Martial arts: Four jujitsu aces make the grade

FOUR youngsters have earned their junior black belts in the Japanese martial art of jujitsu.

Reece Roughley, Scott Appleton, Ryan Parkinson and Nicole Aubury all attend the Shogun Professional School of Jujitsu at Northgate Arena, run by eighth dan Simon Rimington and fifth dan Norma Rimington.

They were sent to the World Jujitsu Federation headquarters in Fazakerley to undergo a challenging examination in order to earn their belts.

The test included a demonstration of their practical knowledge of throws, kicks, weapons and essential moves and a written exam to test their knowledge of the art and the human body.

Scott, who attends Boughton Heath Primary School, and Ryan prepared for the exam at each other’s homes.

The 10-year-olds have become best friends through the sport and were especially pleased to pass together.

“They had to do a lot of preparation for the test,” said Scott’s mum Catherine.

“The first test was two hours and the anatomy test was three hours so they had a lot to do.

“They have progressed together and gone from purple belt through brown-white, brown, and black in 12 months.”