TRADITIONAL Aikido and Japanese swordsmanship is being taught from a new purpose built, full-time Dojo on Portland.

The Tanren Dojo is in Fortuneswell on Portland in what used to be the old Brackenbury School and Munchkins Day Nursery, which had stood empty for some 10 years.

The Dojo, run by Sensei Jason Bird, has also been helped along by the Lions Club of Weymouth, who contributed to the building of the changing rooms.

By moving to this new location, the Dojo can now offer more classes each week for children and adults, and also classes in Japanese Swordsmanship – ‘Iaido’.

Classes run Monday to Thursday (6-10pm), with more to be added.

The Dojo also has mat and room space for hire at a cost of £5 per hour, open to teachers of yoga, pilates, martial arts etc.

Bird said: “The Tanren Dojo only asks that all students train hard, with spirit and commitment, and forge ahead in every session they attend.

“Kids’ classes are fun but worthwhile and the adults’ classes are more intense, with discipline and etiquette being central to all the teachings of the Dojo.”

For more details contact 07849315748 or 01305 823795, or visit the websites sites.google.com/site/shimaryu31 and tanrendojo.mobeezo.com