MARTIAL arts pupils had the chance to train with a master with more than 40 years experience.

A new Aikido class at Freeman’s Quay in Durham had a visit by instructor Shane Riley Shihan, who is head of White Rose Aikikai, in West Yorkshire, and had taught all over the world.

The seventh Dan black belt was able to pass on some of his expertise in the art of Japanese self defence to students at Prince Bishops Aikido.

Gary Elphick, who instructs the Saturday class, said: “It was fantastic. There was so much experience on the mat.

“Everyone came off buzzing. For some reason everyone really clicked and it was a really positive class.

“We’ve only started in the last couple of months and this is the first time we’ve had someone up. We were lucky to have him.”

Prince Bishops Aikido, which is led by Sensai Tony Heseltine, a sixth Dan with 35 years experience, has classes through the week and the Saturday class, is open to everyone, whatever their ability.

It takes place between 10am and 12noon and costs £4 a session.