## **Empowerment Dojo Annual Report 16/01/2025 to 31/03/202** 

**Charity Name:** Empowerment Dojo **Charity Registration Number:** 1211725 **Registered Address:** 

42 Newcastle Quays Retail Park Coble Dene North Shields NE29 6DW 

## **Trustees:** 

- Damian Hall 

- Ricky Lee Stafford 

- Giovanni Spatuzzi 

## **Structure, Governance and Management** 

Empowerment Dojo is a Foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) managed by a Board of three trustees. The Board meets at least four times per year to oversee the strategic direction and operational management of the charity. 

New trustees are recruited on an as-needed basis, guided by the skills and expertise required to support the charity’s objectives. Empowerment Dojo has no employed staff; all martial arts sessions are delivered by freelance, trained, and experienced coaches. 

## **Charity Objectives and Activities** 

## **Objectives** 

For the public benefit, Empowerment Dojo provides activities and facilities for martial arts, in particular kickboxing and karate, to children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities in Northumberland and North Tyneside. These activities aim to improve social welfare and enhance the quality of life of participants. 

## **Activities during 2025–26** 

- **15 Feb – 19 Apr 2025 (10-week course)** : Tempest, 2 classes, 18 children aged 6– 16 

- **29 May 2025** : Tempest, 12 children aged 6–16 

- **1 Jul 2025** : Benton Dene School, 12 primary school children 

- **30 Jul 2025** : Tempest, 2 classes, 20 children aged 5–16 

- **6 Aug 2025** : Tempest, 2 classes, 14 children aged 5–16 

- **13 Aug 2025** : Tempest, 2 classes, 14 children aged 5–16 

- **29 Oct 2025** : Tempest, 2 classes, 16 children aged 5–16 

- **20 Dec 2025** : Tempest, 2 classes, 16 children aged 5–16 

- **7 – 25 Mar 2026** : Benton Dene School, 12 primary school children 

- **9 Jan – 27 Mar 2026** : Benton House School, 12 primary school children 

## **Achievements and Performance** 

During 2025–26, Empowerment Dojo successfully delivered martial arts sessions to children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities, reaching over 130 participants throughout the year. 

The charity continued to provide high-quality coaching in both kickboxing and karate, promoting physical fitness, discipline, confidence, and social interaction. Feedback from 



parents and schools highlighted improvements in participants’ confidence, teamwork, and overall wellbeing. 

By targeting children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities, Empowerment Dojo ensures its activities provide demonstrable public benefit, directly contributing to social welfare and enhanced life opportunities for participants. 

## **Financial Summary** 

Empowerment Dojo reported an annual income of £2,300, which was generated through cash donations and trading income from Benton Dene School and Benton House School. Total expenditure amounted to £2,224 and covered freelance coaches, T-shirts, belts and gloves, Christmas presents, and insurance. 

Empowerment Dojo carries no outstanding debts. 

## **On behalf of the Trustees:** 

Damian Hall 

Ricky Lee Stafford 

Giovanni Spatuzzi 

**Date:** 31/07/2026