BRIDPORT Aikido Club youngsters have successfully improved their gradings at the latest youth grading session at Bridport Leisure Centre.

Senseis Jake Birkett and Guy Gardner, both third dans, held the session which saw Dylan Gowrie, Gus Gowrie, India Murless, Thoe Murless and Fin Turner pass their gradings.

Gus, nine, and Dylan, 11, both earned a white belt with two yellow stripes, as did India, 11, and Theo, nine, while Fin Turner, 13, achieved a second orange belt.

Aikido is a dynamic Japanese martial art and is used as a self-defence system, while also strengthening the mind and body. It is directly related to defence against unprovoked attacks and is not aggressive.

Movements in Aikido are influenced by sword and spear fighting and the art helps improve breathing, posture, relaxation and mental focus.

Bridport Aikido Club trains on Wednesday evenings at Bridport Leisure Centre from 7.40pm to 9.40pm, with juniors finishing at 8.40pm.

Contact Jake on 01308 459364 for more information, visit www.bridportaikido.co.uk or view their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BridportAikidoClub