Over the summer, the local Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale McKee Branch hosted a judo class that proved to be so popular, organizers are making it a permanent part of the club’s offerings.

To help kick the class off in a big way, the local branch will be welcoming Olympian Sophie Cox on Friday, Aug. 18, at 4:30 p.m. Cox will speak with club members about her experience being a two-time Olympian before offering a judo demonstration.

The new judo program will get rolling in September as a partnership with AZ Freestyle Judo. Scott Decker, who headed up the summer program, will return as instructor.

Decker’s background includes 40 years of martial arts experience. He’s an “Ikkyu” (brown belt coach) in freestyle judo and shingitai jujitsu. Decker is also a third degree black belt in Hapkido, a first degree black belt in TaeKwonDo and a certified AAU judo coach and official. Decker is also CPR/first-aid certified.

For more information on Decker’s offerings, visit coachdecker.com/about. For more information on the upcoming judo class in Fountain Hills, call the McKee Branch at 480-344-5401.