A DONATION from a group of football fans has enable the Takama Hara Aikido Dojo to purchase equipment for their junior members.

Manchester City Barrow and District Supporters Club chairman Archie Adams and treasurer Ronnie Gatesgill handed THA £100, which has been used to buy four Shinai lightweight bamboo swords and a case to store them in.

This means the juniors will be able to practice set weapons kata and helps develop their aikido skills, as the general wooden bokken normally used are far too heavy for the younger members.

Seven of THA's juniors have also had their progression recognised at the club's twice-yearly gradings.

Logan Heywood was awarded first Mon, Sienna Leitch and Isaac McGary both gained second Mon, Reuben Rawlinson is now a ninth Mon, Adam McLoughlin and Lucah Harvey progressed to 15th Mon, and Connor McLoughlin earned his 16th Mon.

Mon grades from one to 20 are awarded to juniors and Kyu grades are awarded to Seniors from six to one, followed by Shodan black belt.

Adult members David Jones (sixth Kyu), Megan Bradley (fifth Kyu) and Kevin Wood (second Kyu and Hakama) all passed their recent gradings as well.

THA dojo is run by fourth Dan black belt David O'Brien, who has been studying aikido for 27 years and attends annual seminars in Japan and Spain.

They hold junior classes on Monday and Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm, and adult classes from 7pm to 8.30pm on the same days.

For more information, contact David on 07969 875099 or email davidobrien64@yahoo.co.uk