With reference to the item on Meridian Tonight (January 3) regarding children being taught martial arts.

The programme seemed to suggest that these classes were aimed at creating a generation of mini-thugs, taught by those of a likewise mentality.

My eight-year-old grandson attends a class taught by Paul Fennell at Telscombe Cliff School, and has not been taught aggression in any way. The class are given confidence, taught patience, concentration and very strict discipline.

If anyone flouts the rules of their sensai and practises anywhere except in their class, or if anyone uses their skill in an aggressive manner, they will be banned at once with no second chance to rejoin.

The class is very orderly, with everybody showing great respect and good manners, not such a bad thing in this hurly-burly age.

-Mrs Hazel Allum, Central Avenue, Telscombe Cliffs