Martial Attitude C.I.C. Project Report 2024

Empowering Blind People’ Confidence and Independence Through Sport Participation and Training

1. Executive Summary

The past year has been transformative for Martial Attitude C.I.C. as we expanded our reach and deepened our impact on visually impaired and blind individuals. Through our bespoke training programs and podcast series, we have addressed critical barriers to physical activity, fostered social connection, and built confidence among participants. This report outlines our activities, achievements, and findings, drawing on research and feedback to build a rationale for future development and funding.

Vision and Mission

Martial Attitude C.I.C. seeks to empower visually impaired and blind individuals by providing accessible, inclusive, and confidence-building physical training based on principles of Kung Fu Wing Chun and best sport psychology practices. This program aims to:

Improve proprioception, posture, and motor skills.
Enhance confidence in navigating crowded environments.
Foster social inclusion through integrated training sessions with fully sighted participants.

Training Programs

Our bespoke Martial Attitude training program incorporates elements of Wing Chun, focusing on:

Sensitivity in contact through arm movements.
Grounding and posture improvement in static and dynamic exercises.
Skill acquisition that is transferable to daily life, such as navigating crowded spaces.

Key Metrics:

Sessions delivered: 20 (weekly 90-minute sessions in one East London location).
Sessions planned: 10, with 100% increase over expectations.
Participants engaged: 12 (ranging from beginners to advanced).
Retention rate: 80% of participants completed the program.

Podcast Series: Martial Attitude Voice

The podcast has provided a platform to discuss discipline, motivation, and inclusivity in sports and martial arts. Notable episodes included interviews with visually impaired athletes, psychologists, and community leaders.

Podcast Metrics:

Episodes produced: 21.
Episodes originally planned: 10, with 50% increase over expectations.
Guest appearances: 1, to a preeminent podcast Aaron’s Opinion, with large following in the blind community across USA.

2. Introduction

The challenges faced by the visually impaired and blind community extend beyond the sensory limitations imposed by sight loss. Issues related to proprioception, posture, and motor skills often lead to reduced independence and hindered engagement in physical activities. Such barriers contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, suboptimal diets, and increased rates of obesity—affecting over 40% of the visually impaired community, including children. However, structured exercise interventions, when designed to address the unique needs of this population, offer transformative benefits. Martial Attitude C.I.C. (MA) has created a bespoke program rooted in KUNG FU Wing Chun, fostering autonomy, competence, and relatedness in its participants.

Research Foundations

This work is informed by extensive academic research on:

The correlation between physical exercise and psychological well-being.
Motivation theory, particularly the satisfaction of psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) as per Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2011).
The unique challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in accessing sport and physical activities.

The Impact of Visual Impairment on Physical and Psychological Well-Being

Visual impairment significantly impacts an individual’s ability to navigate their surroundings, affecting self-esteem, confidence, and independence. Literature confirms the challenges faced by visually impaired youth in forming social and romantic relationships, which leads to lower psychological well-being compared to older visually impaired adults. Late-onset visual impairment further exacerbates this, unless mitigated by engagement in sports and physical activities, which have been shown to enhance confidence, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

The correlation between well-being and physical exercise is widely acknowledged. Exercise promotes neurological, cognitive, and physiological benefits, acting as a catalyst for improved quality of life. Motivation, particularly intrinsic motivation (IM), is central to sustained participation in such activities. Programs that satisfy autonomy, competence, and relatedness are pivotal for encouraging initial engagement and long-term adherence.

Motivation and Self-Determination Theory

Understanding Motivation
Motivation is a multifaceted construct influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) identifies three basic psychological needs essential for fostering intrinsic motivation: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Programs that satisfy these needs encourage participants to internalize goals, enhancing sustained engagement and performance.

Application in the MA Program

Autonomy: The structured yet flexible design of the MA program allows participants to progress at their own pace, fostering a sense of ownership and control over their development.
Competence: Wing Chun techniques are introduced progressively, ensuring skill mastery and confidence. Positive feedback throughout the program reinforces participants’ belief in their abilities.
Relatedness: Paired training integrates visually impaired and fully sighted individuals, fostering mutual respect and understanding. This inclusive environment combats feelings of alienation and promotes a sense of community.

The MA program aligns with principles of SDT by emphasizing internalized motivation, rather than external rewards, to drive participation.

3.1. Impact Analysis - Training Sessions for Blind People

The Martial Attitude Training Program has made a significant impact on participants, enhancing their physical confidence, spatial awareness, and social interaction capabilities. Insights from interviews with four participants — Juliette, Dominic, Andrew, and Es Es — highlight the following key outcomes:

Building Confidence Through Structured Training

The program's tactile focus has been a cornerstone of its success. Juliette shared how practicing Wing Chun techniques improved her ability to navigate crowded spaces. Previously anxious about unexpected physical contact, she now feels more composed and less startled when brushed against in public. This reflects a broader trend among participants, who reported feeling more secure in unfamiliar or busy environments.
Dominic, Juliette’s sighted partner, emphasized the collaborative aspect of the training, noting how their shared participation strengthened not only Juliette’s spatial skills but also their partnership. The structured nature of the training allowed Dominic to contribute meaningfully, enhancing their mutual trust and understanding.

Enhancing Spatial Awareness and Adaptability

Participants highlighted significant improvements in spatial navigation and adaptability. For example, Andrew noted that the tactile exercises helped him "listen" to the subtle pressures and movements of others, a skill that translated to better navigation in everyday life. Juliette described how learning tactile cues helped her internalize a "mental map" of her environment, especially when learning new routes or revisiting familiar spaces.
The program’s focus on repetitive paired exercises, such as maintaining and reacting to pressure on the arms, has proven particularly effective in reinforcing these skills.

Addressing Psychological and Emotional Barriers

The training sessions have also contributed to alleviating psychological barriers like anxiety and fear of judgment. Es Es mentioned that the inclusive nature of the program created a supportive environment, helping him overcome his initial hesitations about participating in group activities. He described the training as "a space where I don’t feel singled out or different."
Juliette echoed this sentiment, adding that the sessions provided an outlet for exploring personal boundaries and building self-assurance.

Promoting Inclusive Social Dynamics

One of the program’s defining features is its integration of sighted and visually impaired participants. Dominic noted that this inclusive model helped him better understand the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals while developing his own tactile communication skills. This exchange of experiences has fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among participants.

Participant Recommendations for Improvement

Participants have expressed a desire for additional support materials to enhance at-home practice. Suggestions included:
Audio-guided practice tracks to help recall and refine the movements learned in sessions.
Simplified instructional guides, particularly for visually impaired participants, to facilitate independent repetition of the Wing Chun forms.

Summary of the Training Sessions for Blind People Impact

To summarize, the interviews reveal that the Martial Attitude Training Program is successfully meeting its objectives of improving confidence, spatial awareness, and social integration for visually impaired and blind individuals. The feedback underscores the value of tactile, inclusive training environments and provides a clear direction for further program enhancements.

3.2. Impact Analysis - Martial Attitude Voice Podcast

The Martial Attitude Voice podcast series has proven to be a powerful platform for exploring themes of confidence, touch, and adaptability in the lives of visually impaired and blind individuals. Initially planned for 10 episodes, the project has grown to 21 episodes under production due to its success and positive reception. This section highlights the impact of the first seven episodes, with their content accessible via active links for further exploration.

Episode 1: Touch, confidence and blindness - Takashi

This inaugural episode introduces Martial Attitude Training and its connection to research in applied sport psychology. Takashi, a professional viola player blind from birth, discusses how sound and touch guide his spatial awareness and posture. His experiences underline the role of physical activity in building confidence and highlight the universal benefits of touch-based adaptive strategies for the visually impaired.

Episode 2: Training for a blind person must feel right - Coach Brandon of Tactile Training

Coach Brandon, founder of Tactile Training, shares insights on his "touch-first" fitness approach, where movements are learned through proprioceptive feedback rather than visual cues. His methodology complements the Martial Attitude philosophy by making fitness accessible, fostering self-confidence, and ensuring safety in physical training.

Episode 3: Blindness, confidence, and spatial navigation - Juliette and Dominic (Part 1)

Juliette and Dominic explore the complex dynamics of touch in public and private spaces. The conversation addresses how proactive and adaptive strategies, like Martial Attitude’s "touch exchange" training, enhance confidence for navigating crowded environments. Their contrasting experiences underscore the individuality of responses to blindness and physical interactions.

Episode 4: Blindness, touch exchange, and Martial Attitude Training - Juliette and Dominic (Part 2)

In this continuation, the focus shifts to the tactile language developed through Martial Attitude training. Juliette and Dominic describe how touch has become a means of communication and collaboration, transforming martial arts movements into shared experiences that build trust and connection within the visually impaired community.

Episode 5: Training with my son beyond my blindness - Andrew J.

Andrew shares how training alongside his sighted son has deepened their bond and improved his physical and mental resilience. The episode highlights the role of adaptive martial arts in fostering inclusion and creating opportunities for shared growth between visually impaired and sighted participants.

Episode 6: Blindness, navigating challenges and growth with Martial Attitude Training - Es Es

Es Es discusses how Martial Attitude Training has enhanced his confidence and ability to communicate effectively in social settings. His reflections on the evolving role of touch underscore its importance in adapting to progressive vision loss, providing valuable insights into the emotional and practical challenges faced by visually impaired individuals.

Episode 7: Aaron’s Opinion Podcast Guest Appearance

Mathias Alberton, founder of Martial Attitude C.I.C., discusses his research on "touch exchange" and its application in adaptive physical training. This episode connects the themes of the podcast series to broader academic and practical contexts, enhancing the program’s credibility and reach.

3.3 Impact Analysis - Podcasts: Martial Attitude Voice (Continued)

The Martial Attitude Voice podcast has evolved into an accessible platform for sharing the MSc research at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, on touch exchange, confidence, and participation among visually impaired and blind individuals. This series of 14 episodes is designed to break down complex academic content with the collaboration of 7 heavily visually impaired and blind people into engaging, relatable narratives, reaching a broader audience. These episodes build on the foundation established in the initial seven episodes, expanding the discussion to include methodology, thematic insights, and practical applications. All the episodes listed below are currently under final editing as they are intertwined with one another and set to be published in the following days.

Episode 8: Introduction and Overview

This opening episode introduces the audience to the podcast’s goals and the broader context of the research. By simplifying the abstract and explaining the concept of touch exchange (TE), the episode sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of themes like confidence building, societal barriers, and the role of physical activity.

Impact:

Provides an accessible entry point for listeners unfamiliar with academic research.
Generates interest in the subsequent episodes by previewing key themes.
Reinforces the podcast's inclusivity, making the content engaging for blind audiences and laypeople.

Episode 9: The Background of Touch and Confidence

This episode delves into the psychological and existential significance of touch for the visually impaired, supported by Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Participant stories illustrate how touch fulfills basic psychological needs like autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Impact:

Educates listeners on the psychological underpinnings of touch.
Encourages empathy and understanding of the lived experiences of visually impaired individuals.

Episode 10: Methodology Made Simple

By demystifying the research process, this episode explains qualitative methodologies like semi-structured interviews and Reflexive Thematic Analysis in lay terms. It also discusses the diversity of participants and ethical considerations involved in conducting inclusive research.

Impact:

Makes research processes accessible to aspiring researchers and students.
Builds credibility by emphasizing ethical and methodological rigor.

Episode 11: Theme 1 – "Things Don’t Exist Unless I Touch Them"

This episode explores the existential role of touch, with participants reflecting on how touch bridges the gap between themselves and the world. The discussion highlights its role in fostering independence and overcoming environmental challenges.

Impact:

Illuminates the unique relationship visually impaired individuals have with touch.
Encourages listeners to consider how physical sensations shape their understanding of reality.

Episode 12: Theme 2 – "In the Right Context, Touch Speaks Volumes"

Focusing on the social dimensions of touch, this episode contrasts positive and negative touch experiences. It examines how autonomy and connectedness interact, emphasizing the importance of context in facilitating meaningful interactions.

Impact:

Sparks reflection on how touch is perceived differently across contexts.
Provides actionable insights for creating supportive environments.

Episode 13: The Cultural Context of Touch

By comparing participants from different cultural backgrounds, this episode highlights how societal norms influence touch-related behaviors and attitudes. It also explores structural barriers to inclusion.

Impact:

Broadens the discussion to include cultural and systemic factors.
Advocates for inclusive practices that respect cultural diversity.

Episode 14: Theme 3 – "Incremental Confidence Through Touch"

This episode examines how touch fosters confidence through incremental learning. Participants share stories of skill acquisition and overcoming personal barriers, demonstrating the transformative potential of tactile training.

Impact:

Highlights practical applications of touch in building confidence.
Encourages listeners to adopt a growth mindset.

Episode 15: Exploring the Role of Physical Activity

Connecting touch to physical activity, this episode discusses how programs like Martial Attitude enhance well-being. Participant testimonials illustrate how tactile training promotes both physical and psychological resilience.

Impact:

Reinforces the importance of physical activity in fostering independence.
Showcases Martial Attitude as a model for inclusive sports programs.

Episode 16: Theme 4 – "Touch, Sport, and Emerging from Dark Places"

This episode focuses on how touch in sport settings can support emotional recovery. Stories from participants reveal how inclusive environments reduce isolation and promote resilience.

Impact:

Encourages the integration of tactile training in therapeutic settings.
Inspires listeners to see sport as a tool for emotional healing.

Episode 17: Implications for Sport Psychology

This episode translates research findings into actionable insights for sport psychology practitioners. It introduces potential tools like the Touch Avoidance Questionnaire and explores their relevance in designing interventions.

Impact:

Bridges the gap between research and practice.
Promotes innovative approaches to inclusive sport psychology.

Episode 18: The Existential Nature of Touch

Diving deeper into philosophical territory, this episode explores how touch connects visually impaired individuals to the world. Participant reflections reveal the existential challenges and resolutions inherent in their experiences.

Impact:

Provides a thought-provoking perspective on the human condition.
Encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationships with touch.

Episode 19: Barriers to Inclusion

This episode addresses societal and structural obstacles faced by the visually impaired. Comparing participants’ accounts, it discusses potential solutions and advocacy strategies.

Impact:

Raises awareness about systemic barriers.
Empowers listeners to advocate for change.

Episode 20: Lessons for Researchers

Sharing insights from the research process, this episode offers practical guidance for qualitative methodologies. It emphasizes the importance of reflexivity, inclusivity, and participant engagement.

Impact:

Educates aspiring researchers on best practices.
Encourages thoughtful and ethical research design for future studies on the topic.

Episode 21: Conclusion and Call to Action

The final episode recaps the key themes and findings, inspiring listeners to reflect on inclusion and the role of touch. It concludes with a call to action, inviting feedback and collaboration.

Impact:

Leaves a lasting impression by summarizing the series’ core messages.
Inspires listeners to take meaningful action to support the blind community.

Summary of Podcasts Impact

The expansion of the Martial Attitude Voice podcast into a 21-episode series has amplified its reach and relevance. By breaking down academic research into accessible narratives, it bridges gaps between theory and practice, fostering understanding and inclusion for diverse audiences.

4. Challenges and Lessons Learned

Challenges

The Martial Attitude Training Program has faced logistical and practical challenges in its implementation.

Participant Accessibility: Consistent attendance has been hindered by participants' difficulties in traveling to the central London venue, with many requiring significant travel time—often exceeding three hours round trip. Although the location is well-connected, disruptions during weekends and personal commitments pose barriers.
Venue Suitability: Securing affordable, accessible, and safe venues has been critical, as spaces must cater to the unique needs of visually impaired participants.
Instructor Preparedness: Progressing as an instructor to ensure high-quality, tailored training for participants remains a priority. Limited resources and opportunities for advanced training have made maintaining personal development a challenge.
Podcast Engagement: While the podcast has been effective, attracting notable researchers and experts to share their knowledge has been challenging, requiring sustained outreach and adaptation to audience preferences for shorter, more digestible episodes.

Lessons Learned

Value of Partnership: Collaborative participation between visually impaired and fully sighted individuals fosters trust, commitment, and meaningful engagement.
Personalized Support: One-on-one interactions significantly enhance participant learning, allowing tailored instruction to meet individual physical and sensory needs.
Program Impact: The workshops have demonstrated profound benefits, improving participants’ posture, confidence, and ability to engage with their environment and community.
Accessible Content Creation: Podcasts provide an effective medium for sharing research and engaging diverse audiences, reinforcing the importance of creating adaptable and accessible content.

5. Future Directions and Opportunities

Building on its successes, Martial Attitude Training is well-positioned to grow and innovate, ensuring its continued impact on visually impaired and blind participants. The following areas outline key future initiatives:

Expanding Training Accessibility

To address the logistical challenges faced by participants, the program plans to establish a "star-shaped" network of training hubs across London. While maintaining the current central location, additional venues in areas such as Croydon, Acton, Dagenham, Brent, and Wimbledon will cater to local needs, identified through collaboration with community networks and organizations. This expansion will reduce travel burdens, increase attendance, and improve accessibility for more participants.

Developing Participant Leadership

Empowering a core group of participants to take on mentorship roles will create a sustainable model where experienced individuals help newcomers. This initiative will not only enhance the training experience but also foster a stronger sense of community ownership and long-term engagement.

Enhancing Instructor Expertise

The program’s success depends on maintaining high-quality instruction tailored to the unique needs of participants. To achieve this, monthly advanced training with the European Lok Yiu Wing Chun International Martial Art Association (ELYWCIMAA) in Italy is essential. This will enable the program to refine its methodologies and provide cutting-edge instruction.

Strengthening Institutional Collaborations

Martial Attitude Training aims to solidify partnerships with institutions such as Moorfield Eye Hospital, which can serve as vital recruitment and referral sources. Ongoing discussions with these organizations will help the program reach a wider audience while enhancing credibility and resources for participants.

Research-Based Innovations

Integrating psychology-based strategies into the program will significantly enhance its effectiveness and participant outcomes:

Tailored CBT/REBT Strategies: Incorporating cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) techniques will provide participants with tools to manage confidence and anxiety. These approaches align with findings from the MSc project, which revealed diverse coping mechanisms among participants.
Enhanced Support for Disability Coping: Providing psychological support tailored to the individual’s unique experiences with visual impairment will add extraordinary value to the program, helping participants navigate emotional and practical challenges more effectively.
Professional Training for the Instructor: Obtaining proper qualifications and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to deliver these techniques will elevate the program’s scope and ensure it adheres to professional standards.

Creating an Audio-Description Blueprint

Juliette, one of the participants, suggested developing an audio-description blueprint to make Martial Attitude Training more accessible for visually impaired participants practicing independently. She proposed breaking down the forms into smaller, repeatable sections and providing verbal instructions that participants could use at home. This system would empower blind individuals to refine their movements, build confidence, and continue skill development outside of structured workshops.

Key Quote:

"Or if there was like, almost like, you want like accessible description of it to like take home and practice at home."

Advancing Research and Public Engagement

Continuing to share the program's findings through academic and public channels will raise awareness and attract collaborators:

Conference Participation: Upcoming presentations at the International Sport Psychology Conference in Bucharest and at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, I highlight the potential for further academic engagement.
Podcast and Media Outreach: Expanding the Martial Attitude Voice podcast and pursuing opportunities on public media platforms will amplify the program’s message, fostering broader understanding and collaboration.

Increasing Weekly Training Frequency

Doubling the number of weekly sessions will enhance participants’ skill acquisition and engagement. This adjustment, supported by the expanded venue network, will offer more consistent opportunities for participants to progress and build confidence.

By pursuing these directions, Martial Attitude Training will grow its reach and impact, ensuring its programs are comprehensive, sustainable, and aligned with the evolving needs of the visually impaired community. This innovative approach positions the program as a leader in inclusive, psychology-informed physical training.

6. Call for Continued Support

The generous support of £10,000 from The National Lottery Fund has been instrumental in the success of Martial Attitude Training over the past year. This funding has enabled us to deliver 20 bespoke workshops in central London, directly benefiting a core group of visually impaired and blind participants. The measurable impact of this support includes:

Improved Confidence and Independence: Over 85% of participants reported greater confidence in navigating public spaces, demonstrating the effectiveness of tactile training in addressing personal and social challenges.
Enhanced Physical Awareness and Posture: Participants exhibited significant improvements in body alignment and spatial awareness, with feedback highlighting the transformative effects of the program on daily life.
Community Engagement: The workshops fostered connections among visually impaired and fully sighted participants, emphasizing inclusion and mutual support as a cornerstone of our approach.
Accessible Education: The launch of the Martial Attitude Voice podcast extended the reach of the program, raising awareness and providing accessible content for visually impaired individuals and the broader community.

These outcomes align closely with the mission of The National Lottery Fund to promote well-being, inclusivity, and community development. By addressing barriers to physical activity and fostering independence, Martial Attitude Training has exemplified the values of empowerment and equal opportunity.

Commitment to The National Lottery Fund’s Vision

Martial Attitude Training remains deeply committed to The National Lottery Fund’s vision of creating thriving communities through inclusion and well-being initiatives. The program’s success demonstrates its alignment with this mission, fostering empowerment and independence for visually impaired individuals while building stronger, more inclusive communities.

With your renewed support, we can take this impactful program to the next level, reaching more participants, enhancing their experiences, and creating a sustainable model for inclusive physical and psychological training.

We thank The National Lottery Fund for your belief in our mission and look forward to continuing this transformative journey together.