Bunch of fives!

FAMILY affair . . . the Ju-Jitsu black belt Smithson family, from left, Andy, Hannah, Heather, Jessica and Johnathan

Smithsons are a family of black belts

YOU wouldn’t choose to pick on the Smithsons — five members of the all-action family now have black belts in Ju-Jitsu.

Nine-year-old Johnathan Smithson is the latest to earn his black belt, becoming one of the youngest in the country.

He follows his dad Andy and three older sisters in being awarded the honour after the family all got involved in training at Karma Ju-Jitsu, which is based at the United Reformed Church, Hebron Street, Heyside.

The passion started when Jessica (13) began the more gentle pastime of ballroom dancing but didn’t take to it — and a family friend suggested giving the Ju-Jitsu club a go.

“She took to it like a duck to water,” said Mr Smithson. “Then I started and persuaded my other two daughters to start up as well and we all got involved.

“We all enjoy it, it’s really good keeping us fit and it’s a self-defence art. With three girls you know they can look after themselves and you can rest easier.”

Jessica has been attending sessions for six years and has started work on getting her 2nd Dan with the seniors. Heather (15) and Hannah (17) have been attending for five years.

It took all three girls four years to get their black belts. Heather has also begun sessions with the seniors to get used to throwing bigger opponents.

Andy has been attending for six years but a knee injury meant it took him five years to get the black belt.

Johnathan was desperate to follow in his big sisters’ footsteps but for safety reasons had to wait until his fifth birthday. It took him the standard four years to get the black belt..

Mr Smithson said: “He was very keen to start and couldn’t wait until his fifth birthday. He was a day short of nine years and a month when he took it. It’s a great achievement for one so young. He’s as chuffed as anything.

“I think it’s brilliant. We’re all pleased. The day he took his grade, we all went to Liverpool to watch the presentation.”

The style of martial art originated from ancient Japan and concentrates on using the attacker’s anatomy against themselves.

Techniques include grappling, strikes and throws and it’s not only a valuable self-defence that improves fitness, but also teaches self-discipline and better judgement.

The Heyside club is the longest continuously run Ju-Jitsu club in the Royton area and is run by Mike Widdall.

Mr Smithson, who is from Milnrow but whose parents live in Royton, added: “It shows you how good a club it is that we have all stuck it through and achieved it.”

Mum Eileen hasn’t caught the craze and plays a strictly supporting role, while being heavily involved with the brownies.