A CREWE martial arts club has launched a new class aimed at teaching youngsters how to stand up to school bullies.

Experts at Total Urban Combat Concepts have taught adults a complex mixture of disciplines, including karate, Aikido and Ju-Jutsu, at the Camm Street Gym for 15 years.

Now they are set to launch a new session, for youngsters aged seven-16, on Sunday mornings. Black belt instructors Chris Byrne, David Merrill, Nigel Cornes and Paul Gamble, who have more than 75 years of experience between them, hope to boost the skills and confidence of young people.

Sensei Byrne explained: 'It's not about learning to fight. It's about teaching young people confidence, awareness, how to evaluate situations, diffuse them, as well as all the normal skills that martial arts encompass.

'On top of this, we will be providing the opportunity to learn these skills in a safe, friendly, fun environment with expert instruction.

'The new session is called Junior Ju-Jutsu. The whole emphasis of the launch is to give young people the opportunity to beat the rising trend of bullying in schools.'

The Junior Ju-Jutsu session will be the second Crewe scheme to focus on beating the bullies. Crewe ABC is using a technique called Boxercise to help kids. * Total Urban Combat Concepts launch the Junior Ju-Jutsu class on Sunday, February 13, between 10.30am and noon. To register call Chris Byrne on 01270 650437 or 07835 881487. Alternatively, simply turn up at the first session.

Adults classes run on Thursday evenings from 7.30-9.30pm. Visit www.urbancombat.org.uk for more details.