Former British Judo Championships winner Lionel Hibbert launches martial arts lesson the Chalkhill

A home-grown judo champion is throwing down the gauntlet to youngsters by opening a new club in Wembley.

Former British Judo Championships winner Lionel Hibbert, 46, who grew up in Wembley and Kingsbury, founded Pride Judo Club earlier this month and now wants boys and girls to give it a try.

Mr Hibbert, of Wood Close, Kingsbury, who has been coaching judo for more than a decade, felt it was “the right time” to open his own club.

He said: “I want to start a club that will help the community. If we can get a couple of youngsters interested in judo then I will have done what I set out to do.”

The martial arts expert, who has won over 100 medals over the course of his career, is ambitious and has plans for the future.

He said: “I am hoping once we get going and gain a few more members we will expand and possibly run sessions on Saturday afternoons.”

The sessions take place on at Chalkhill Community Centre in Chalk Hill Road, Wembley. The first lesson is free and �3 thereafter with jackets provided.

For more information call 07985336181.

Sessions are Monday between 7-8pm ( 7-13 year-olds) and 8-9pm (14+)

Wednesdays from 6.30-7pm (7-13 year-olds) and 7.30-8.30pm (14 and over)