NORTH-East martial arts experts have been showing off their skills for Japanese dignitaries.
Members of Durham-based Shodai Ryu, thought to be the only group outside Japan currently teaching the Shodai Ryu technique, performed at the Hattori Espace, Centre Culturel Franco Japonais, at the invitation of the Japanese Embassy in Paris, France, on Saturday.
Eight people demonstrated the martial art’s skilful use of Japanese swords for an 80-strong audience including the Japanese first secretary to Paris.
Senior instructor Colin Young, who founded the club in 2004, said: "It was fantastic. To do something like this was great."
Mr Young established the Durham club in 2004, having trained in Japan.
He was invited to Saturday’s event following a demonstration given at last year’s Japan Expo in Paris.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here