Karate pupils get tips from world champion

MASTER class . . . Ryan Jones and Danielle Kelsall with Junior Leferve

ONE of the world's top karate coaches put pupils through their stances, throws and blocks at New Bridge Special School.

Multiple world champion Sensei Junior Leferve held a special session for pupils who attend after-school classes at the Hollinwood secondary.

Their instructor Stuart Fieldhouse, a science teacher at the school, said: "In the Karate martial art world Sensei Leferve is very big news. He was world champion for many years and is head of Champions International Karate Association so it was brilliant to have him here.

"He was so good with the kids. He was in America before he came to Oldham and he can go from teaching's the world's best to teaching someone who has just started."

Mr Fieldhouse set up the after-school club around 18 months ago as part of the Bury-based Ippon Karate Academy. It has around 10 regular members from New Bridge, whose pupils have a range of special needs, and the neighbouring Hollinwood Academy for pupils with autism and social and communication difficulties.

Its highest graded member is 10-year-old Danielle Kelsall who is a yellow belt 7th kyu and Mr Fieldhouse added: "There are few clubs in the North West that really focus on children with special needs.

"We realised that a lot of kids would love to do karate, but mainstream clubs didn't have the understanding we do here of children with special needs. They love it. It's a lot of fun, it's energetic and it gives them a way to really express themselves. They get a sense of pride and when they received their recent gradings, they were ecstatic."

The pupils were also joined by other Ippon members for further sessions with Sensi Leferve during his day-long visit. "When the children have got their karate suits on and are training there is no difference from the others.

"It really is something to see them together," added Mr Fieldhouse.