Over 240 Leicester primary school pupils stepped onto the mat with former British Champions Wayne Lakin and Steve Cross on Thursday 25 th January.

Pupils from St John the Baptist, Overdale Junior School, Newry Primary School, Marriott Primary School, Hazel Primary School, and Knighton Fields Primary School, all based in the Leicester City area, took part in the judo festival, which was run by the Association's "Enjoy Judo" programme, which aims to encourage school children to enjoy the benefits of the Olympic sport.

The festival, which was organised by, and took place at the Lancaster School & Sports College, on Knighton Lane East, allowed the pupils to grapple with the sport and be coached by Wayne Lakin, Steve Cross, and Mike Green, who are all BJA Schools Development Coaches.

The pupils, aged between seven and 12 years old, now have the opportunity to take classes in the sport on a regular basis.

Lakin, believes that judo is an ideal sport for a wide range of school children, "As a sport it is seen to improve overall confidence and self-esteem and is ideal for both boys and girls of varying sizes and abilities"

"Although it can be a physically demanding sport, children are not subjected to the same scrutiny as other sports where they can be fearful of coming last, or not performing on the field. With judo the children need to use their skill to succeed, with their overall fitness being greatly improved as a hidden benefit almost."

"I am delighted that we will be able to bring judo to so many children in the City," he added.

Daniel Griffin, Community Sports & Arts Manager at the Lancaster School & Sports College commented, "As a specialist sports college we are always looking to introduce a wide range of sports to the students in the school, those in the surrounding primary schools, as well as the wider community."

"Those who took part in the day had lots of fun and are inspired to give the sport a go on a more regular basis", he added.

© Mike Varey