The Rising Sun and Rising Stars Aikido Club

A self-defence club for people of all ages has just received a £10,000 lottery grant.

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The Rising Sun and Rising Stars Aikido Club in Weston, which teaches adults and children from the age of five the non-competitive martial art, has used the grant for new mats and equipment. The two clubs used to operate individually but merged in 2006.
Sensei Phil Benge took over a Rising Sun Aikido Club in Hull when his mentor left and then moved to Weston in January 2000. He helped set up the Rising Sun Aikido Club a year later for adults and children over 12.

Sensei Helena H Benge-Nilsdotter then formed the Rising Stars group to inspire children and get them active. Helena was caught up in the tsunami disaster in 2004 which killed thousands across south east Asia and this inspired her to start Rising Stars to give something back to the community.

One of the highlights for the club came when members performed at the opening of Herons Moor Community Primary School in Locking Castle in September 2005. Their demonstration was witnessed by Princess Anne, who opened the school.

The group also holds after-school clubs for pupils at Wyvern Community School on Fridays, Bournville Junior School on Mondays and Broadoak Mathematics and Computing College on Wednesdays. All the sessions run from 3.15pm-4.15pm.

The Rising Sun and Rising Stars Aikido Club received five nominations at this years North Somerset Sports Awards, including two for their sports administrators, Phil and Helena, and also for encouraging young people into sports.

The clubs were also recognised for their excellent school links and five members were nominated in the most improved category.

The club currently meets at several venues around the town (see top right) but, next year, Phil hopes to set up a permanent base in Weston.

THE FACTS:
Name: The Rising Sun and Rising Stars Aikido Club.
Founded: The Rising Sun Aikido Club was founded in January 2001. The Rising Stars Aikido Club was founded in January 2006. The two merged soon after.
Membership: There are over 100 members registered. Membership costs 15 for adults, 10 for students and
people not working and 5 for Under 16s.
Who the club caters for: The Rising Sun Aikido section caters for adults and children over 12. The Rising Stars section caters for youngsters aged five to 12.
Meeting time/place: There are four adult training sessions each week - on Mondays from 7-9pm at St Martins Junior School, Spring Hill, Worle; on Thursdays from 6.30-8.30pm at Wyvern Community School in Marchfields Way, Weston; on Fridays from 7-9pm at The Campus in Bransby Way and on Saturdays from 10.30am-12noon, also at The Campus. The Rising Stars train every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am at The Campus.
Presidents: Sensei Phil Benge (3rd Dan) and Sensei Helena Benge-Nilsdotter (1st Dan).
Who to contact: Sensei Phil Benge on 07786 513973.