'The funding from the Richardson Brothers Foundation is absolutely brilliant,' says former Royal Marine who is changing lives through his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club
A generous donation from a Black Country real estate firm will help a former Royal Marine Commando to grow his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club in Wolverhampton.
The Richardson Brothers Foundation has come on board with a donation to help develop and grow the Reel Grappling club run by Kelvin Davies, a veteran with 12 years of service, who is applying the skills he learnt in the Marines to get local people involved in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Built on the principles that discipline, purpose and storytelling can transform lives, the club based in premises on Birmingham New road aims to offer a safe, inclusive space for people from all backgrounds including children, young people and adults who may have come from disadvantaged communities.
Former Royal Marine Kelvin Davies said: “At Reel Grappling we provide high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for all levels that focuses on skill development, discipline and community. But it’s more than that. My work is rooted in the challenges faced by many young people today; lack of role models, exposure to crime and sometimes limited access to spaces that support physical and mental wellbeing. Reel Grappling can offer an alternative path, built on structure, support and self-belief.
“The funding from the Richardson Brothers Foundation is absolutely brilliant and will allow us to purchase and upgrade our equipment, promote what we do and offer some free classes to people in the region who would benefit most from getting involved.”
Jan Jennings, from the Richardson Brothers Foundation, based at Oldbury in Sandwell, part of the Richardson family business, said: “Kelvin’s military background brings a unique blend of credibility, discipline and empathy to this fantastic activity. He is so impressive as he works with a range of people, that includes some harder to reach groups, building trust where it matters most.
“The Foundation has a long track record of supporting young people as well as the armed forces. So we are absolutely delighted to give Kelvin and the Reel Grappling Club a donation to take the sport to the next level and to develop his work in the local community.”
