Last updated 19:29, Thursday, 27 November 2008

A WEST Cumbrian Ju Jitsu academy has celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Former Great Britain coach Gene Mealey attended to mark the occasion.

John Barany, founder of Cockermouth’s Combat Ju Jitsu Academy, which meets at the town’s lesiure centre, said: “It was an honour to have him at the event.

“He gave a seminar and a demonstration to the students.”

Mr Barany, 57, took up the martial art 16 years ago and set up the club to pass on his skills.

He said: “Ju Jitsu encompasses all the martial art skills, including kicking, throwing and traditional weapons.

“All the other martial arts such as Karate and Judo come from Ju Jitsu.

“Discipline and respect for the instructors and for other students are important aspects of the sport but we try to combine that with a bit of fun. We are not over strict and there is an element of enjoyment.”

The club, which meets at the leisure centre on Monday and Wednesday nights, has between 60 and 80 members.

Fourteen black belts train at the club and about 30 per cent of its members are female.

Class members are of all ages. Mr Barany said: “The oldest member of the club we have had is 75 and the youngest is six.

“We have seniors and juniors training on the same night so we have quite a number of fathers and sons who train together.”

Children sometimes come to training to deal with school bullies.

Mr Barany said: “We encourage our students not to use their skills outside the classroom.

“The sport is more to do with building confidence so you don’t have to fight.

“Ju Jitsu is only to be used in self-defence to control or restrain an attacker.

“If you have had a bad day at work you can get rid of your frustration but your aggression is under control.”