BRADFORD'S longest-established and most successful MMA gym has added a brand new martial art to its timetable.

Following the easing of restrictions relating to gyms and contact sport, SBG Bradford/Team Fulinkazan is now offering classes in Kudo.

It originates in Japan and combines techniques from Judo and Karate (both currently featuring in the Tokyo Olympics).

Kudo is a full-contact combat sport created with safety and practicality in mind. SBG Bradford owners Mark and Marie Spencer took the decision to add the new art to their timetable following an online meeting with Mal Sanchez-Jones, during lockdown.

He runs the GKA Dojo in Barry, South Wales and is one the UK’s leading Kudo exponents and coaches, as well as being a black-belt in the art and in other forms of karate.

Mark Spencer - who himself is a highly-experienced MMA fighter and coach and holds black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Kickboxing - said: “During the last 20 years, I have experienced, trained and competed in a wide variety of martial arts and I think Kudo is the perfect addition to our timetable.

“Kudo is also mixed-martial arts in the truest sense and is also a great option for anyone and everyone looking to learn practical self-defence in a progressive, safe and enjoyable manner.”

Spencer added: “There are also opportunities to earn Dan grades and compete in Kudo and I hope people in West Yorkshire will visit us to try our exciting, new Kudo classes.

“Perhaps the Judo and Karate competitions in the Tokyo Olympics will also whet people’s appetites to try it.”

SBG Bradford/Team Fulinkazan Kudo classes are open to anyone over 16. They take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm.

There are also plans to stage Kudo seminars with high-level visiting instructors. Mal Sanchez-Jones has already delivered a highly-successful event at SBG Bradford/Team Fulinkazan, as social distancing restrictions were eased.

Mark and Marie Spencer have also visited his GKA Dojo in Wales and were recently awarded their Kudo green and purple belts respectively, to recognise the progress they have already made in the art.

Kudo has more than 100 locations in Japan and is practised in more than 50 countries around the world. Although the art was created by the Japanese, Russia currently has the largest number of Kudo athletes.

Mark Spencer has competed in professional Mixed Martial Arts and BJJ for over 20 years. His wife Marie is also an experienced MMA and BJJ competitor and has represented England in international tournaments.

SBG Bradford/Team Fulinkazan is based on Sunbridge Road near the city-centre. Full details of the timetable and classes (including the new Kudo sessions) can found via the website: http://bradfordmma.com NOTE - Please see below rights-free images of Kudo expert Mal Sanchez-Jones (white Gi) & SBG Bradford's Mark Spencer (red t-shirt) take at the recent seminar in the City.

For further information, please get in touch via the gym website: http://bradfordmma.com/contact-us-2