The martial art of Aikido will, for the first time, be offered to young teenagers through KMS Skolasport, an initiative of the Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport and sponsored by Kellogg’s.

These classes are being run in collaboration with the Aikido Yamato Club of Malta. Sessions for students from 11 to 16 years of age will be conducted on Saturday afternoon between 3pm and 4.15pm at the Maria Assumpta School, Hamrun

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that encompasses mainly self defence, meditation and weaponry study. It gives the student various benefits such as fitness, non aggressive self defence, awareness, inner strength development, ability to remain calm and think clearly during times of stress, increased self esteem and mind and body coordination.

The Aikido sessions, coached by qualified black belt instructor Kevin Bonanno, are a way to introduce a child to martial arts by presenting exercises that build balance, timing and perception. Aikido teaches students how to handle violence without themselves being violent.

Kellogg’s sponsors KMS Skolasport and its initiatives to implement its philosophy and encourages young people to lead a healthy life style.

Those interested in joining the Aikido sessions, are askerd to contact Head Sport Programmes Tanya Zahra at the Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport, Cottonera Sports Complex, Cottonera on 2166-0658/9, fax 2166-0652, email [email protected] or visit www.sportmalta.org.mt