Budo is a combination of judo, jujitsu and aiki jitsu. The sensai of Swanley's very own budo club tells reporter DAN KEEL how the Japanese martial art can help youngsters stay out of trouble.

PETER Kingsland set up the Koyama Budo Club in 2004.

He began teaching two youngsters how to defend themselves from an attack.

Within four months the number of students meeting in St Mary's Road, Swanley, had increased to six, and this figure now stands at 25.

Pupils aged four and above are taught how to hold an attacker to the floor to avoid being put in a potentially dangerous situation.

Mr Kingsland said: "Take a playground situation, for example.

"It is important the defender is not overly aggressive in his defence otherwise he or she could also find themselves in trouble with the law.

"That's why we teach people how to hold the attacker on the floor, so the fight is stopped. It is all about stopping the fight."

He added: "We teach pupils how to read people's intentions in tense situations.

"You can tell from somebody's body language; what they are about to do, and whether or not they are a threat.

"If they are a threat, hopefully people will go away from our lessons knowing how to defend themselves and get away. It also boosts self-esteem."

Breaking down the word "budo" highlights what the martial art is all about.

Translated into English "bu" means stop, while "do" signifies a fight with one's ego to overcome fear.

The club, which runs two sessions every Monday evening - one for adults and one for children - does not enter competitions.

It simply aims to improve people's confidence in their own safety and build up their self-esteem.

The club is open to students of all abilities and teaches disabled pupils alongside able-bodied students.

Mr Kingsland said: "Anybody is welcome here.

"They all progress at their own rate and they do succeed.

"If you try to push them too hard, it can have a negative effect."

He added: "First of all, we get them used to moving around the floor and how to land on the floor in a safe manner.

"Then, as they get older, we put in the self-defence side of things, where pupils are taught how to throw and hold people on the ground."

If you would like to join the Koyama Budo Club or want to find out more, call 01322 615113 or email budoswanley@aol.com

'I FEEL A LOT SAFER'

JACK Moore has been attending the club for nearly a year.

The eight-year-old, of Oliver Road, Swanley, said: "I like the lessons because they are fun, they give me exercise and help me protect myself.

"I feel a lot safer because of budo and it's nice I get to practise with two of my best friends from St Mary's School."