NEW judo classes have been launched a dale community centre.
Coach Adrian Harding is hosting sessions for juniors and adults on Tuesday evenings at Ingleton Village Hall.
Mr Harding, a first dan black belt who lives in the village, took part in the sport as a teenager and came back to it in 2012.
He said the reason for starting the new classes was two-fold – to support the village hall and spread the word about judo.
“Like all village halls in Teesdale, Ingleton suffers from a lack of use so I had the idea to offer judo here,” said Mr Harding.
He said judo offered participants – and especially juniors – a number of benefits.
“It has a moral code and encourages self respect and fair play.
It also helps the younger ones with their co-ordination.
“When I came back to judo, I lost three stones in weight simply by exercising properly. It also gives a lot of people self confidence.”
Children aged five and older are welcome to the junior sessions and follow a defined syllabus.
Mr Harding said any parents worried about the contact element of judo were welcome to sit in on sessions.
“We encourage parents to come along, stay and see what we do. I really do try to make it a bit of fun.”
Sessions for juniors (up to 16) start at 6.45pm, with adults following straight on at 7.45pm. It costs £4 per session to take part.
For more information, contact Mr Harding on 07941 518844, email respectjudo @gmail.com or go along to one of the Tuesday sessions.
