AN Abbey Gate College student is proving to be a real martial arts master.
Year 11 pupil Sophie Jones won gold and silver trophies at the British Bushido Ju-Jitsu Championships.
The event featured 130 other competitors from across the country and an additional 100 spectators looking on.
Sophie won first place in the continuous fighting category. This consists of a minute of sparring (punching and kicking only), a minute of randori (similar to judo) and a minute of ground fighting.
Sophie also took second place in a weapons kata (a routine of blocks and strikes with a Bo staff) and was second in random attacks, which is pressure tested from a selection of 40 possible attacks, judged on street effectiveness, how practical they would be and using reasonable force.
This is to ensure students understand the ramifications of using self defence techniques and keeping within the confines of the law.
Sophie trains twice a week and her tutor, Philip Rhodes of the Ellesmere Port Ju-Jitsu Club, says she works hard and approaches each session with a beaming smile and lots of enthusiasm.
He added: “She is a true pleasure to teach. She is most definitely a credit to her family and her school.”
