WINSFORD martial arts expert Ben Fitzpatrick is changing the venue of his aikido classes to accommodate the growing number of students.

After two years of teaching at Knights Grange, Ben, of Nunhouse Drive, is moving on to Holmes Chapel because the upstairs bar of the Winsford complex is too small.

But he hopes that the new home's closeness to Middlewich will attract people from the town, something which he has not previously managed to do.

In fact, it was only due to him not being able to get the use of a leisure centre which prevented him from setting up base in Middlewich.

Ben's classes at Holmes Chapel Leisure Centre began on Wednesday last week, from 7.30pm to 9pm, and he is sure that most people can benefit from aikido, as it is a martial art which does not rely on aggression to give its participants power.

He said: "It's a very harmonious martial art which emphasises relaxation and development of the mind and body.

"For some students in the class it has changed their lives and opened their minds up to new things they didn't know they could do.

"You can become a calmer person and more focussed, which makes you a lot happier.

"Aikido gives the body a challenge and the mind can develop through that challenge and become more powerful."

Holmes Chapel Leisure Centre is based in Selkirk Drive. Anyone interested in Ben's classes can contact him on 01606 559720.

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