MARTIAL arts instructor Bernard Maloney wants Huddersfield people to give aikido a go.

The White Rose Aikido group are running weekly adult sessions at the Sports Centre – and beginners are welcome.

They take place every Thursday from 8.00-9.30pm, with males and females who are 18 and over welcome.

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art and its elements have been used for self defence training.

The basic principle is to use circular flowing movements, throws and joint locks to direct an attacker’s force back onto them and take them to the ground.

The intention is to fell, disarm and immobilise an opponent without causing permanent injury.

Clean, loose comfortable clothing can be worn for initial sessions, but students will eventually need to purchase an aikido suit, wooden training sword (bokken) and staff (jo).

Maloney explained: “We have established groups in Halifax but the organisation started in Huddersfield in 1979 and we want to make the sport strong in the town once again.”

White Rose are a member of the British Aikido Board and recognised by Sport England.

For more information visit whiteroseaikido.com or contact Huddersfield Sports Centre on 01484 223630.