A KARATE teacher who shares his passion for martial arts with his sons explains the benefits of knowing karate.

Steve Scott has been a martial arts teacher for 38 years and started the sport in 1976.

He currently has an academy in Newton-le-Willows where he teaches the arts alongside his two sons Luke and Zach.

North West Karate Academy offers a variety of curriculums to tailor each age group, including sports-based and self-defence classes for adults.

The 62-year-old carries a portfolio with him as he competed in the European and World Championships.

His sons have also mastered karate, with Luke a Commonwealth Karate Silver Medallist and Zach a three times British Champion.

The trio share their expertise in the family-run academy located in the Sankey Valley Industrial Estate.

St Helens Star: The academy is located in the industrial estate in Newton-le-Willows The academy is located in the industrial estate in Newton-le-Willows

Steve expressed how martial arts has allowed him to spend quality time with his now grown sons.

He said: "It’s great I’ve still got my sons with me. They’re all grown up and they get a family of their own, so I'm able to enjoy and be with my sons."

The full-time karate teacher also explained the benefits of learning the martial arts and how even an experienced person can still improve.

Steve added: "We teach kids to be able to concentrate, to help their fitness levels, flexibility, and get them to concentrate, so we have a sports-based curriculum for them.

"For adults, we have sports based and self-defence based. It’s more being able to walk the streets with a certain confidence and it’s very broad what we teach; we teach groundwork, standing, defence, and take downs.

"The great thing about it is, as you get older, you do mature in yourself that way. I was very sporty and all about sports when I was younger, bouncing around and having endless amount of energy, but then as you get older, you change yourself.

"I’ve adapted over the years as well with my martial arts."

To find out more about the academy, visit https://nwka.co.uk/.