After 12 years of running Yorkshire’s Judo Excellence Club, Jim McKeever and Karen Butler have decided to retire.

Jim founded the club in 1998 and has developed it into one of Yorkshire’s most respected and popular clubs.

They will hand over the club reins to current British Masters Champion Paul Hirst on 18 July.

Hirst has been practicing judo for 29 years, having started the Olympic sport at the age of 9. He has also represented Yorkshire, the Combined Services and Great Britain in many events around the country and Europe.

The 38-year-old is still actively competing and in October plans to enter the European Veteran Championships in Croatia.

Hirst is quick to recognise the work of his predecessors, saying: “Jim and Karen have founded a truly wonderful club and I am sure they will be hugely missed by the judo players and parents.

“I am really looking forward to picking up the baton and I am committed to ensuring the excellent reputation of the club continues. I have keen plans for the future of the club, developing judo at all ages and levels. I aim to run judo training camps, fitness classes, self defence classes and offer judo coaching to rugby teams and other sports.”

The Hull-based veteran added: “Judo is a great sport for building confidence, self esteem, self discipline, developing social skills and improving fitness.”

In a statement Karen and Jimmy said they are “very pleased to be handing over the club to such an inspiring individual.”

“Paul shows great enthusiasm and will bring new ideas to the club; he will be a refreshing change. We are certain that the club will continue to develop and thrive with Paul as coach and wish all club members and Paul the very best. We will miss you!”

The British Judo Association is the National Governing Body for the Olympic Sport of judo in Great Britain.

Judo Excellence Club train at Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. We are opposite the Hebden Medical Centre on Valley Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 7BZ. On a Monday juniors train at 19:00 – 20:30 while on a Wednesday juniors (aged 5-8) train at 18:00 – 19:00. Juniors and seniors follow at 19:00 – 20:30.

Anyone wishing to come and give judo a go will get their first session free!

For further information please call Paul Hirst on 07904 955554 or email paul-hirst@hotmail.co.uk