Published at 09:38, Friday, 18 December 2009

AFTER five years of teaching the martial art of jiu jitsu in Haltwhistle, karate instructor Tony Mousley’s moment of glory came in the form of one of his students receiving a black belt.

Star pupil: Steve Smith, of Haltwhistle, gained a black belt in jiu jitsu after being trained by Tony Mousley at the town's Hai Futami

Tony, who runs Hai Futami karate school from the town’s swimming and leisure centre, was over the moon when Steve Smith (42), of Town Foot, became the first pupil in his class to gain the coveted grade.

Tony has dedicated large chunks of his spare time to running the club, and was delighted with Steve’s achievements.

Tony, himself a second dan black belt holder who is working towards the third dan, knows how hard it is to acquire the belt and said that his capable student deserved the accolade.

He said: “I am quite proud of Steve. He has worked hard and has been an asset to the club.

“It is a godsend having him at this school and all the feedback about how well he had done from the instructors at his grading was pleasing.”

Steve has attended the school for the past four years, and has rarely missed a lesson during that period.

As Hai Futami trains both adults and juniors in the same class, he went along to the school with his son Jack (six years old at the time).

Both father and son are still as enthusiastic about the sport as when they first started.

Although Steve said he was delighted with his personal achievement, he owed a lot of his success to the training of Tony.

Steve said: “It is incredibly satisfying to achieve something like this because there is a lot of effort in it.

“It is a first for the club so it is good for both Tony and me. He has been the main force behind the club, starting it from scratch, and it is a great thing for him to get some recognition for what he is doing.

“I am just the first, and there are a couple of others going to come through and gain the black belt soon.”

Hai Futami is held at Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre every Thursday at 7-9pm and is open to both adults and juniors aged six or over.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk