KARATE kids are holding sway at three clubs in the area – Haxby Shotokan Karate Club, York SKC and Selby SKC.

And the ranks of the Haxby outfit could soon be swelled after the club agreed to go into partnership with the Activ York programme run by City of York Council.

The Haxby club, which train each Monday and Thursday at Wigginton Recreation Hall, are to go into local schools to try to recruit youngsters aged from eight upwards to go through proper training leading to a grading examination, said Mike Gude, a fifth Dan and the club’s chief instructor.

The Haxby club also have strong links with their York and Selby counterparts. York, who train each Monday at St Olave’s School (7pm to 9pm) and the same time each Wednesday at St Chad’s church hall under seventh Dan Keith Gullen, are likely to hold a public karate demonstration in York city centre in summer.

Selby SKC train each Sunday at Barlby High School (5.30pm to 8.30pm) under the stewardship of first Dan Paul Brant.

Haxby SKC will hold a beginners’ course on March 23 to 26. For details phone Ian Shaw on 07909 991541 or check www.haxbykarate.com