Local people can see some of the best Ju-Jitsu players in the world at Andover Leisure Centre from today and for the whole weekend (27-29 September).
Tickets are available from Friday for local spectators at the Ju-Jitsu World Championships, which are being held in the town for the very first time, and which will feature competitors from all over the world, including the USA and Australia.
The last Ju-Jitsu world championships were held in Las Vegas, and the next will be held in Switzerland in 2015.
Local martial arts expert Mike ‘Mad Dog’ McGarry, who’s also treasurer of the World Council of Ju-Jitsu Organisations, the event organisers, said: “Ju-Jitsu is a fantastic spectator sport as it’s really fast-paced with lots of throws and groundwork.”
Three events are covered over the weekend, with a grappling competition on today [Friday], team work on Saturday and individual competitions on Sunday.
Mike hopes the event will bring new interest to Ju-Jitsu, and said: “It’s a great sport for youngsters, as there are a lot of interesting techniques to learn.”
Information on joining local clubs will be available during the weekend too.
Day tickets cost £10 and event tickets (3 days) cost £25. Tickets will be available on the door.