Chief Instructor Master Stuart Youles

YAMA Chief Instructor Stuart Youles has dedicated more than 30 years to the study and teaching of martial arts. He holds the rank of 4th Dan Black Belt in Freestyle Taekwondo, awarded by the Guild of Independent Martial Artists (GIMA), and has more than 20 years' experience teaching martial arts to children, teenagers and adults across the South West of England.

Throughout his martial arts career, Stuart has studied and trained across a range of disciplines, developing extensive knowledge of striking, self-defence and practical application. His experience has helped shape YAMA's Freestyle Martial Arts curriculum, which draws upon established disciplines including Taekwondo, Karate, Boxing and Jujitsu.

Stuart believes that martial arts education should develop far more than physical technique. At the heart of his teaching is the development of the traditional Black Belt principles of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Humility and Indomitable Spirit.

He is particularly passionate about helping young people develop confidence, discipline, resilience and respect, and believes the lessons learned through martial arts should positively influence a student's behaviour and attitude at home, at school and within their wider community.

Stuart's previous professional experience within the security industry has also provided extensive real-world insight into personal safety, conflict, situational awareness and self-defence. This experience has helped inform YAMA's scenario-based self-defence education, teaching students not simply physical responses, but the importance of awareness, avoidance, decision-making and appropriate action.

As Chief Instructor, Stuart oversees the continued development of YAMA's syllabus, grading structure and instructor team, helping to maintain consistent educational and teaching standards across the academy.

His goal remains the same as when he first began teaching: to use martial arts education to help students become capable martial artists and confident, disciplined and respectful individuals — and to guide those who choose to make the journey towards Black Belt excellence.