Daryl Chambers On Martial Arts Inspiring Change And Resilience In At-Risk Youth

Daryl Chambers is the CEO and Founder of InPower Academy CIC, a social enterprise based in the West Midlands, UK, that uses martial arts as a vehicle to empower young people in communities affected by crime.

A Churchill Fellow, TEDx speaker, and recipient of the Social Innovation Prize at Cambridge University, Daryl is known for his innovative work in youth development, alternative education, and violence prevention.

His approach blends philosophy, mentorship, and movement to build resilience, discipline, and purpose. With a background in martial arts and a passion for transformative change, Daryl has led programmes that reduce school exclusions and build positive futures for marginalised youth.

In 2025, he joined the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Programme to support the strategic growth of his work. Daryl is committed to creating inclusive systems that unlock potential and turn barriers into opportunities.

Daryl discusses why martial arts serve as a powerful vehicle to build resilience, discipline, and self-belief in young people, and how social entrepreneurship can infuse personal passion with purpose to create sustainable, lasting impact in underserved communities.

Highlights from the interview (listen to the podcast for full details)

[Indio Myles] - To start off, can you please share a bit about your background and what led you to work in social entrepreneurship?

[Daryl Chambers] - I’m from Wolverhampton, a small city in England just outside of Birmingham. Although small, it has a lot of historical and ongoing issues. The area I grew up in was known for gang culture and criminality. There happened to be a large group of us of the same age who inherited some of the reputation of those before us, and we saw ourselves as the younger crew.

To be honest, when we were younger, it was mostly about saying the name and getting into a bit of mischief. In terms of my family life, my dad never lived with me, but even to this day, he’s always encouraged me to be involved in different activities.

From the age of seven or eight, he took me and my brother to a Muay Thai gym. That’s when my martial arts journey began. I can’t say I necessarily enjoyed it or wanted to do it at first, but my dad kept taking me, and that consistency became an important lesson. Martial arts has been embedded in me ever since.

The area I was from had its challenges and obstacles, which became more apparent in later life. Martial arts kept me grounded and taught me discipline, respect, and resilience. It also showed me once you step outside your immediate surroundings, whether that’s your area, house, city, or even your country, your perspective broadens. You start to see the possibilities for who you can be and what you can do in the world.

I was also involved in boxing, training alongside people competing in nationals and travelling to places like Bulgaria. I remember thinking what an incredible opportunity that was, just from being in the ring. I lived with my mum, but my dad continued to involve me in different activities, not just martial arts. He took me to football, athletics, and everything else you can think of.

Again, at the time it was just about my dad taking us to different activities, but I think he really understood the importance of having something to do and having some kind of routine, rather than just being out on the streets and in the community without any direction.

At a certain age, as a young person, you start wanting money. A lot of the people I was around at that time turned to ways of getting money that would become detrimental to their future. Realistically, probably 90–95% of my friends did that. I never did. Looking back, I think it was partly due to my own personal conviction, but it was also because I had a good family support network (which a lot of my friends didn’t).

When my friends were making those choices, I never even thought twice about it. Instead, I started selling on eBay. I became a power seller and eventually a top-rated seller selling caps. While they were doing what they were doing, I was doing my own thing. We were still together a lot, and I was around a lot of situations where, looking back now, I realise one small decision could have gone differently and completely derailed my life.

When I was 17 or 18, I was arrested. I was driving at the time and went to a location where an incident was happening. I remember being arrested, sitting in the back of the police car, and being questioned. It was a dehumanising experience. They put me in a holding cell for two days.

I remember sitting there thinking, “I don’t understand how I’ve ended up here.” It felt like such a disconnect from where I thought I was in life. But when I really reflected on the people I was around and the direction they were heading, I realised this could easily be my path too. That was my reflection point.

In that holding cell, I made the decision to disconnect from the people I had grown up with, even though I loved them and had known them since childhood. I told myself, “That’s not the way I’m going. That’s not what I want to do with my life.”

When I came out, I applied to university to study business management. Fast forward to my dissertation, I actually ended up failing it the first time. It’s funny how things work out, I failed my dissertation and had to hand it in three weeks later. When I went to submit it, I noticed a flyer on the wall advertising free business start-up workshops. I inquired about it and was told it was happening the next day. I thought, “You know what? I’m going to do it.”

My friend and I attended the two-day workshop, and that experience really kickstarted the idea of what I wanted to do. Although I didn’t yet know how I would do it, I knew I wanted to use martial arts. During the workshop I learned about business services and how to establish the legal framework for a venture, but I wasn’t certain about the next steps.

The organisation running the workshop also offered a year-long programme as part of the university, called Speed Plus. I applied and was accepted. That’s really where the journey began.

When I left university, I had 12 months to hone the idea. I asked how could I make money from it, and how could I best serve the community? I learned about social enterprises, setting goals, and not limiting myself, shout out to David Hyner for that inspiration.

At the same time, two major things happened. First, the government closed a lot of youth clubs. Second, a family member of mine was arrested. That made me reflect on how fortunate I’d been. Even while I was at university, my dad was still paying for my mixed martial arts gym membership, which was £45 a month. Not every young person has that privilege.

Looking back at my childhood friendship circle, I realised I was one of the few with a father present. That meant a lot. I decided I wanted to do something for my community and to give back and offer young people the same opportunities martial arts had given me. I didn’t know exactly how I would do it, but it felt like things were coming together.

That’s when I birthed the idea of InPower Academy. It’s since evolved into a whole different kind of machine that’s serving a lot of young people, but at its heart, it grew from personal experience and the desire to give back.

I want every young person to know that their potential is far greater than their immediate surroundings. It’s limitless, if they want it to be. We don’t just talk about that, we show it. Just as I had to make a decision when I was in that cell, they have to make their own choices. Fortunately, through those decisions, we’ve been able to impact thousands of lives.

As the Founder of InPower Academy CIC, can you please share tell our audience how you’re creating impact for this organisation. Then I’d also love for you to talk more about martial arts and how it creates value for the participants in your programs.

At the moment, InPower Academy primarily (though not exclusively) works with young people on the periphery of criminality and exploitation. In recent years, we’ve also expanded our work with primary school students, particularly around mental health and additional needs. Over the last three to four years, this has become a significant focus.

It’s about adapting to the world and recognising that the problems young people face today are very different from those I experienced growing up. As a business, we have to be innovative, but at our core, martial arts will always remain the foundation.

We currently run seven different services for young people. Our approach is based on what we call “the triangle”: the school, the community, and the parents. We aim to work with all three.

Around 60% of our work happens in schools, where we deliver one-to-one mentoring as well as a group program called The Unbreakables. This program is about showing young people that life will throw curveballs we can’t predict, but no matter what happens, they can develop the resilience and tools to get themselves (and those around them) through any circumstance.

We run a similar program in primary schools called Warriors of Wellbeing. It’s highly character-based, using storytelling to explore challenges, particularly the internal ones. It’s about overcoming that shadow side of ourselves: self-doubt, uncertainty, and negative thought patterns.

We also run our own school, InPower Community Academy. Here, young people attend for 12 weeks with the goal of reintegrating back into mainstream education. This work ties into one of my biggest priorities (strengthened through my Churchill Fellowship) which is preventing school exclusions. The link between exclusion and future criminality is alarming, and we work hard to intervene early.

In the community, we run FYT Clubs, which is actually an acronym. FYT stands for Find Your Truth. These are open-access sessions. If a young person just wants to be around positive peers, that’s fine. If they want to work on their CV, they can do that. If they want to speak to a mentor, we offer that support. If they want to compete in martial arts, we provide pathways. We’ve created multiple avenues for engagement, depending on each young person’s needs and interests.

Bringing this back to my own journey, I knew I was fortunate to have my dad pay for my martial arts training. Many of the young people we work with simply don’t have that disposable income, and their families don’t either. That’s why our FYT Clubs are free and always will be. We operate on a donation model. If someone can contribute, that’s great, but there will never be a financial barrier for young people in these communities.

We deliberately set up in areas with high crime rates because that’s where the need is greatest. Beyond martial arts, we’ve also launched InPlay Gaming, an eSports and online safety company, which operates under the same umbrella as InPower but has its own focus.

We’re increasing our work with parents through workshops, and we’ve recently launched an Anti-Knife Crime program. This will be delivered in 16 schools, not only to young people, but also to teachers. Teachers need to understand the realities young people face, including the language used in certain contexts, so they can engage more effectively.

At the heart of everything we do are our core values, which come from the Bushido code. Each program focuses on one of these values of respect, justice, and integrity. It’s embedded in the learning experience. We make sure young people understand that these aren’t just abstract concepts; they’re principles to live by.

When I talk about martial arts, I don’t just mean the physical side. The theory (by which I really mean the philosophy) is equally important. We draw heavily from Eastern philosophy and traditional martial arts perspectives. My own training started with Shotokan Karate, Muay Thai, and Judo, where I experienced the importance of transferable skills, respect, and traditions like bowing on the mats. I went on to box for eight or nine years, and later trained in MMA.

What I’ve observed is that, in the Western world, martial arts delivery has often lost some of that tradition. It’s become more about the physical training, when really martial arts is about the whole person, mind, body, and soul.

In a typical session, we might start by gathering as a group and talking about gratitude, asking everyone, “What are you grateful for today?” We then discuss why gratitude matters. Sometimes we set goals, and if someone achieves theirs, we celebrate it as a team. This creates a space for reflection, connection, and mutual encouragement before we step onto the mats.

We weave this philosophical side into our school programs as well, drawing on thinkers like Confucius and Sun Tzu. The Art of War has been a particularly strong influence, especially in linking philosophy to the practical aspects of martial arts.

At the core of everything we do are the deep values of martial arts. That’s not to discount the practical side, it’s equally vital. The physical practice is empowering, regulating, and transformative. Around 90% of the young people we work with are male, and a common challenge is learning how to regulate emotions. In my view (and I’ll admit I’m biased) there’s no better sport than martial arts for this. Whether it’s the outlet of hitting pads, the constant process of skill development, the opportunity to compete, or the achievement of grading, martial arts offers a powerful structure for growth.

We also bring in role models from the professional world. UFC fighters visit to share their expertise and stories, while professional boxers mentor and coach our young people.

Our model blends the theoretical and philosophical roots of Eastern martial arts with the practical, physical elements. We deliver training in boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and freestyle wrestling, ensuring participants experience both the mental and physical benefits.

What are the biggest challenges young people are facing which you are trying to address through your support at InPower Academy? Furthermore, how are you measuring the impact of the programs you are running?

I’d say one of the biggest challenges we see is low self-esteem. The thing about low self-esteem is that it rarely exists in isolation, it spirals into multiple other issues from poor decision-making to disengagement from education or positive activities.

Many of the problems we’re addressing have roots in systemic failures. In the areas we work in, there are often very few meaningful opportunities for young people. We always talk about removing barriers to martial arts, but really, there should be no barriers to any opportunity that can help a young person grow.

Another major factor is the lack of positive role models. Too often, young people look up to people who may not be making the best choices, but who are physically present and consistent in their lives. That presence matters, even when the influence is negative. Everyone wants a sense of belonging. That’s why we focus on putting more mentors and positive figures into these communities, people who will stand up, show up, and guide young people in the right direction.

Identity is another challenge. In today’s hyper-connected social media landscape, young people can feel more disconnected than ever from their true selves. Instead of discovering who they are and what they love, they try to live up to an image they’ve seen on a screen or in a music video. Our work is about helping them uncover their authentic selves and pursue their passions with determination and confidence.

While single-parent households aren’t inherently problematic, the absence of a father figure (or simply the lack of time from a parent working long hours) can create challenges. It’s not about blame; it’s about recognising many parents just don’t have the time or resources to give their children the consistency and guidance they need. That’s where we step in to provide that extra support.

What we often see (especially in the communities we work with) are mothers working long hours just to provide for their children. That leaves little time for the nurturing and guidance young people need. The impact of that absence can be heartbreaking to witness, and it’s something we try to counteract by stepping in to provide that extra layer of support and consistency.

When it comes to measuring impact, we use a mixture of approaches. Of course, we have traditional case studies, but we also focus on the long-term journeys of the young people we work with. For example, three or four individuals who joined InPower programs at 14 or 15 now work for us. Our lead facilitator was one of the very first young people I engaged with 13 years ago, now he’s leading the charge and mentoring the next generation. We call this the “empowerment cycle”: young people grow through the program, face and overcome challenges, and then return as positive role models to inspire others. This cycle is one of the things we’re most proud of as an organisation.

We also use specific tools to track progress. For instance, we implement the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale in schools, assessing participants’ resilience at the start, midpoint, and end of our programs. In primary schools, we measure self-esteem with age-appropriate scales. We also work closely with schools to monitor behavioural improvements and attendance, looking at metrics like how often a student is removed from class before and after our involvement.

All this is tracked through a robust monitoring system called Upshot, which allows us to gather both the quantitative data and the qualitative stories that show the real-world difference we’re making.

We use the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale to measure resilience in both adults and young people. For our school programs, we assess participants at the start, middle, and end, and then again six weeks later to see if the improvements are sustained.

In primary schools, we focus on self-esteem, using an age-appropriate scale to track changes. Many of the young people we work with are referred because of behavioural challenges or poor attendance, so we collaborate closely with schools to monitor these areas. For example, we’ll look at how often a student was removed from lessons before we started working with them, and aim to reduce that number significantly by the end of the program. We also track improvements in attendance.

Where possible, we involve parents as well. While school is one important touchpoint, our goal is to ensure the skills learned in our programs transfer into everyday life. That means checking in beyond the classroom to see how those lessons are being applied at home and in the community.

All of this quantitative and qualitative data is captured through our monitoring system, Upshot. It’s an incredibly detailed platform that tracks everything from resilience and self-esteem scores to behavioural improvements and attendance records, giving us a comprehensive picture of our impact.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to a social entrepreneur if they’re looking to start their own organisation and make a difference?

Write down your “why” and remember it. Get it laminated, put it on a poster. Keep it somewhere you’ll see every day.

In social entrepreneurship, you’re going to face setbacks: rejections, closed doors, and challenges that feel personal because of how deeply you care about your work. When those moments come, your “why” will keep you grounded. Whether it’s supporting young people, working with people with additional needs, or whatever your mission is, remind yourself that your “why” is bigger than any circumstance, situation, or argument.

The second piece of advice is to remember to treat it as a business. That means focusing on sustainability. Work out a model that doesn’t rely solely on grants. We receive grants at InPower, but most of our income comes from trading, which gives us stability if funding disappears. I’ve seen too many organisations close because their entire structure was grant-funded.

The impact of that (especially on young people) can be devastating. It’s worse than not engaging at all, because you give them hope and then take it away as the funding ends.

There are countless ways to trade, and sometimes people just need to know the different avenues available to them. Merchandise, donation models, service contracts—these can all make a difference. Get grants, absolutely, but don’t be reliant on them. Even if your plan is to be 70% income-generating and 30% grant-funded within six years, map that out from the start.

Think creatively about revenue streams, whether that’s through adopting a donation model, offering merchandise, or exploring other trading opportunities. Merchandise alone can be surprisingly impactful; we’ve got talented people creating t-shirts that not only raise funds but also spread our message. If anyone ever wants to reach out, I’m always happy to go through their business model and explore ways they could start trading.

Ultimately, make sure your “why” is clear, your model is sustainable, and then take the leap. Social entrepreneurship is one of the most rewarding things you can do. You really can change the world, you just have to believe it, commit to it, and make sure your model can stand the test of time.

You’re going to be an upcoming speaker at the Social Enterprise World Forum in Taiwan this year. What are you most looking forward to about that?

I’m really looking forward to flying out to Taiwan and immersing myself in the culture for the whole week. Eastern philosophy is a big part of what we do at InPower, so being in that environment will not only inspire me personally but also feed directly into my talk.

I’m planning to attend a few events before the main Social Enterprise World Forum, including fringe events, to soak up as much as I can. While I know my topic well, I’m leaving space to incorporate real-life observations, conversations, and experiences I have once I’m there. I want the talk to be relevant and impactful for everyone in the room, wherever they’re from, and particularly meaningful for local people in Taiwan.

I’m also looking forward to sharing the “empowerment cycle” and giving credit to the young people who inspire our work. All we do is provide the tools—but it’s the young people who take those tools and achieve incredible things. Some of the journeys from Wolverhampton to where they are now are nothing short of inspiring, and I’m excited to highlight and celebrate them on a global stage.

What inspiring projects or initiatives have you come across recently creating a positive change?

One organisation I’m especially excited to work with is Lead for Taiwan. We’ll actually be running a workshop with them, so I’m slightly biased, but I genuinely admire what they do, what they stand for, and the projects they run. Their work focuses heavily on fostering critical thinking in young people and young adults.

In today’s world, where media and content can often steer people towards certain narratives, the ability to think critically is more important than ever. I see their mission as incredibly valuable, and I believe there’s a lot I can learn from their approach, lessons I’d love to bring back and apply in Wolverhampton.

They have an incredible leader, a strong mission, solid values, and are making a real impact in their communities. I’m looking forward to experiencing their work first-hand and connecting with the communities they’ve built.

To finish off, what books or resources would you recommend to our listeners?

I’m a huge podcast and audiobook listener. I’m on a premium plan, so I get two audiobooks a month and I make full use of it.

Right now, I’m listening to You Deserve to Be Rich by the team behind Earn Your Leisure. It’s a fantastic book on financial literacy, and the authors do an incredible job of making complex concepts clear and practical. I think a lot of underserved communities don’t always have access to financial education, and this book has taught me a lot of lessons I’m already planning to bring into schools and share with young people.

Another book I revisit regularly is Think and Grow Rich. I probably come back to it every year, just to make sure my mindset is in the right place.

To pivot away from money for a moment, The Alchemist is one of my all-time favourite books. I’ve read it many times, and each time I see myself at a different part of the protagonist’s journey. It’s one of those books that resonates regardless of where you are in life, and it’s a quick read that I think everyone should experience.