Judo star Oates at Wymondham Weekender

WYMONDHAM Judo Club hosted its first event since the setting up of the Wymondham Martial Arts and Wellbeing Centre in January.

The Wymondham Weekender was a two-day training event which started on Friday evening and finished on Saturday evening, with players travelling from further afield being able to stay overnight.

With the emphasis on contest judo, a series of guest coaches shared their skills to over 60 students of all ages and abilities.

The highlight was a masterclass on Saturday afternoon from British number one Colin Oates, who competed at the 2010 World Championships in Tokyo last year and is a hopeful for the 2012 Olympics.

Wymondham head coach, Chris Claydon, said 'The club has been fully occupied over the last few months with the development of the industrial unit into a fully- functioning multi-room facility, so it was really pleasing to be able to host our first such event.

'The sessions were all well run and very well attended, and it was great to have attendees from across the county and the entire south east of England.

'We'll definitely be hosting more in the months to come'

The next event the venue is hosting will be a competition in March for young low-grade players across the region to help develop their contest skills.

Wymondham Martial Arts and Wellbeing Centre is at a unit in Philip Ford Way, Silfield. It's a not-for-profit charity and already has judo every day except Tuesday, as well as Bujutsu and Tai Chi classes running.

An equipped therapy room is available for hire for a variety of complimentary treatments, with massage and nutritional therapy already available.

Two halls are currently being built inside the unit, which will allow for pilates, kung fu, boxercise, pole-fit classes to start along with any other martial art, fitness or wellbeing groups that would like to make use of the facility.

Further details can be obtained from Karen Claydon on 01953 604385.