MARTIAL artists have raised £650 for the Stroke Association.

Dynamic Aikido Nocquet (DAN) recently hosted the Joint Aikikai Council (JAC) annual gathering at the Freeman Quay sport centre in Durham.

The event was well attended, with 76 aikido practitioners from all over the UK participating. The organisers, Paul Emmerson and Alistair Brown, raised nearly £650, which was presented to the Stroke Association on the day.

Five leading Aikido instructors and heads of the JAC associations attended the event, including John Emmerson, 5th Dan, DAN; Terry Ezra, 7th Dan, Komyokan; Ian McClarence, 6th Dan, BAF; Chris Mooney, 6th Dan, Birankai; Gordon Jones, 7th Dan, UKA.

Mr Emmerson said: “It was a pleasure to host this event with people from all over the country and at the same time make a contribution to a very worthy cause.

“We are so happy with the funds raised for the Stroke Association, it shows what can be done if we work together.”

If you are interested in taking up Aikido, telephone Mr Emmerson on 07723-037718.