A JUDO legend came to Bury last week to share his secrets of success.

British Champion Brian Jacks delivered a martial arts masterclass to members of Turton-based karate club, Tower Shukokai.

Judo, karate and Brazilian ju jitso enthusiasts from the region gathered at the United Styles Karate Academy on Hardman Street in Bury, to listen Jacks, now 70, share his practise.

Jacks’ seminar interspersed throwing, strangling, locking and footwork skills with anecdotes from his varied and eventful life, drawing particularly on the time spent at the HQ of judo in Japan.

He told members that in the 60s and 70s karate, judo and other Japanese martial arts were often taught and practised at the same club. With lots of shared skills and techniques across the disciplines, he was able to offer something to everyone on the course.

Now living in Thailand, Jacks began writing his memoirs as a gift to his granddaughter.

He is currently on a three-month long tour across the UK promoting his book, ‘Mindset of a Champion’.

Coach at Tower Shukokai, Martyn Skipper said: “As a kid starting out in martial arts in the 1970s, Brian Jacks was one of my first role models. To get the opportunity to train with him was too good an opportunity to miss.”

Karate coach at the United Styles Karate Academy, Peter Allen added: “It was a privilege to have such a legend of the martial arts at our place. I can’t wait to get started on the book”.