9:56am Wednesday 3rd February 2010
By Adam Binnie
A Rickmansworth martial arts club is using a cash boost from Sport England to open their sport up to younger members.
Kodokan Kendo Club (KKC), held at Princess Marina Sports Complex on Chorleywood Road, has been awarded the National Lottery-funded grant, allowing it to provide kit for the new junior section.
Paul Budden, 7th Dan Renshi, runs the club. He said: "At Kodokan we follow the old teachings of Japanese Kendo, which can often be seen in Samurai dramas and films, but with the fully modernised sportive and competitive elements relevant to the current modern society's needs.
"A high emphasis is placed on etiquette and self control rather than just combat ability and this is an essential part of the curriculum at Kodokan. Those skills are vital to the youngsters our new junior classes are aimed at."
Adrian Wagstaff, club secretary, explained that the grant could be invested in armour for the new members, saving parents of new members at least £300.
Joe Ellis, chairman of National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools, said: "Securing funding requires high standards in the way a club operates and its ambitions. Paul Budden has shown other clubs how it can be done and with NAKMAS behind them other clubs can follow this example."
The first junior class starts on Saturday February 27 from 10 to 11am for nine to12 year olds, followed by classes for 13 to 17 year olds from 11 to 12 Noon.
For more information about Kendo email info@kodokankendo.org.uk or call 07785 940670, or visit the related links below.
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