MARTIAL arts experts have raised more than £1,000 for a world-famous cancer hospital by staging a masterclass at Rudheath.

The Legends of Ju-Jitsu Masterclass was held at Rudheath Leisure Centre, and was organised by the Mid Cheshire Budo Club.

The event saw Senior Masters demonstrating their expertise on three packed-to-capacity mats, and techniques ranged from traditional Ju-Jitsu, knife and gun defence to practical self-defence and ground work.

Mid Cheshire Budo Club is part of Cheshire Budo Federation, and its president and founder, David Flaherty, was recently appointed country representative for the World Ju-Jitsu Kobudo Organisation in Great Britain.

“The proceeds of the masterclass were donated to The Christie charity, in particular to support the Proton Beam Therapy Research Room fund,” said Mid Cheshire Budo Club coach Chris Travis, from Wincham.

“The charity chosen was very significant for the organisers of the event, as The Christie Hospital supported Dave Flaherty and his family, in particular his daughter, in their time of need – so much so that he describes them as his ‘angels’.

“The target was to raise £1,000 for the charity, but it is likely that when all donations are accounted it will be exceeded.

“Thanks must also go to the staff at Rudheath Leisure Centre, who were very supportive, and Rudheath Co-op, which kindly made a contribution towards refreshments for the instructors.”

The event was attended by Shike Giacomo Spartaco Bertoletti from Italy, International President of the World Ju-Jitsu Federation and World Ju-Jitsu Kobudo Organisation and Vice-president Shihan Stefano Draghi.

The course was also supported by the President of World Ju-Jitsu Federation in Ireland, Shihan David Toney, and his students from Northern Ireland.

Participants included a large delegation from the north east who came to support the cause, and representatives from as near as Liverpool and as far as London also supported the event.

David Flaherty MBE, a 9th Degree Black belt, was awarded the major honour of So-Shihan, denoting a master teacher, by president Bertoletti.

“Sensei Flaherty was overwhelmed and felt a great sense of pride in the fact that so many people supported the event,” said Mr Travis.