Dozens of young people have been learning martial arts from Royal Navy experts in Liverpool.
The free scheme being run at the 4 Corner Combat Gym aims to "channel aggression and energy" and deter children and teenagers from the thrall of criminal gangs, organisers said.
Royal Navy trainer Daniel Shannon said the ambition was to "teach young people about discipline and respect" and for the military service to engage with communities.
Billy Moore, from the crime reduction project Weapons Down, Gloves Up, said it was hoped learning new skills could instil belief in youths and inspire them to have a "better life".
The project was set up in Liverpool with the aim of reducing violent crime by taking young people off the streets and motivating them to get into employment.
One of the girls attending compared the gym to a "family" and said the fitness sessions were "really good for your emotions and managing the world around you", adding: "Because obviously life's not easy."
She said: "If you've got something to let out all of your anger, all of your emotions – even happiness – it's so fun."
One boy said he had been taught to defend himself because there were "loads of bad people out there".
He said the sessions were a "helping hand", adding he could "just come here because you'll be safer than being on the roads or streets at night".
