An £800 community grant from Bassetlaw district councillors has made a striking difference to a martial arts group in Worksop.

With the money, the Jukado Ryu-Martial Arts and Self Defence group has been able to purchase essential equipment such as gloves, crash mats, and strike pads.

Their sessions teach the fundamentals of Aikido, Jujitsu and Karate to form Aikijitsu, a modern effective self-defence style that is suitable for all ages.

Currently the group has around 12 members and is the only group in Bassetlaw to teach this style of martial arts.

Pictured are Matthew Hyland, Chief Instructor of Jukado-Ryu Martial Arts/Self Defence Group, Derrick Parsons, Senior International Instructor, Members of the Jukado-Ryu Martial Arts/Self Defence Group, Coun Paddy Ducey, Ward Member for Worksop South and Coun Maria Charlesworth, Ward Member for Worksop North.

placeholder image — Pictured are Matthew Hyland, Chief Instructor of Jukado-Ryu Martial Arts/Self Defence Group, Derrick Parsons, Senior International Instructor, Members of the Jukado-Ryu Martial Arts/Self Defence Group, Coun Paddy Ducey, Ward Member for Worksop South and Coun Maria Charlesworth, Ward Member for Worksop North.

Matthew Hyland, chief instructor of Jukado-Ryu Martial Arts and Self Defence group said: “On behalf of everyone at Jukado-Ryu, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to the councillors for recognising the value of local community groups and investing in activities that help people stay active, learn new skills and feel connected.

"Their support will have a lasting impact on our members and on those who join us in the future.”

Coun Paddy Ducey, Ward Member for Worksop South and Coun. Maria Charlesworth, ward member for Worksop North, spoke on behalf of the councillors who

contributed funds .

They said: “Clubs like this are at the heart of our communities, giving people a chance to keep active, meet new people and be part of something positive.

“Matthew and the team have built a welcoming club that means a great deal to its members, and we know this equipment will help them continue to grow and reach even more people in the area.

“It’s always rewarding to see these grants make a real difference locally, and we’re looking forward to seeing the club go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”

Councillors who contributed funds include: Coun Maria Charlesworth and Coun Neil Sanders, Ward Members for Worksop North; Coun Paddy Ducey and Coun Julie Leigh, Ward Members for Worksop South; Coun Cliff Entwistle, Ward Member for Worksop East; Coun Josie Potts, Ward Member for

Worksop South-East and Coun Carolyn Troop, Ward Member for East Retford South.

Jukado-Ryu Martial Arts and Self Defence group train every Wednesday from 7pm until 8:30pm at the Balmoral Community Centre in Worksop.

To find out more, follow the Martial Arts group on Facebook or call 07825 789 167.