TONY Smith has been involved in martial arts for nearly half a century and almost all his life.

So it is no surprise that when it came to opening his own club then there was only going to be one outcome.

For as well as his qualifications - the ju jitsu professor is a black belt ninth dan and has one of the highest gradings in Europe – he has years of experience.

And no matter what sport you are involved in, everyone knows that experience counts for everything.

It was eight years ago that the Nippon Dai Martial Arts Academy opened the doors at a new venue at Newmans Buildings on Garden Street in Blackburn.

Since then it has been nothing short of a success story.

“As soon as we found that venue, we I knew it was right,” said Smith, 58, who is chairman of Nipon Dai Budo Kai, the sport’s governing body. “We were based at other venues but we were always on the lookout for something more permanent and thankfully we found it.”

The club was orginally based on the first floor but has expanded this year and now offers an impressive fitness area, along with mats on the ground floor as well.

The success of the club has been down to the fact that Tony leaves nothing to chance.

“The days of turning up and training with someone who you didn’t know was a black belt or not have long gone,” added Blackburn-born Smith who was brought up in Accrington. “Clubs these days have to be watertight and that is exactly the way we do it at our club. “From insurance to coaching qualifications and the structure of our training programme, everything is done the right way.

“All of our coaches are CRB checked and any children who join the club work to a programme and follow a syllabus with their progressed logged on computer.”

The club has more than 250 members on its books, catering for juniors and both men and women of all abilities.

“Our youngest member is a five-year-old while we were have a German chap who is in his 60s. The beauty of martial arts is that you are never to old to take it up.”

The doors are open five days a week with classes held each evening but courses are also held during the day as well.

Smith, who travels around the country and Europe coaching other instructors, is well reknown within martial arts circles.

His club is classed as a centre of excellence and instructors from clubs from around East Lancashire attend to take their coaching qualifications.

Not bad for the former St Christopher’s High School pupil who took up martial arts when he was just 10 years-old.

“I was always in to gymnastics and wrestling when I was younger and always very active,” said Smith. “My next door neighbour was a member of a judo club in Accrington so I went along with him one day and absolutely loved it.

“I have been involved in martial arts ever since and, over the years, I have continued to step up a level to where I am now.”

And Tony will use all of his experience to continue to build the club and take it to the next level.

l For further about the club details about the club contact Tony Smith on 07502 156118.