Join us in this captivating episode of the Ace Podcast, where we have the honour of hosting Ziad Zakaria, affectionately known as Zak, the Principal of the Frank Dando Sports Academy in Melbourne. This episode offers a profound insight into how martial arts, coupled with targeted educational approaches, can transform the lives of young boys facing unique challenges. Zak, with his extensive experience in both martial arts and education, delves into his journey from being a seasoned martial artist to shaping young minds at the Frank Dando Sports Academy. The school is renowned for its unconventional yet highly effective approach to educating boys who, due to experiences with bullying, violence, lack of confidence, or symptoms of ADHD, have found traditional learning environments challenging. Remarkably, after two years at the Academy, many of these boys successfully reintegrate into mainstream schools. This conversation goes beyond mere theory, as Zak brings to the table over "50-years" of martial arts experience, along with his academic background in Human Movement & Psychology, and Education. He shares how martial arts, when taught with discipline, respect, and control, can significantly contribute to boosting self-esteem, confidence, resilience, and academic performance in troubled youths. Zak's approach is holistic, integrating martial arts like boxing, kickboxing, judo, and karate with academic education and counselling to provide a well-rounded development environment for the boys. He emphasizes the importance of understanding each child's unique situation and tailoring the martial arts training to instill discipline, control, and respect, rather than aggression. Listeners will be inspired by the transformative stories of the boys at Frank Dando Sports Academy, showcasing the power of martial arts in changing lives for the better. The episode also includes a discussion on the nuances of teaching martial arts to adolescents and how these practices differ from adult training. For anyone interested in the intersection of education, martial arts, and youth development, this episode is a must-listen. Zak's insights and experiences offer valuable lessons in how martial arts can be a powerful tool for positive change in young individuals. Tune in for an engaging and enlightening discussion on the transformative power of martial arts in education, and discover how Zak and his team at the Frank Dando Sports Academy are making a real difference in the lives of young boys. Link to "School of Hard Knocks" 60 minutes storey: https://fdsa.vic.edu.au/media-channels/
