Former Staples building transformed into training academy that’s changing young lives

A couple of older children pause to help the younger ones as they do a series of rolls across the matted floor of the former Staples building.

Coaches clad in martial arts clothes call out tips and encouragement as the training session progresses while parents chat on the sidelines.

Overseeing it all is Mario Saeed, who almost single-handedly transformed the once-derelict warehouse premises by the M32 in St Jude’s into an academy that is now home to Trojan Free Fighters, which specialises in Brazilian Ju-jitsu.

It was during the first lockdown that the professional fighter returned to his hometown from Thailand and started running training sessions for young people in the area, many of whom faced a lack of opportunities and had nowhere safe to go.

Mario, who grew up in St Jude’s, faced a similar lack of options himself as a young teenager before he met a man who would change his life forever and set him on a path that has enabled him to travel the world and reach the pinnacle of his career.

Mario Saeed started running training sessions for young people in the first lockdown  – photo: Ellie Pipe

Recognising many could not afford expensive training sessions, he coaches young people for less than £2 a session – less if they can’t afford that.

“When we opened, I wasn’t expecting to have more than ten kids and we had 100 people turn up,” Mario tells Bristol24/7.

Having recently secured and renovated the old Staples building, he now has more than 280 children and teenagers regularly coming through the doors.

“There were squatters in there and it was a really bad state so with the help of a few friends, we managed to turn it around and now it’s an amazing place,” he continues.

“I’m trying to give these kids opportunities and we make a huge difference because around this area, particularly in Easton, St Paul’s, Barton Hill and St Jude’s, there are few youth clubs, there’s not a lot going on.

“We are trying to get the kids off the street. There is a lot of of crime and I feel if I can save ten or 20 kids, I have done my job and martial arts does save people’s lives.

“Martial arts is not just learning how to look after yourself, it’s teaching people to be disciplined, respectful; when I teach the class even when they want to talk, they put their hands up and they listen and pay attention.”

Speaking about his own childhood, Mario says: “I was a young kid, a trouble-maker. I was lucky enough to meet a man, Barry Bartlett, who I now call my dad – he saved my life. I started boxing and wrestling and then took up Brazilian Ju Jitsu.

“Hopefully, I’m going to get some of these kids to be better than me and go all the way to the top. That’s my mission.”

Mario has funded the academy with his own money and put his career on temporary hold to get it off the ground but says making a difference in his community is what makes him truly happy.

It’s a family affair, with Mario’s wife, Georgia, busy serving coffees in the newly-opened café within the building and his young daughter preparing for her first training session. But Trojan is also a home from home for many of the families who attend sessions several times a week.

Rachel Johnstone, with daughters Annabel and Alicia at Trojan, says coming to Trojan has made a huge difference to their lives – photo: Ellie Pipe

“Our life would not be the same without Trojan, it’s a real community,” says Rachel Johnstone, whose eight-year-old daughter, Annabel started training at Trojan in August. Her youngest daughter, Alicia, four, has just finished her first ever session this Monday evening.

“My eldest daughter has special educational needs and struggles with emotions and behaviour. I really wanted something that could focus her and help with discipline,” explains Rachel, who lives in Old Market.

“She really loves it and responds so well to the trainers and Mario. It’s a safe place for her here. Her confidence has grown massively and she’s gone from a mentality of ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I will do this’.

“It’s made a huge difference to my daughter’s life. She’s always had successes here, whereas in school, she struggles. She wants to keep training and feels pride in herself.”

Rachel adds that the ethos of respect and discipline runs throughout, with older children always looking out for the younger ones.

Charlie Williams, with daughters Maria, Maysoon and Rumaysa, says Trojan has boosted the confidence of his children – photo: Ellie Pipe

Training with Annabel is one of Charlie Williams’ five daughters, who all love coming to Trojan. Maria, 15, Salma, nine, Sumayyah, seven, Maysoon, five and Rumaysa, three, are all in the gym on Monday, either taking part or watching from the sidelines.

“It’s made a major difference to all of them, especially in boosting their confidence,” Charlie tells Bristol24/7.

Charlie, who lives in Brislington, had previously taken his daughters for a trial session at another gym but not only would it have cost £70 per child to train, it also lacked the diversity that makes Trojan so special.

“We wanted to teach them a sport and something that can give them discipline,” Charlie continues.

“For Maria, it’s made a major difference to her ability to think on her feet and respond to different situations. She was so very shy and would only speak to a few people and it’s made a big difference.

He adds: “Without this place, it would be impossible.”

Leilani-Chyna Thomas, with son, Cairo, and nephew, Jayron, says Mario is like a father figure – photo: Ellie Pipe

Leilani-Chyna Thomas has a similar story to tell. Her ten-year-old son, Cairo, was one of the first children through the door of Trojan.

“He has not stopped, he trains at home and does his own drills before school. He is very disciplined and very humble,” says Leilani-Chyna, who travels from Lyde Green four times a week so that Cairo can train at Trojan.

“It’s like another home for us, he gets on with all the other kids. The discipline that Mario teaches here feeds into the streets and school and when Cairo is around others. It’s built up his confidence and he is more outspoken.

“He always says he wants to do fighting just like Mario. He does not have his dad around so Mario is like a father figure to him, so he always wants to make Mario proud.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbP1FYXrfLX/

Mario has big plans for Trojan and wants to help turn around the lives of even more young people. He is keen to hear from anyone who might be able to help with paying for kit and equipment for those who can’t afford to buy their own. Get in touch via www.trojanfreefightersbristol.com/contact.htm.

Mario has big plans for Trojan Free Fighters training academy – photo: Mario Saeed/ Trojan Free Fighters

The former Staples building has been transformed into Trojan Free Fighters – photo: Ellie Pipe

Main photo: Mario Saeed/ Trojan Free Fighters

https://twitter.com/bristol247/status/1519790841149202442

Read more: Empty shop converted into martial arts school 

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: