A MARTIAL arts expert will knuckle down to beat a world record to raise money for a children’s charity.

Instructor John Bland is aiming to hit a punchbag non-stop for more than 36 hours and three minutes.

The current record punchbag marathon was by Ron Sarchian in California, USA, in June 2004.

And John has been training hard for his big challenge in aid of the NSPCC, clocking up a staggering 33 hours already.

John, 28, who is a Third Dan black belt, said: “The training is going really well.

The main problem will be sleep deprivation.

“I will be able to have a five-minute break every hour to eat or go to the toilet.”

John, of Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, has been studying martial arts for 21 years and is an expert in karate, judo, kickboxing, kyusho, jujitsu and small circle jujitsu.

He will throw more than 60,000 punches – the equivalent of 30 to 40 punches per minute – and said he had a spare punchbag in case he delivers a knockout blow.

He said: “I could do with more witnesses to watch me.

"They must be public figures such as NHS or the police.

"They will be able to say I’ve actually done it and I’ve not just been sat down.”

His family, including wife Clare, daughters Toni, Rachael, Chloe, Sophie and Lia, are all giving him their full support.

“My family thought I was a bit crazy but they're all really backing me now.

“I have got five children and I’ve been teaching martial arts to children, so it will be good giving them something back,” he said.

John will carry out his world record bid at the Dragon’s Zen Dojo at Newchurch Methodist Church on Friday 8 October, starting at 10am.

He teaches self-defence classes for six to 11-year-olds on Tuesdays, between 7pm and 8pm; 11-16 year olds 8pm to 9pm; adults 9pm to 10pm Tuesdays, and other classes take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays.

To sponsor John, click on the link below.