Netmums.....

January 2012 Jo says:
My 7 year old son had been attending for over a year and I have seen his confidence grow over this time. He enjoys the team game elements of the session as well as learning break falls and kicks etc. Julie builds a great rapport with the children and class sizes are just right so each child gets the attention they need. Would recommend for boys and girls.

January 2012 Neena says:
Great class for shy children. Small groups, lots of patience and understanding and very experienced teacher. Pay as you go @ only £4 a session.

October 2011 Debbie says:
My 7 year old son attends classes twice a week ('cos he loves it so much). We can already see his confidence blossoming and he loves that he is working hard to better himself. There is a motto that "You can be your own hero"... which we think is great... there is enough competition between children out there already. He recently had his 7th birthday party there (yes they do parties too!) ... a ninja party with a kung fu panda theme. It was great, he was centre of attention and all his friends really enjoyed themselves. All the parents were really looked after, with food and coffee provided. Thankyou Julie (the very special lady who runs it) x

October 2011 Carol says:
Little Ninjas if a fantastic class for chidren. its a cross between martial arts, exercise and lots of fun. chidren learn quickly the rules of the dojo, and high standards are expected. The magic is: that the classes run on SELF discipline and SELF respect and it really does work. My boy aged 6 and girl aged 4 have attended classes for 16 sessions now, after 10 they got a free tshirt, with the little ninja logo, as a reward for hard work and commitment. Now they are well on thier way to joining a class that will take them futrther in their training. I have seen positive results due through both of them attending,: better concentration, better manners and more respect for each other and their parents too.! Homework is also much easier as they want to be.."the best that they can be" the ninja mantra. Highly recomended. One very pleased mummy. C.x

September 2011 maria says:
I have to say that I taken my kids to lots of classes and they have soon got bored and I have felt that the teachers have not really put much effort into their work.. however, Julie and her team certainly do work very hard. The lsssons are well prepared and the team know what they are doing, the children are ALWAYS involved (no waiting for ages for thier turn) and interested and exited. there is disciplin of course but its different, the children have a choice and are not shouted at or anything but they really really want to do thier best.. its like magic. My children and their freinds look forward to Ninja day and I have seen a great improvement in thier behaviour. I highly recommend this class but be quick, the classes only grow to 10 chidren maximum.

September 2011 Sandra says:
My boy Ben has been going to Julie since 2006 when she started little ninjas. He is now in the Hattori class studying a formal and traditional Japenese Martial Art. Julie seems to have the mix right, when children first go to classes such as these, they just want fun and some disciplin and to feel that they have freinds and belong. When the child is ready Julie moves them to a more disciplined class which is more challenging but still fun. I am proud to say that my son has developed his responsibility to himself and to others and his concentration at school is improved. Ben used to have temper tantrums and want things his own way but Julie coaxed him to understand that he was one of many and sometimes it wasnt his turn to have it his way. Now Ben is 5th Kyu and heading towards black belt with a quiet confidence that he and the other students share. I highly recomend Julie, little ninjas and Hattori class.

August 2011 rosie says:
She has sooo much patience!! monday. 4pm. Little ninjas with little brother or sister to play too. Mums may get involved. It's a lovely close time for you and your children. Julie guides you through some simple games and activities to do with your children so you have your youngest while she coaches the older child. When I first went I thought that my children were naughty and were just running around and not listening but Julie reassured me that the most important thing was that they enjoyed themselves and joined in. They were soon waiting their turn, helping each other and getting into attention stance, which is a kind of kneeling to show that they were listening. I have been back twice since and can highly recommend her class.

August 2011 Layla says:
This is a great class to start your young child. My 2 boys have attended little ninjas for 5 weeks. I cant believe how their confidence has grown. The teacher Julie is understanding and treats each child on their own merits and needs and always has time for parents concerns or questions. If upu have a shy child or one that could do with some sharing/social skills then this is the class for you. Also Julie does lots of different martial arts skills and can refer your child to another class if they show a special interest in say kick boxing etc.

July 2011 Charlotte says:
I totally agree with Juliet, fantastic play and helps kids to share, be brave,, consider others and generally play fairly. for older kids it helps them with responsibility and social skills, along with some good common sence martial arts/self defence. They also have classes at the Zone. Classes are pay as you go so if you are on holiday or kids are ill you are not paying through the nose for nothing.

July 2011 Juliet says:
My daughter has attended little ninjas for over 3 years now, she started off at the saturday morning class then when it moved to the friday teatime she joined the hattori class, which is for kids who want to grade. I like the way that the kids and mums have choice to stay with little ninjas if they want to, Julie does a sticker book for good behaviour and once the kiddies have been 10 times they get a free tshirt to wear, the kids like this as they feel that they have earned the right ot wear them cos they cant be bought anywhere. My daughter now 9, has come on leaps and bounds in confidence and has made some super friends too. I have to say that she still is exited to go to the little ninjas sesssions and now her brother is old enough so he had his first night tonight and thouroughly enjoyed himself. if you want a class which is fun and the kids get a lot out of it then this is the class to chose.

................................................................................................................................................................................................................................



"Hi Julie, I would like to say something nice about you.
I would like to say that i think that you are a wonderful martial arts teacher; you are always there to encourage the children and adults. You always have a kind word for everyone and you know how to bring the best out in people. You are a fantastic role model to both adults and children, you are extremely dedicated and experienced, and absolutely brilliant at your job."
Tanya Bennet
(Mother of two students and student on ladies self defence class)

"Julie Poulter is an excellent teacher who has earned the children's respect and affection through a mixture of kindness and no nonsense leadership. She is always ready with words of encouragement, hints, tips and information and where necessary gentle constructive criticism. She has also managed to make my daughter focus on tasks where she has had in the past a tendency to let her mind wander. Her frank and honest approach is greatly appreciated by the parents and is very quick to set the parents of new students at ease. She keeps the class in order but her cheerful outlook stops the children thinking she is scary.
As one of her adult students I can say that her sense of humour and bubbly personality have put me at my ease and made situations where I have tended to lack confidence much, much easier. She has been as patient with me as she is with the little ones and has encouraged me to try new things and made the self defence class a lot of fun as well as incredibly informative."
Lynn Kinsey
(Mother of student and student on ladies self defence class)

The Zone
“My son has been attending Little Ninjas for just over a year now and in this time, he has become a more mature and confident boy. Julie has managed to get the perfect balance between fun and discipline into each class and Luke can't wait to go to his class each week. Before he joined Little Ninjas, I was concerned that teaching young children martial arts might encourage playground fighting. However, like his Ninja friends, Luke knows when and where he may use his new skills. I would have no hesitation in recommending Little Ninjas and more specifically, Julie, to anyone with children in this age group.”
Sue Nixon, parent.

"My son started the ninja classes out of curiosity as his younger sister wanted to try it. James watched a class and saw how much fun it was, joined in the next lesson and has been coming ever since. Julie and her team are very welcoming and the level of discipline taught is exactly at the right level. James really looks forward to coming every week and now he is attending the grading classes he is excited at the thought of getting his different belts. He has made lots of new friends and ninja moves too. As his mum I have seen James's self confidence and his enthusiasm grow even more, and I am just waiting for the point that he can teach me some of his moves too!”
Lorretta Cutler, parent.

“The Little Ninja sessions cater for all ages and the leaders have a fantastic ability to involve all the children, they give encouragement often and this gives the children confidence and self belief. Little Ninjas has built up Hamzah’s confidence and teambuilding skills. When he first joined he was extremely shy and very clingy but now he is independent, confident and not afraid to take instruction. The sessions are well structured and the games are enjoyed by the children. Thank you Julie and Will for all your efforts.”
Ghazela Ali Ahiqad, parent

“Little Ninjas have a great variety of activities which are very inclusive and are great fun. Julie and Will teach solid foundation skills that are applicable to all sports. The Little Ninja team are excellent in teaching children teamwork, discipline, confidence and the spirit of fair play. My sons Jai and Raj thoroughly enjoy the sessions.”
Kavita Singh, parent.

“The Little Ninja sessions are always well prepared and very constructive, the instructions are always clear and understandable and my son knows what he needs to do, if a child does not understand the instruction is explained again. Julie and Will show the children how to use the equipment to check that they know how to use it correctly and if anyone is being silly they are taken out of the activity for a short while. The games and activities are adapted to suit the children so if a child is struggling they will find something else to do. Julie is very fair and very kind to the children and they all seem happy. Plenty of encouragement is given throughout the session and certificates are awarded for hard work, attitude and motivation. When my son started coming to Little Ninjas he could not do a roly-poly; now he can and he is much fitter. He enjoys the sessions and he looks forward to coming every week.”
Sue O’Mahoney, parent.

“Reece has been attending Little Ninjas now for 6 months and during that time has enjoyed coming greatly; Saturdays don’t come around quickly enough. Julie is very clear, warm and encouraging, talking to the children in an informative and encouraging manner ensuring that each child has their turn doing each activity and also ensuing they all get to go first. She explains each activity and how it relates to ninjas in their own environment.
The encouragement each child gets is excellent; Reece has grown in confidence every time he comes. Julie actively joins in with the children; each child seems to take a lot from this. Julie also has a helper William, who the children also like, he helps with encouragement and instruction and if the group is very large it is split into 2 small groups for better learning opportunities.
We have seen a big change in Reece as he has grown in confidence and his concentration levels have improved. This is all from the very level and friendly manner Julie runs the sessions, they are always very well organised.
These are brilliant classes to attend; they show each child how to be disciplined and have restraint and also how to defend themselves properly without getting hurt or hurting others.
Each child seems to be buzzing with excitement and eager to tell parents how well they did and how much they enjoyed the session.”
Claire Jackson, Parent.

“Ben Robinson has been going to “Little Ninjas” for over 12 months now, and has just started attending a formal graded class. He has loved every lesson.
During that time, Julie has really enthused the children in every class; making exercise fun and enjoyable and at the same time teaching children about discipline and respect. She has a natural talent and the children love the mix of games, activities and learning. She has a great way of teaching- such as getting children to jump over moving wooden swords, wrestling the ferocious green toy crocodile, and making “scary” sounds when getting the children to defend themselves from attack.
The warm up exercises that she does really get the children in the mood for the lesson e.g., her “getting ready for school” game and Neptune’s challenge.
Julie is great at keeping the children’s attention, (using the “attention stance”-which strait away gets them to concentrate). At the same time she is firm when necessary and always makes sure that everyone has heard and understood the activity being explained. If there is any poor behaviour, she is very good at giving the children a brief time-out (and perhaps 5 press ups for good measure) to get them back working in the group again. The use of small breakout groups, doing different activities, also works very well, and allows close supervision and coaching of the children.
She is very motivational, and the “Ninja of the week” award is a really good way of making children try harder.
Julie puts tremendous effort with very child an in every class – using a variety of equipment and props which the children love – they clearly find it very exciting.
Ben has learned a lot from his time with Julie and I am delighted at the way Julie has been teaching him."
Ian Robinson, Parent. 5th November

“George loves coming to “Ninjas” – the sessions are always well led and all the children are included. The atmosphere is fun and enjoyable and the range of equipment and activities is brilliant, every session is different but they are always building skills. The activities really appeal to the children’s sense of fun and play as well as being useful skills for them to learn in developing co-ordination, co-operation, and stamina etc. The sessions are sensitively led; and working with new people in a great atmosphere has helped in building confidence and team work.
I can’t recommend Ninjas highly enough!!
It’s been great and we look forward to learning more!!
It would be great if it was part of the National Curriculum!!
George has really enjoyed learning about Japanese history and traditions and the whole idea of the Ninja culture. He can now count to 10 in Japanese!"
Kay Douglas, Parent.

Fitness First
“Kaiden has been coming to Ninjas since September, 2009. His cousin and friends come too and he loves it!
We have tried taking Kaiden to other clubs but he never joined in and was really shy. Here at “Little Ninjas, he always joins in and it has made him much more confident. I would highly recommend other parents to bring their children along.”
Kerri, Parent.

“Becky has only been coming for a short while but the sessions appear to be well planned and Julie appears to “have lots up her sleeve”. She gives good demonstrations and is easily heard, using a gentle but firm voice. She is available to correct and its lovely to see her and Kelly fully involved. The games and activities are adapted to suit the children and more help is given discreetly to those needing it. The explanations are clear and if there was team work the abilities are mixed to ensure fairness. Both Julie and Kelly are enthusiastic role models; Becky is easy in their presence so that’s a very good sign.
The children’s attention was kept for a full hour so the children must enjoy the sessions and Becky was definitely exited about coming back.”
Emma O’Conner Parent 2nd November 2009

Caged Steel
I took my children out of another martial art place because there was no organisation of discipline. The naughty children were allowed to run riot while the others were ignored.
When I brought my children to Julie’s class at caged steel I realised that this (her way of teaching) is what I wanted from the beginning. The lesson was fantastic and enjoyed by all. The lesson was planned ahead and well prepared and the explanations were easily understood and clear. Julie is an enthusiastic role model and gave good demonstrations and encouragement to the class.
Julie; you have shown me that my kids can be disciplined and have fun at the same time. You have fulfilled all my expectations and more. My children will be definitely coming back."
Kellie Quinn
(Mother of three students)

“Julie’s Jujutsu sessions for kids are fantastic. We travel quite a distance to bring our daughter to the lessons, even though there are similar programmes locally. This is due to the innovative way Julie organises the sessions. She has a strong understanding of how children learn, and her vast experience of working with kids is clearly evident. In the space of 1-2 hours, the children learn about teamwork, fitness, self defence and confidence building. All this is delivered in a fun, activity focussed way. The children love taking part in fun team games without realising they are actually learning Jujutsu!
Interspersed with the games and activities are focus pad work and partnered work. Julie takes great care to ensure all the kids get the right support and one to one tutorship.
My daughter absolutely loves coming to jujutsu and her self confidence has soared since starting. I would highly recommend any parent to bring their children to these exciting and highly motivational lessons.”
Linzi Davies, parent.

“Julie encourages all the children to do their best in her class. She listens to them and they all listen to her. There is a lot of respect shown to each other. Julie always shows the children what to do beforehand and many more times to ensure all the kids understand. The explanations are clear and precise and there are no long pauses between activities.
All the children look as if they have thoroughly enjoyed Julie’s classes and don’t realise how much they have learned. Julie’s classes are based on fun!"
Jo Sykes, parent

“My son Mason really enjoys coming to the sessions and he has come on leaps and bound since coming. He enjoys every part of learning Jujutsu and he says the sessions are exciting and fun to do.”
Anita, parent

“Julie is always fair but firm if chastising anyone, but I rarely see bad misbehaviour from the kids in Julie’s class. Encouragement is given often and I often hear “well done” of something similar. All the children seem to enjoy very activity throughout the class and certainly my son Is shattered after every class, but always smiling. Coming to jujutsu classes has been brilliant for my son as he is now fitter and has learnt lots of new thing, including his attitude to losing sometimes... Before the classes he was a very bad loser and we no longer have tantrums if he loses."
Terri Davison, Parent 4th November 2009-11-09

“I have known Julie Poulter from where we used to train in Dewsbury for over 2 years where she trained children, young adults and more recently adult classes.
As a trainer, Julie is friendly and approachable. She is very enthusiastic and supportive to new members. Her classes are fun, but there is a solid foundation to the techniques she demonstrates and tries to ensure everyone understands the basic and more advanced principles in the classes.
Safety is a strong theme within training. Julie, as a member of the training team at the Dojo takes this responsibility seriously. She ensures that warm up and warm down drills are taken by the class, and through careful observation, ensures that the techniques are correctly, effectively and safely demonstrated and taught.
Julie also demonstrates initiative. She observed that there was a “captive audience” of mothers sat watching her “kiddies class”. She designed, publicised and promoted a 12 week “woman’s self defence” class for the mothers and received a lot of good feedback from the dojo owner and the class. I would recommend Julie to any prospective employer who wants an enthusiastic, hard working and genuinely friendly addition to their team."
Guy Wicks, parent

“I have known Julie for almost 2 years through my sons attendance where we used to train. Julie is a key member of the training team looking after, from my experience, the Little Ninjas (ages 5 to 9) and the Juniors (up to age 16).
Julie is a great trainer because she knows the subject very well, can explain the how and why of a particular move or activity. However most importantly for me Julie ensures that the class is not stopped by disruptive influences. She sets clear boundaries and sticks to them; this generally has the effect of delivering an inclusive organised class.
A significant portion of the class is devoted to fitness and flexibility; the training team deliver a diverse set of fun and well thought out tasks during this period. It is clear that there is a good understanding of fitness and to see so many children enjoying, what is at times quite demanding exercise, is great.
With regard to her engagement with adults Julie offers a helpful understanding of where your child is, areas that they are doing well in and things you can help with. It is clear that Julie tracks their progress noticing significant change and providing assurances. Julie will often give you feedback whilst your child is present so they hear the praise.”
Paul Thomas, parent.

"I am a Police Constable, working full time at Newsome High School in Kirklees, and wanted someone, besides myself, who could give our students tips and knowledge on personal safety and self defence, whilst not encouraging violence towards others. Julie conducted five, one hour lessons throughout the school day, and was received well by our Year 8 students, who thoroughly enjoyed each class.
Julie’s programme was current to the dangers our young people face today, and her approach was enthusiastic, interesting and motivating.
“What would you do” scenarios were discussed and aimed at personal safety, and there were several techniques demonstrated by Julie, and then practised by the students, should a situation arise, that a young person had to defend themselves.
Julie has a good approach with young people, incorporating games, exercises and a quiz, all of which makes her teaching fun, interesting and thought provoking, on what is really, a serious subject.
I would recommend Julie to schools and colleges, as she has the skills and knowledge, (being an expert in her field), to accommodate all ages, and provide them with the tools they need, in order to take care of themselves.
I plan to introduce Julie to other Year groups over the coming year."
PC4963 Newsome
West Yorkshire Police.

"Julie has worked at Westborough high school for nearly 2 years running after school clubs and PSHCE lessons.
She runs self defence classes after school and anger management sessions during PSHCE. Julie has a wonderful manner with the young people, making them feel comfortable and at ease. Her classes are calm and structured and young people always leave feeling that they have learnt something new or that they feel better about themselves."
Gayna Goalby, activities co-ordinator, Westborough High School