A MARTIAL arts centre is launching classes for deaf people.

Youngsters and adults with hearing problems are being invited to an open evening at North West Warriors Martial Arts & Fitness Centre later this month.

Organisers say the classes will help build confidence and equip deaf people who may feel vulnerable with self-defence skills.

Paul Smith, who opened the club in Vale Street, Breightmet, nine years ago, has teamed up with Sign 4 Sport, an organisation which provides communication support for sporting events.

Mr Smith, who lives in Breightmet, took up martial arts at the age of 11, inspired by actor and martial arts legend Bruce Lee.

He said: “There are a lot of deaf people in the North West and Bolton.

“There is some interest for deaf people wanting to do martial arts because of their vulnerability.

“It’s looking like it’s going to be quite busy and popular.

“If we can make a difference to people in general, whether they can hear or can’t hear, whether they have got their limbs or not, we are very keen.”

He hopes the classes, which people will be able to get a taster of, will help deaf people become less likely to fall victim to attacks and bullying.

Mr Smith said: “They were telling me that one lad was on a night out with his cousin and a man came up to him and called him a deaf so-and-so and started trying to attack him.

“His hearing aid was on the outside so he knew he was deaf.

“His cousin intervened and ended up getting into a fight.

“That’s what they were subjected to.”

The taster class will also be attended by Lorri Wilson, from Sign 4 Sport, who has been a British Sign Language (BSL) communicator for 10 years.

She said: “We do all the British Sign Language for football and we wanted to branch out a bit more.

“I know a lot of deaf people who are very interested in this.

“Some deaf people feel very vulnerable.

“As a hearing person, you know if somebody is coming up behind you, you can feel them and hear them.”

For more information on the free open evening, to be held from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Tuesday, October 28, call Mr Smith on 07779 142502.