Bolton residents are being invited to take part in free beginner’s self-defence karate sessions.

Taking place for five weeks at Blackrod Community Centre, sessions will provide people with the fundamentals of self-defence taken from all aspects of the martial arts and are aimed to protect against all types of attacks.

Through practical exercises, drills and kata attendees will learn how to remain focused in stressful situations out of their comfort zone, gain skills to be confident in dangerous circumstances, defend themselves in the event of any attack, mindfulness, confidence to say no and to learn life skills.

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Everyone in Bolton is welcome to join in and give the sessions a go, under 16s must be accompanied by an appropriate adult and there is no need to book.

The sessions are run by Sensei Amanda Winstanley and the dojos senior instructors.

Sessions started on January 7 but will continue for a further four weeks and there will be help after the normal karate sessions.

The sessions will be 2.30pm to 3.30pm.