A BLETCHINGDON youngster became the county’s answer to the Karate Kid this month after winning a string of judo competitions.

Luke Williams, seven, won a bronze award at the Annual Open Judo Championship in Southampton, and a gold award at a competition in Didcot.

He said: “I really enjoy judo because I get to kick some peoples butts. I’ve made lots of friends too.”

Luke, who is a red belt and goes to Bletchingdon Primary School, is a member of Kidlington Judo Club, which trains about 20 children, aged five to 16, every week.

John Edwards, 47, formed the club three years ago.

He said: “All the children seem to really love judo – there’s a lot more contact than in other martial arts and we have a few real naturals here.

“I started the club for my son, Robert, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I think fitness for kids is very important.

“Any sort of physical activity has to be better than them sitting in front of their computers.”

The club is non-profit making and runs on Sunday mornings from 10.30am until 11.45am at Kidlington and Gosford Leisure Centre.

Sessions cost £4.