IT'S been a busy few months for the Blackburn Martial Arts and Kick Boxing Club.

For the Albion Mill-based club in Ewood has been awarded a special certificate from the Japanese Sword School while Sensei Ray Parker, Sensei Simon Jones and Sensei Jimmy McGillick have been honoured for their services to Ju-Jitsu.

And four club members have also made their mark in a recent black belt grading.

The club, founded by Ray Parker in 1970, became one of the few clubs in the country to be given the honour of teaching the art of the Samurai.

At a special ceremony at the gym, the club was presented with a certificate from eight dan, Brian Wrightson who runs the Japanese Sword School in Shrewsbury.

Ray said: "It is a great honour to be presented with this certificate. There are not that many clubs in the country who teach the art of the Samurai so it is a privilege for the Blackburn Martial Arts and Kick Boxing Club."

Ray Parker, Simon Jones and Jimmy McGillick were later honoured by The World Ju-Jitsu Association when they travelled to a special training course in Belfast.

The three Senseis received certificates for their distinguished services to Ju-Jitsu over the years.

Ray added: "Again, this was a great honour for the three of us."

Meanwhile, four club members have progressed following a recent dan grading. Lee Whitehead has achieved his black belt first dan in Kempo while Owen McGill and Allan Riley achieved their second dan. And Michael Southworth is now also a second dan in Ju-Jitsu. The club welcomes new members and anyone interested in joining should contact the club on 01254 696579.