On Monday 17th November, we were thrilled to welcome author and black-belt martial artist Chris Bradford. Best known for his young adult fiction series Young Samurai and Bodyguard, Chris has been published in over 25 languages and nominated for more than 35 children’s book awards.
In a high-energy, interactive session, Chris shared his method-writing approach, drawing on his training in samurai swordsmanship, martial arts, and close-protection work. Pupils enjoyed live demonstrations with his samurai sword, tried out their own ninja moves, and heard fascinating stories from his travels and research. He also gave insights into character development and story structure, showing how his protagonists’ journeys take shape.
The visit ended with a lively Q&A and book signing, leaving pupils inspired and excited. Author visits like this give a unique glimpse into the writing process and encourage young people to explore their own creativity.