Kids surprise Herefordshire martial arts teacher with final farewell

Owner of Ledbury Kung Fu club Matt Hudd opened a new centre in Hereford two years ago.

But recently the teacher he had employed left, and Mr Hudd made the decision to close the Ledbury centre.

Emma Chapman and other students practicing their moves at one of Matt Hudd's sessions in Ledbury.

Stephanie Chapman is the mother of one of his pupils 14-year-old Emma Chapman, who are both sad to see it close but know he would not have made the decision lightly.

“The Ledbury centre means so much to him, it’s where he started,” said Ms Chapman.

“He calls it his baby.”

Matt Hudd with one of his Ledbury students at his surprise leaving event.

Emma has special needs and Ms Chapman is grateful to Mr Hudd for the opportunity he has given her.

“She would not have had the same anywhere else, she has now been able to take part in competitions,” she said.

Emma Chapman showing off her Kung Fu moves.

Emma has been at the club for three years and now has her green belt.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of him with how he’s dealt with Emma testing his patience of the years,” said Ms Chapman.

“He has helped a lot of children.”

Cathy Jackson-read was matt's first ever student nearly 17 years ago and his first student to get her black belt.

Emma is following Mr Hudd to his Hereford centre, but others haven’t been able to.

They gave a final farewell to their beloved teacher with a surprise.

Past and present students and their parents surprised Mr Hudd with a cake after his final session.

The cake was decorated with the centre's logo.

The parents organised present and past members to meet at the club to present Mr Hudd with cake with the club’s logo on it, flowers, and other small gifts at end of the last kid’s session yesterday evening (February 8).

“It is a sad day, but this is a new adventure for him,” said Ms Chapman.