Creating space for young people to grow, connect and thrive.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to take charge of their own story.

Our mission is to provide safe, purposeful spaces where they can build confidence, resilience and connection through real, human experiences.

Who we are

Taking Shape Association is a community organisation that has been supporting young people since 2013. Founded by Kevin Stuart, it was born from a belief in the power of movement, creativity and connection to transform lives.

We’ve grown into a vibrant grassroots organisation helping individuals discover their strengths through movement, creativity and emotional support, placing wellbeing, inclusion and empowerment at the heart of everything we do.

A man wearing a black Puma sweatshirt and a two-tone baseball cap standing outdoors in a grassy park, with trees and a path in the background, in black and white.

Two men standing outdoors on a sunny day near a basketball court, with a brick and apartment building in the background.

Two young men standing on a street, looking up at the camera.

Who we work with

We work with individuals, schools and communities across Hackney, Newham, Haringey, Tower Hamlets, Islington, Liverpool and beyond, supporting areas such as mental health, employability, youth engagement, women’s empowerment, SEND, and rehabilitation for ex-offenders.

We also create pathways into industries such as film, opening up transformative opportunities that go far beyond traditional training.

Get involved

Meet the team

Our facilitators work from a place of purpose and care.

We use martial arts, sports, drama and personal development to help young people build discipline, respect and self-awareness.

Our sessions are grounded in connection — and shaped by the belief that every young person has something to offer.

Two young men sitting outdoors on a wooden bench with green trees and grass in the background. The man in the foreground is wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, a baseball cap, and has a serious expression. The man in the background has a beard, wearing a black T-shirt and is looking slightly downward.

A man in a black hoodie sitting inside a boxing ring, with boxing ropes and posters visible in the background.

With over 25 years of dedicated practice in Kung Fu and a 4th Dan Black Belt, Kevin Stuart is the founder of Taking Shape Association (TSA), established in 2013. His vision for TSA was born from a deep recognition of how martial arts and fitness can profoundly transform lives — nurturing not only physical strength and discipline but also mental resilience, emotional balance, and overall wellbeing.
Kevin is a passionate and driven leader who believes in creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. Inspired by the words of his martial arts teacher — “There is no such word as can’t” — he embodies persistence, positivity, and a relentless commitment to empowering others. His holistic approach ensures that wellbeing is at the heart of TSA’s work, whether in personal development, community engagement, or social impact projects.
Over the years, Kevin has become a respected Kung Fu tutor, martial arts instructor, and fitness trainer, with experience across diverse disciplines including boxing, Tai Chi, Ninjitsu, Animal Style Kung Fu, Mantis, and Wing Chun. Through this breadth of knowledge, he has witnessed how martial arts and fitness contribute to discipline, focus, confidence, balance, coordination, weight management, and the development of essential life skills.
At the core of Kevin’s work is a simple but powerful belief: when we nurture the mind, body, and spirit together, we unlock human potential and create lasting transformation.

A man with a beard and afro hairstyle sitting outdoors against a background of green trees, wearing a black T-shirt with a colorful graphic of a person performing a high kick.

Anthony is a lifelong martial artist, mentor, and coach with over 35 years of experience across Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. His journey has been defined by discipline, perseverance, focus, and commitment — qualities that have shaped him both as a fighter and as a teacher.
In his late twenties, Anthony began a decade of intensive study under Grandmaster Shifu Shi Yanzi, 34th Generation Shaolin monk, becoming the first Western head instructor at Shaolin Temple UK. Training six to eight hours a day, seven days a week, he dedicated himself to mastering the foundations of martial arts: Qi Gong and meditation for unity of mind and body, traditional forms for coordination, strength, and flexibility, and Sanshou for practical combat. His devotion and relentless training led him to compete at a professional level, testing his skills in boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, Sanshou, and MMA — earning respect for his commitment to both practice and performance.
Alongside his competitive achievements, Anthony has worked tirelessly to share martial arts as a tool for transformation. He has taught in schools, universities, and community programmes, reaching hard-to-reach young people and adults with a blend of discipline and understanding. As both mentor and coach, he provides structure, guidance, and inspiration, helping individuals develop resilience, confidence, and purpose.
Anthony’s devotion to martial practice and the philosophy that accompanies it has given him deep insight and wisdom, which he passes on through his teaching. Respected for his demanding yet creative style, he has helped countless students turn struggle into strength and become valued contributors to society. For Anthony, martial arts is not just about competition — it is a lifelong path of self-discovery, commitment, and mastery that he is dedicated to sharing with others.

A young man with a beard and earrings, wearing a black hoodie and a black cap that says "Real People, Real Vibes," standing indoors with a blurred background.

Jerome is an international speaker, workshop and growth facilitator, and participation consultant, specialising in topics such as the care experience, community development, race and equity, well-being, and empowerment. His work focuses on bridging the gap between people and systems to create meaningful social change.
He currently serves as the Youth Participation Lead at the London Violence Reduction Unit, part of the Mayor of London’s office. Jerome is also a One Young World Ambassador, committed to driving change on a global scale, and works closely with care-experienced leaders to influence and improve the care system. He is widely recognised for co-founding the Tope Project, which launched the UK’s first large-scale Christmas dinners for care leavers — an event that continues to make a powerful impact.
Jerome’s expertise spans music, radio, creative and carnival arts, healthcare, community development and the justice sector. This breadth of experience gives him a multifaceted approach to tackling social issues, always grounded in inclusion, engagement and empowerment.
Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and been featured in national media campaigns and publications,allowing him to connect with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and amplify unheard voices.
Jerome’s guiding philosophy is rooted in love, joy, curiosity and compassion, fostering deep connections that inspire positive solutions. His goal is to create spaces where people can come together, share experiences, and work collaboratively towards a more equitable and empowered future. Through his ongoing work, he continues to empower communities and drive systemic change.