An £800 Community Grant from Bassetlaw District Councillors has made a striking difference for a Martial Arts group in Worksop.
The Jukado Ryu-Martial Arts and Self Defence group has been able to purchase essential equipment such as gloves, crash mats, strike pads and other fitness equipment for their sessions.
The sessions teach the fundamentals of Aikido, Jujitsu and Karate to form Aikijitsu, a modern effective self-defence style that is suitable for all ages. Currently the group has around 12 members and it’s the only group in Bassetlaw to teach this style of martial arts.
Matthew Hyland, Chief Instructor of Jukado-Ryu Martial Arts and Self Defence group said: "We are incredibly grateful to the councillors for supporting our group through this grant. As a community-based martial arts club, funding like this makes a real difference and allows us to purchase vital equipment that will enhance our training sessions for both existing and new members.
“On behalf of everyone at Jukado-Ryu, I'd like to say a heartfelt thank you to the councillors for recognising the value of local community groups and investing in activities that help people stay active, learn new skills and feel connected. Their support will have a lasting impact on our members and on those who join us in the future."
Cllr Paddy Ducey, Ward Member for Worksop South and Cllr Maria Charlesworth, Ward Member for Worksop North, jointly spoke on behalf of the Councillors who contributed funds towards the Martial Arts Group.
They said: "We're delighted to be able to support Jukado-Ryu, clubs like this are at the heart of our communities, giving people a chance to keep active, meet new people and be part of something positive.
"Matthew and the team have built a welcoming club that means a great deal to its members, and we know this equipment will help them continue to grow and reach even more people in the area.
"It's always rewarding to see these grants make a real difference locally, and we're looking forward to seeing the club go from strength to strength in the years ahead."
The Councillors who contributed funds towards the Jukado-Ryu Martial Arts group are: Cllr Maria Charlesworth and Cllr Neil Sanders, Ward Members for Worksop North; Cllr Paddy Ducey and Cllr Julie Leigh, Ward Members for Worksop South; Cllr Cliff Entwistle, Ward Member for Worksop East; Cllr Josie Potts, Ward Member for Worksop South-East and Cllr Carolyn Troop, Ward Member for East Retford South.
Jukado-Ryu Martial Arts and Self Defence group train every Wednesday from 7pm until 8:30pm at the Balmoral Community Centre in Worksop. To find out more about the group or how to join, follow the Martial Arts group on Facebook or call 07825 789 167.
Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated a small annual budget and has the discretion to award grants to support community activities within their ward. Councillor grants may support projects related to sport, culture and heritage, environmental sustainability, social welfare, and general community benefit.
Pictured: Matthew Hyland, Chief Instructor of Jukado-Ryu Martial Arts/Self Defence Group, Derrick Parsons, Senior International Instructor, Members of the Jukado-Ryu Martial Arts/Self Defence Group, Cllr Paddy Ducey, Ward Member for Worksop South and Cllr Maria Charlesworth, Ward Member for Worksop North
Last Updated on Tuesday, September 15, 2026