The art of Chinese spiritual and physical exercise is being taught in Bradford schools to improve performance.

Teenagers with behavioural problems are using the ancient oriental techniques to control aggression and re-enter the school community. And teachers claim the innovative, holistic approach is working.

Part-funded by the European Social Fund, The College of Chinese Physical Culture (CPC) has been granted cash to work with youngsters at risk of exclusion.

Organisations already benefiting from the Stepping Forward classes include Belle Vue Boys' School, Carlton Bolling College and Wyke Secondary School.

Weekly sessions are also being held at the Bangladeshi Youth Organisation and Bradford Police Club.

CPC teacher Samantha Scott said the aim is to restore strength of mind, balance and control.

"There are teenagers who have lost interest in school and this is a way of re-engaging them - and it's fun," she said. "It's all about improving concentration and motivation.

"The idea is to take control of your body. Typically, you start with something quite gentle such as lots of breathing exercises. Then we incorporate a lot of dynamic movements such as rolling and floor work."

Pupils were also involved in discussion and work groups to gain communication and team skills, she added.

"It's a very empowering programme," she said. "These kids can come in feeling miserable and leave feeling happy. It is becoming more popular as people realise it works."

CPC is based on four main activities - cultural arts, feng shou, chi shu and health arts - which have been passed down through generations of Chinese families.

Through sport and human movement, it aims to develop confidence and self-esteem, education, leadership skills, self-expression and creativity, and social and communication skills.

Belle Vue Boy's School teacher Karam Macdonald said the behaviour of the pupils who have already taken part in CPC classes has improved.

"At the beginning of the year, they all used to fight and trying to do a lesson was really hard work," she said. "If you had come here in September, you wouldn't have been able to have a conversation with them, but now you can talk to them and discuss things - it's far more social.

"Since they have been doing this, they have calmed down a lot - they're more able to deal with their aggression and I think that's through breathing and physical control. As a group, they have all gelled and are working together, co-operating, discussing and negotiating. It's definitely the CPC that's given them more awareness and it's important for these boys - it's an experience they'll never have anywhere else in their lives."

Belle Vue pupil Anthony Sanderson, 15, said he had known nothing about the sport before the classes began, but now felt more confident. He said: "I thought it was going to be like martial arts and acting, but you learn dances like the Eagle and the Bear. I enjoy it because it's fun."

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