The force was with members of York Town Jitsu Club at the national Jitsu Foundation competition at Lilleshall as they won a clutch of plaudits.

Nine-year-old Pip Slade was honoured with the Shihan Brian Graham Memorial Trophy for her outstanding fighting spirit on the way to earning a silver in her age group.

Dominic Martin, 15, also won a silver in his category, and 17-year-old Matt Charlton was awarded a junior dan black belt - a club first - at the national event for jiu jitsu students aged between five and 18.

Instructor Sensei Stephen Millard capped the day by being presented with the instructor of the year award for his hard work and dedication.

He said: "It was a very enjoyable and successful day for the club and I'm delighted with the recognition of the hard work and dedication put in by the students and myself."

To find out more about York Town Jitsu Club, log onto www.yorkjitsu.org

Updated: 09:23 Saturday, October 22, 2005