About Dojo

Project Summary

 Dojo Community Project Limited has its roots in the formation of the Nightingale Project in 1960 by Mrs Mavis Pinkney working from her own home in Handsworth.  In 1979 under the leadership of her son Hector Pinkney the Nightingale Project became known as Dojo and continued the work of helping people, especially young people who are disadvantaged and marginalized within the community through a programme of self discipline, sports and fitness training and recreational activities.  Over the past twenty eight years Dojo, led by Hector has nurtured and empowered many people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, and has provided a positive and motivational incentive to local young people through a variety of sports, health and fitness groups.  It is estimated that at least 10,000 people have benefited from being part of Dojo over this period, including men and women from Handsworth, Aston, Perry Barr and Ladywood and users are aged between 2 to 90.

 The purpose of the project (extracted from the objects of the projects)  is to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Handsworth and neighbourhood wards, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political , religious or any other opinions, by associating together the said inhabitants and the local authorities, voluntary or other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.

 The people that access the project currently come from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and a variety of social and economic backgrounds.