YOUNGSTERS at a primary school have been grappling with the Japanese martial art of judo in their lunchtimes.

The sessions are run by Richard Jones, of the Irfon Valley Judo Club, at Clyro Church in Wales Primary School in its new school hall.

The coach, who helped train Beulah’s Commonwealth gold medalist and Olympian Natalie Powell, had two years ago given judo lessons at the school every week for a term alongside the usual PE curriculum.

As the children had enjoyed the sessions the school looked into continuing the coaching and the lunchtime club, which runs at a small cost to parents, was born.

Sinead Griffiths, from the school, said: “The number of children attending this club, remains high and children enjoy the self-confidence, physical fitness, self-esteem, self-discipline, respect, social skills and critical thinking skills that Judo encourages.

“Richard works hard to ensure that all sessions are enjoyed by all pupils and later this month is offering a demonstration, showing the parents what the children have learnt and are learning, showing materials and the pathway to getting graded and to be able to represent the school at the Powys Schools Judo Competition to be held later this year.”