An award-winning children’s writer and black belt martial artist, visited a Yorkshire junior school to encourage more children to get into reading through samurai action.
Chris Bradford, one of the most popular authors touring schools in the UK, employs a technique he terms ‘method-writing’. In his ‘Young Samurai’ show, pupils from Bradford Grammar School learnt about samurai swordsmanship, witnessed an authentic samurai sword display with dynamic all-kicking, all-punching book reading, and tested their ninja skills.
His dramatic display was part of the new Broughton Hall Children’s Literature Festival.
Kerry Howes, Junior School Headmistress, said: “His high energy presentation with authentic samurai swordsmanship had our pupils and staff on the edge of their seats. Ninjas, samurai warlords and martial arts made this a real action-packed session that inspired all involved.
“We were delighted that Chris was able to join us. He was an inspiring speaker and a brilliant performer. The pupils loved him.”
Chris Bradford said: “The pupils were absolutely fantastic and so excited to take part. It was lovely to see their bright faces light up during the session. I think it’s important for young people to feel engaged with reading, it’s a central part of young people’s development, and sometimes the most reluctant reader can be inspired through visual performance.
“It inspires them to use their imagination but can also give them a little push to take up physical exercise from karate to taekwondo, so they start to learn the importance of perseverance, strength and character, flexibility and camaraderie. I really feel an enjoyment of reading can come from showmanship and I’d love to visit Bradford Grammar School again in the future.”
“His high energy presentation with authentic samurai swordsmanship had our pupils and staff on the edge of their seats. Ninjas, samurai warlords and martial arts made this a real action-packed session that inspired all involved.”
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