THE guest appearance of an American aikido expert gave an international flavour to a Furness club's annual summer school.
Ross Madden, a fifth Dan instructor from San Francisco, joined in with the Shobu Aikido UK (SAUK) event at Newton Village Hall.
Madden, a senior instructor for Robert Nadeau, a world famous aikidoka, taught and practised with the students and enjoyed his time so much he intends to return next year.
The club's 12th annual summer school was hosted by George Forbes, sixth Dan, and Polly Warnock, fourth Dan, and saw students from Barrow, Ulverston, Rotherham, Sheffield and Fakenham hone their skills over four days.
The instruction was led by Forbes and assisted by Warnock, Madden, Mark Headleand, a third Dan from Sheffield, and Chris Walker, a third Dan from Rotherham.
Aikido focuses not on learning to punch or kick, but using your opponent's energy to control and subdue a situation.
Shobu Aikido UK classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7pm until 9pm. A new class is planned for Saturday mornings, which will focus on basic exercises and techniques. For further information, contact Polly Forbes on 01229 463657 or 07584 583518.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here