ONE of aikido’s leading experts is due to demonstrate the art at Heathfield School sports hall on next Saturday, October 25, from 11am to 2.30pm.

Seventh dan black belt Seizo Takimoto Sensei will be appearing as a guest of the Itai Doshin Aikido Club which is based at the Trident Youth & Community Centre in Taunton, Tony Waknell, one instructors at the club, said: “We are honoured to have such a high-ranking black belt instructor coming over from Japan to teach a seminar.

“To get someone of this level not only in Somerset, but in the UK, is extremely rare.

“We are fortunate in that we have one of his students from Japan working here and teaching in our club - hence the reason we have been able to do this.

“But in the martial arts world, this is something very special.”“Japan is the home of aikido and the visiting instructor, Seizo Takimoto Sensei was awarded his first black belt from the founder of the art, making it even more special.”

As a club, we are just about to launch a class for youngster (School Year 7+) and are going to deliver a day of taster sessions at Castle School in a couple of weeks so a very interesting time for Aikido and attracting youngsters into regular exercise alongside such a prestigious visit.