EXCLUSIVE

By Hayley Robinson

We're not facing the chop.

That's the message from the president of the Swale Martial Arts Club.

A planning application submitted to Swale council to transform the first floor of the building in East Street, Sittingbourne, into three one-bedroom flats led to speculation that the club was folding.

But Martin Clarke (pictured) says the application is merely an insurance policy for the future of the centre.

He said: "Membership is low but the club is safe. All the planning laws are set to change over the next 12 years.

"If anything happens to the club it's an insurance policy because there are rumours that places like ours might not be allowed planning permission in the future because it's a sports club and I don't want my hands tied."

The centre, which has recently been refurbished, has seen a slight increase in membership for the junior judo club and a new martial arts lesson has been introduced.

Mr Clarke said: "We hold a new Pankration class on a Wednesday night at 7.30pm. The ancient Greek martial arts used in the original Olympics is a mix of striking and grappling.

"People can do it just for fitness if they want to as we spend three quarters of an hour working out on kick bags and focus mitts then we do gentle take downs and if they want to they can spar for 15 to 20 minutes at the end of the lesson.

"We are due to reopen the Dojo lessons at the Academy of Sport and Movement at Nobby's Gym in Vicarage Road, Milton Regis, in the new year. We're also due to start an after school Judo club at The Westlands School so we're hoping pupils will take advantage of that and other schools.

"We're really trying to get judo re-established as it's at an all time low and we think it's very important for youngsters to learn this type of discipline. It also teaches them respect and to look after their bodies."

For more information on the club contact Martin Clarke on 01795 437124 or visit www.youngjudoclub.co.uk