Visually impaired judo is one of the world's most widely practiced Paralympic sports and Britain boasts one of the most successful teams in which their athletes are fully integrated alongside fully sighted competitors.

Two such standout names are double visually impaired world champion Ben Quilter (pictured, in blue) and visually impaired European champion Sam Ingram.

From April the highly regarded club, which annually stages the popular Southend International competition, will offer free training to anyone with a visual impairment.

"Inclusion in sport and life is important to us, and working with visually impaired judo players shows just how important that is," said Southend Judo Club chairman John Horrigan.

"We are in close contact with the British Judo's visually impaired team and can offer from beginner to champion route if required or just a fun sport and a method of self-defence."

Three-time Paralympic medallist Ian Rose, who has staged coaching courses at the club, also welcomed the announcement.

"This is great news and a fantastic achievement for everyone involved," he said.

During the London 2012 Paralympic Games, judo will take place at the ExCeL from August 30 to September 1 with 132 athletes - featuring 84 men and 48 women - set to battle across 13 medal events.

Judo first featured on the Paralympic programme at Seoul 1988, with women's events introduced 16 years later at Athens in 2004.

The programme now features seven medal events for men and six for women, covering a range of weight categories.

The British Judo Association's chief executive, Scott McCarthy, believes the sport can engage and benefit any audience.

"With weight categories, age bands and clear progression pathways through the grading system, judo is sport that truly caters for everyone – regardless of shape, size, gender, ethnicity or ability," he said.

"The sport has something to offer to anyone who is interested in gaining physical skills, core stability, confidence, strength and discipline.

"It is an educational platform as well as an Olympic sport."

To register your interest in attending sessions at Southend Judo Club, contact club chairman John Horrigan on 07899 961341.

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