IT IS never too early to start martial arts as a group of tots are finding out.
The Jag Martial Arts Ninjutsu group is run at Hyndburn Sports Centre by chief instructor Jason Curtis, a double English kick boxing champion
The club, which has run for nine years, has catered for children aged five-16 years old.
But for the past four months, he decided to introduce a new class for children aged three-five years olds - and they were part of a grading day at the club.
"These children join in with the whole class for the initial warm up but they have their own section of the room after that and are trained by my wife Alison, an assistant instructor at the club," explained Jason.
"Alison used to be a nursery teacher and has trained for many years herself.
"It was great to see the little ones perform on the grading day after just a few months of training.
"They were able to do the basic kicks, hand strikes, jumping movement, rolls and a throwing technique."
The club has 48 junior members aged three-16 and 27 were graded.
And Thomas Savage was celebrating after he received a Junior Black Belt.
Hollins High School pupil Thomas, 15, has trained for five hard years towards this aim.
"Thomas is an excellent student," continued Jason. "He has shown patience and perseverance in his training and is a good example to the younger ones."
There are nine schools of ninjitsu so there is a lot to teach and train.
"Having Alison teach the younger ones allows me to give more attention to the older ones and, therefore, move on quicker to more advanced techniques," added Jason. "But, if students are patient, like Thomas, they benefit so much."
Other assistant instructors at the club are Rowan Garbett and Lee Curtis.
