. During the grading, they demonstrate techniques they have learned, such as combinations, pad work and other skills appropriate to their level.

If they pass the grading, they will receive a new belt and a certificate to recognise their hard work and improvement. Moving up a belt is a great achievement and shows dedication, effort, and progress.

White, red and yellow belt gradings take part in your child's class. Orange belts and above attend a public grading with Integrity students.

However, grading is not compulsory. Some children may choose not to grade at the end of the term, or the instructor may suggest waiting a little longer so they can build more confidence. Even if a child does not grade, they will continue learning new skills, techniques, and drills in class and will still make great progress.

The most important thing is enjoying training, building confidence, and improving step by step. Grading is simply one way to recognise that journey

Belt Colours

White - Red - Yellow - Orange - Green - Purple - Blue - Brown - Brown/white stripe - Brown/black stripe - Black

TESTIMONIALS

"My son started with Rising Stars Kickboxing at Upton Junior School with Sophie and he absolutely loves it! Since joining the class, I’ve noticed such a positive change in my son Michael. His confidence has grown so much and his behaviour has really improved too.
I also had the chance to sit in on one of Sophie’s classes and I was incredibly impressed. Her teaching is fantastic—she’s engaging, encouraging and manages the class brilliantly while making it fun for all the children.
It’s clear how much effort and passion Sophie puts into what she does, and the impact it’s having on the kids is amazing to see. Thank you so much Sophie for the brilliant work you’re doing. Please keep teaching at Upton Junior School—it’s making such a positive difference!"

Parent about Sophie

"Amanda’s sessions through IMA Rising Stars are a real highlight for our pupils. Her classes are not only active and engaging but also inclusive and underpinned by strong values that align beautifully with our school ethos. Amanda creates an environment where every child feels valued, motivated and inspired to shine. I would highly recommend IMA Rising Stars to any school looking to enhance their provision with high-quality, values-driven physical activity sessions."

Mr Gary Spracklen

Headteacher - The Prince of Wales School

"Amanda, the founder of IMA Rising Stars, has been teaching kickboxing at Sunninghill for 5 years and has been absolutely incredible. Her sessions are not only high-energy and fun, but also deeply supportive. The children love attending her classes, and they respond exceptionally well to her positive, structured approach. We've seen fantastic progress—not only in their physical fitness and kickboxing skills, but also in their confidence, social development, and emotional resilience. Amanda creates an environment where every child feels encouraged and empowered. I thoroughly recommend IMA Rising Stars to anyone looking for a programme that supports the whole child—physically, socially, and emotionally."

David Newberry

Head - Sunninghill Prep School

"Amanda has come into our school to lead kickboxing sessions for our primary-aged children, and the impact she has made has been incredible. Amanda brings a unique blend of energy, empathy, and expertise. She creates a nurturing and respectful environment where every child feels seen and supported. Her ability to connect with even the most nervous or shy children is remarkable—gently encouraging them to participate, build confidence, and discover their own strength. There have been some real success stories with some of our quietest and most reserved children. She is sensitive and skillful in working with disadvantaged children. She meets each child where they are, offering not just fitness training, but a sense of belonging and achievement. Her sessions are a perfect balance of fun, fitness, and discipline, and the children look forward to them each week with great enthusiasm. We are grateful for the positive influence [Amanda has had on our pupils. She is a true role model and an important part of our extended school community."

Leif Pallister

Headteacher - Bincombe Valley Primary School

"Two of my daughters attend IMA Rising Stars Kickboxing sessions and I can’t recommend it highly enough. They absolutely love going each week. Not only have they developed fantastic new skills, but their confidence has grown hugely and they’ve made some wonderful new friends along the way. The instructors, Jamie and Amanda are outstanding. They bring a brilliant balance of experience, kindness and high expectations to every class, always getting the very best out of the children they teach. What really stands out is how they manage to keep the sessions both disciplined and fun — the children are motivated, focused and having a great time all at once. It’s been a brilliant experience for my girls and I’m so grateful for the positive impact it’s had on them. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend IMA Stars Kickboxing to any family looking for a fantastic, confidence-boosting activity for their children."

Emma Sleightholme

Head of Junior Prep - Sunninghill Prep School