Martial arts instructor hopes to bring fun back to Ely amid coronavirus pandemic
Rick Pridmore, head instructor at the Ely Ninjutsu Dojo, hopes to bring fun to the community amid the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: SUPPLIED/RICK PRIDMORE - Credit: Archant
A martial arts instructor hopes to bring fun to the local community as he aims to send a positive message amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Rick Pridmore, head instructor at the Ely Ninjutsu Dojo, hopes to bring fun to the community amid the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: SUPPLIED/RICK PRIDMORE - Credit: Archant
Rick Pridmore wants to bring something different to the people of Ely and surrounding areas through running ninjutsu sessions at his dojo at Centre E on Barton Road, which has been running since 2007.
But although he cannot reopen his dojo just yet due to the coronavirus pandemic, Rick is running socially distant outdoor sessions, which teaches participants about the arts.
“I had a few emails with interest, so I don’t want to disappoint in retracting,” he said.
“It is very territorial, so we thought we could teach new skills and abilities to a new generation of students that may be interested.
Rick Pridmore, head instructor at the Ely Ninjutsu Dojo (pictured), hopes to bring fun to the community amid the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: SUPPLIED/RICK PRIDMORE - Credit: Archant
“People are aware of us and with a new generation of people coming through, we could pick up interest from the local community.”
Rick, who has always had an interest in historical ninja and traditional art, wants to teach more people about ninjutsu, an ancient traditional warrior style art developed on Japanese culture, as well as building on Ninja and Samurai skills such as self-defence.
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Having opened a dojo in Peterborough too, Rick from Ely who is a managing director at a local security firm, was keen to pass on his knowledge of the art through the dojo, linked to the Bujinkan organisation which means ‘divine warrior tradition’.
“I think it’s good for the local community that we are promoting an ancient style, adapted to modern society,” he said.
“In this modern-day society, I think it is crucial to learn about self-protection, especially the younger generation coming through.”
Although it’s uncertain how long Rick will have to wait until he can run indoor sessions again, he is confident that people will still be encouraged to take part no matter what.
“We are putting out a positive message to say that with everything going on now, you still persevere and carry on.
“I think we will continue no matter where we are because if people are determined to train and get together safely, it is not going to affect us at all.
“If anything, it will be safer and when the venue does reopen, it would be back to normal with measures in place.
“There is always something new to learn, and hopefully we can provide an environment that is fun for them and it brings something different to Ely.”
Sessions will run from Thursday, July 2 every week at the Paradise Centre sports field between 7.30-9pm for those aged 12 and over, weather permitting.
For more information, visit the Bujinkan Ninjutsu Ely Dojo Facebook page or their website at https://www.bujinkanelydojo.co.uk/.
