SPORTY youngsters have been getting to grips with martial arts by attending a Barrhead judo club.

Tommy Gillan, an instructor with more than 40 years’ experience, leads the Sporting Judo Barrhead sessions taking place at the Foundry throughout the summer.

Suitable for all ages, the classes aim to improve participants’ strength, conditioning, flexibility, self-defence and discipline.

Tommy said: “Judo in Barrhead dates back to the 1960s but it went through a period where there wasn’t a judo club here.

“We came back in four years ago to re-establish judo in the community, working closely with Active Schools in line with the Commonwealth Games.

“Since then, the club has continued to grow. We’ve got 60-plus members and run classes for beginners, intermediate and adults.

“We’re still active on the mats throughout the summer.

“If you want to take up judo during the summer months, it’s an ideal time as the classes aren’t as busy and you’ll have more one-to-one time with the instructors.”

Sporting Judo Barrhead runs five sessions at the Foundry each week.

A class for kids who are new to the sport and aged between five and 10 runs from 1pm until 2pm every Saturday.

Lessons for intermediates, aged from eight to 14, take place the same day, from 2pm until 3.30pm.

The final one-hour Saturday slot - for adults who class themselves as beginners or intermediates - starts at 3.30pm.

In addition, there are midweek classes on Thursday nights, with those aged eight to 14 being taught at 7.15pm and an adult beginners session at 8.15pm.

For more information, call Tommy on 07795811267 or email tommy.gillan@hpe.com