Aikido Alton is the latest addition to the town’s diverse martial arts scene, founded by Duncan McGregor and Mike Clayton.

The club described aikido as: “A Japanese martial art that emphasises calmness and non-aggression.”

Duncan and Mike began to learn the art in their early 20s and met at another aikido club. They practised there for many years but Duncan wanted to set up his own club.

Duncan said: “It was summer 2022 and I was encouraged a little bit by Mike and that we should set up a club in town. We were also encouraged by Alton Judo Club who were very generous and provided the mats that we practise on. They were very generous in letting us use those and so we set up a club.”

Although the club is doing “OK”, Duncan said it could do with more people. Mike described aikido as a great way to get fitter and more supple and said it did not require people to be “super-fit”.

Mike said: “It’s more about learning a discipline and I took it up as a way of getting a bit of fitness and more strength. When I started, I had just slipped a disc and my back was in a bad way, and once it healed I needed to do something that would stop that and I knew aikido would be good at that.”

The version of aikido that Duncan and Mike teach is focused on personal development and being gentle with the partner and trying to control the partner and handle attacks without inflicting pain or damage.

“It’s very suitable for people who need to gain strength, recover from illness or have a disability,” said Mike. “It’s this lovely thing where we can get together and have a bit of fun, and people should come along and try it,” added Duncan.

Classes are at the Alton College dance studio every Tuesday from 7.15pm to 9.30pm.

There is a free introductory class on the first Tuesday of every month and people should bring clothes that are lightweight and comfortable.

The first few practices are covered by insurance and are free. For more information visit www.aikidoalton.org.uk/