Teenage boys disaffected with mainstream education are being put back on the right track, thanks to judo.

Pupils at Nab Wood School are being taught the basics of the sport as part of a project which aims to harness the discipline needed to successfully study a martial art.

Project Rei aims to give young people the focus required to solve problems and behave correctly.

The scheme, backed by the British Judo Association, was developed by Bradford charity the Family Service Unit (FSU).

Participants take part in positive, therapeutic group work before taking part in the sport.

Nab Wood teacher Chris Howlett said: "The programme is all about raising boys' achievement.

"The lads are a challenging group. But through the course we hope they can use judo to work on their behaviour and self-discipline.

"Instead of just reacting they need to think about things which in turn can raise their self-esteem and give them self-confidence.

"Also, some of these lads don't have role models. Tony Devine, the coach, is a former Great Britain international, who they all look up to. Through the project they have tended to bond as a group and work together rather than turn to aggression all the time."

The ten-week project is set to end at Christmas. However, the school hopes to run a second scheme in the new year.

Mr Devine, 32, said: "The lads have been brilliant. They are working well.

"We have had a lot of support from both the staff and students at Nab Wood."

Some 12 boys aged 13 and 14 are taking part in the project.

Adil Arshad, 13, of Hoxton Street, Girlington, said: "It's been really good. We have learned different moves and how to behave in different situations.

"We have also done excellent fitness training."

Jonathan Whetlock, 13, of Church Street, Shipley, added: "We have learned some throws and how to break falls. We have also done stuff on self-confidence."

Pupils at Immanuel College and Tong School have also taken part in the scheme, backed by £75,000 funding from the BBC's Children In Need programme.

e-mail: dan.webber@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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