SENSEI Jason Bird is encouraging youngsters to experience martial arts at the Shima Arashi Budokan.

The Budokan, a school of Shima Ryu Aikibudo, Japanese swordsmanship and self-defence, is a great way to get active while learning new skills, discipline and self-control at the same time.

Shima Ryu Aikibudo is Sensei Bird's take on Aikido, which is a modern synthesis of traditional Japanese arts.

In the early days of its formalisation Aikido was known as Aikibudo. And at the Budokan, which meets at Osprey Leisure Centre on Portland, Sensei Bird is committed to teaching in a more traditional fashion.

The island club was formed in early 2005 but had to wait a year and a half to settle into its current home at Osprey Leisure Centre.

The Budokan is essentially a non-profit school, with any spare monies being used for the upkeep of the room and matted training area they use.

Daily training is comprised of Taijutsu (body and empty-handed techniques), Japanese swordsmanship (Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu), 4ft staff (Jo), and basic self-defence.

However, the club is somewhat low in youthful numbers. Sensei Bird said: "The youth section has not being going as great as I would have liked, but that's not through the want of trying. It's about getting the youngsters off their computers and down here, to help keep them occupied and active.

"It's also a way of beating the bullies without resorting to violence.

"We have fun and games with the kids but there is also a sense of tradition involved."

And Sensei Bird believes there are plenty of benefits to come from joining the clan. He added: "The main benefits are self-confidence and discipline but there are others such as a sense of purpose, social interaction and co-operation.

"I hope to be able to help children become better people and instil a sense of decency without going to extreme measures."

Senior instructor Bird describes his role as similar to that of a driving instructor. He explained: "I am like a driving instructor, I will only teach you to gain your driving licence. When you get behind the wheel of your first car that is when you truly learn how to drive.

"Much like when you pass your first Dan Grade, when you put on your first black belt and Hakama, that is when you truly start learning.

"All I am doing is helping you pass your many tests to gain your first Dan Grade, I am your guide along your path, your driving instructor.

"From then on you start learning in earnest, from yourselves and others. I will be here to gently nudge you back if you sway from your own path."

Anyone wishing to get involved with the Budokan, or interested to learn more, can go along to one of Sensei Bird's sessions or visit freewebs.com/shimaryu Over-12s meet on a Monday, Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday between 7.15-9.15pm while those under-12 meet on a Monday and Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm.