MALVERN Martial Artists made their way to Worcester on Sunday to compete in the Midlands Open Ju Jutsu Kumite championships.

Robert Tiene instructor of the Malvern Ju Jutsu club sent 11 students to compete against competitors from all over the country and from many different styles of fighting.

Rob (black belt 3rd Dan Ju Jutsu) said: "It's a great chance for my students to safely test the technique they learn in class against real opponents. This year the Midlands event had plenty of fighters attending who were of a particularly high standard. The Kumite rules allow all martial styles to complete, so my fighters were able to discover just how effective their Ju Jutsu was against a whole variety of different situations."

The 11 competitors who attended the event were:

Juniors - Mark Sunter, Robbie Hookins (3rd place), Peter Raffielli (3rd), Lee Buckland, Nicola Jordan (4th), Joanna Pursey (3rd) and Hannah Stimson who yet again brought back the Gold Medal against some exceptionally strong opposition.

Adults - Chris Farley, Tim Holloway, Simon Stimson and Tom Robinson. A first outing for two of these fighters, no wins for them both but some very impressive technique with roaring cheers from the crowd.

The rules of Kumite encourage the three main disciplines of martial arts, striking (kicking and punching), throws and sweeps, and ground work (locks, chokes and hold downs). Competitors score points dependent on the type of technique successfully carried out, though the juniors cannot use choking or locking techniques.

For more information on self-defence classes ring Robert on (01242) 576186 or visit Somers Park School, Malvern on any Thursday from 6pm onwards.