New Alnwick Judo academy celebrates six months with £1,000 council grant
The founder of a new judo academy in Alnwick is celebrating six months following a grant from the council.
Judo Spirit Academy officially launched at Willowburn Leisure Centre in April as the first judo club in the town for a number of years.
Founder, Joe Savage has been practicing judo for a decade and decided to bring the sport to Alnwick after moving to the area and finding there was no offering.
Passionate about the benefits of judo, he said: “Judo is a great sport to become involved with – as well as fitness and defence skills it teaches discipline and respect.
“It's about the confidence that you can get from the sport and how that can transpire into different aspects of your life.”
Joe currently offers classes for children over five as well as parent and child classes, but is hoping to expand with an adults session soon.
He added: “I can help kids get to the point where they're competing internationally, but equally at the same time, if they don't want to do that and it’s just recreational, then that's fine.
“Because of the confidence that they've gained through judo, I’ve seen kids who are now in the drama production, or they're in a band, or they've got the confidence to go try other sports.”
Alnwick Town Council have recently awarded the club a £1000 grant which will cover the venue hire for the next few months and as well as some ancillary equipment and the purchase of spare suits for new members.
“We were really lucky to get that support so it's definitely appreciated,” Joe added.