A CLITHEROE martial arts club has earned its first junior black belt for nearly two decades.

Joseph Bywater achieved the accolade at a grading held at St Peter’s Centre, Burnley.

The 15-year-old, has been a member of Clitheroe Lankin-Fa Jujitsu for 10 years and was third dan Sensei Lee Watson’s first Black Belt student. “Ju-jitsu being a very expansive art can take years to learn, and Joseph performed admirably to earn his grade,” said Lee Watson.

“The grading was held at the International Aiki-Budo Council’s Winter Course, of which many of the clubs members attended.”

The long running club has been in the town for more 25 years and is run by third Dan Sensei David Heaton, who has been at the club since it first opened. The club has over 40 students and five instructors, and is inviting new members to join.

Anyone from the age of six upwards is free to come along for a free taster session. The club train St Mary’s Parish Centre, Church Browon Tuesday nights with juniors starting at 6.45pm and seniors from at 8pm.

If you are interested in joining, then contact David Heaton on 01200 423429.