Teenager who teaches children self-defence "wouldn't change it for the world" (From Harrow Times)

North London Collegiate student Amber Gill started teaching ju-jitsu to children for Duke of Edinburgh award

5:00pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News By Anna Slater

A teenager who gives up her spare time to teach children self-defence skills “wouldn’t change it for the world”.

Amber Gill, who attends North London Collegiate School in Canons Drive, in Stanmore, juggles studying for her GCSE exams with spending two days a week teaching ju-jitsu to children from four to 13.

The 16-year-old, who lives in Elstree, first started volunteering at the Hertswood Centre, in Borehamwood, as part of her Duke of Edinburgh award – but loved it so much she decided to stay on.

She said: “I think it is really important for children to know how to defend themselves and I wanted to play a part in helping them learn how to do that.

“It is a big responsibility because you have to do everything right, especially when you are teaching children is can sometimes be tough.

“I used to look up to my teachers with such admiration and have so much respect for them, so I am thrilled to be able to pass on what I have learnt. “The children are all so sweet, I get on with them really well and they all have their own little personalities. I love what I do, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

The year 11 pupil first took up the sport when she was six-years-old.

She spends two hours on a Thursday and three hours on a Saturday passing her skills on to children at the Borehamwood leisure centre.

Earlier this month, Hertsmere Borough Council named her as one of their ‘heroes’ after being impressed with her volunteering efforts.

Amber, who also enjoys acting, added: “Being part of a martial arts team is such a family because you make new friends and learn to rely on other people.

“I really enjoy training, it feels liberating and is a good realise. I think knowing how to defend yourself is really important and everyone should have basic skills.

“I will be carrying on volunteering for as long as possible – I love it.”