Martial arts centre plan for Bradford youngsters (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Martial arts centre plan for Bradford youngsters

9:50am Monday 13th February 2012 in News

A martial arts expert is appealing for support to create a community centre in a bid to get youngsters off the streets.

Keith Priestley, 60, is opening a centre in Low Moor, Bradford, to teach martial arts to children from the Low Moor and Wyke areas in a bid to divert them from causing trouble.

Mr Priestley said: “There is nothing really that much round here for the younger ones. In the local park, if the council put up new facilities they seem to always get destroyed.

“I just really want this to work. I want somewhere they can learn and enjoy things. A lot of them have great talent and some parents might not have the money to provide these with opportunities, I’m trying to cut that out with the centre.”

Mr Priestley, who won two world titles and three European titles, said he was now looking at giving something back to the community.

His career also saw him teach Hollywood stuntman Buster Reeves, who acted as a double for Brad Pitt in Troy.

Another of his film industry contacts, stuntman Chris Crossan, has agreed to hold a seminar when the centre is finished.

The centre will be based in the ground floor of the former Dennis Williams hairdressers, in Abb Scott Lane.

“I’m really happy because this gives access to wheelchairs and that’s something I really wanted,” said Mr Priestley.

“It has a concrete floor so it needs mats, which cost more than £3,000. I’ve put my money into the project and I’ll donate as much time and effort as I can.”

Bradford councillor David Warburton (Lab, Wyke) said: “We will try to support Keith as much as we can, especially when it’s involving local sporting activities. If he does get it going, it’s a great way to get the youth off the streets.”

Anyone who wants to support the project can contact Mr Priestley on 07970 363448.