Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 03 July 2008

JUNIOR students at the Combat Ju-Jitsu Academy - based at Cockermouth Sports Centre - have been put through their paces at a grading event.

BELTS: Junior members of Combat Ju-Jitsu Academy at their grading event

The most outstanding student was Ruth Douglas who took her orange belt.

Also getting an orange belt were Ellie Ulyatt, Maggie Ulyatt, Lauren Watkinson and Ruth Douglas.

Yellow belts went to Lewis Graham, Mark Bushell and Christopher Potter while Rees Pattinson and Cameron Angus won green belts.

Purple belts were gained by Daniel Gibson, John Montgomerie and Ella Skilbeck. Ross Taylor gained a brown belt and a white belt went to Lee Malvern.

The academy teaches ju-jitsu in its classical style but with a relaxed atmosphere. Respect for the teacher, style and school are emphasized.

The ju-jitsu student develops skills in striking, kicking, throwing, joint locking, choking, strangling and grappling.

In the beginning a student is taught basic skills and through a grading system increases his knowledge and rewards the keen student with a succession of different coloured belts from white to yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown and black.

Grading Panel on the day John Barany third dan black belt, Nicky Barany second dan black belt, and Graeme Starkie second dan black belt with the assistance of junior black belts Jamie Starkie and Scott Weir.