A NEW training programme in the Japanese martial art of aikido is being offered at Cradley Heath’ s Haden Hill Leisure Centre.

The centre’s Aikido Club has set up the course for 16 to 19-year-olds which starts on Sunday (January 23).

Hour-long training sessions starting at 4.30pm, will run over eight weeks at the end of which each participant will be awarded a certificate.

Instructor Helen Williams, a 2nd Dan, said: "We are very pleased to have received Sports Unlimited Funding for this training programme and believe this is a fantastic opportunity for any male or female teenager aged between 16 and 19-years-old to experience aikido.

"The training will be supervised in a safe and friendly environment and will cover a range of aikido training, including some Katas using the Jo (wooden staff) as an introduction to the control of weapons, mind and body."

She said aikido aims to give a different perspective on life, developing physical fitness and teaching vital social skills.

For more information contact Helen on O7779 254 971.