The event, called ‘Martial Arts Aid for Ukraine’ attracted over thirty martial artists from all over Somerset, Bristol and some further afield. They gathered at the Norton Hill School Sports Centre where instructors from Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga and Kung Fu took turns teaching practical self-defence ideas from their own style.

The students attending were from a range of different styles of martial arts and they all enjoyed sharing ideas and trying something new. Charlie Wildish, instructor of Holistic Karate went first, taking movements from kata (pattern of movements) and showed how they could be used in a realistic way for self- defence away from the formal performance.

Derek Skidmore of DES Tae Kwon Do was up second, teaching close quarter strikes and elbows for smothering and quickly finishing an opponent.

Mark Edwards of Somerset Krav Maga was next teaching ground work and how to keep yourself safe should you be unfortunate enough to end up on the floor.

Finally, Keith Cormack of Spirit Of Shaolin Kung Fu did a session on how circular structures are deceptively powerful and can effectively be used for defensive and offensive purposes. A lot of positive feedback was received from all present.

Event organiser, Charlie Wildish, said: “It was great seeing so many people working together from all kinds of backgrounds and different martial arts disciplines. There was no egos or rivalries, just a genuine desire to share and learn with each other.

“But, let’s not forget what this is really all about. It was about supporting the people of Ukraine in their hour of need and the tragedies that have been forced upon them.

“Keith, Mark and Derek join me in thanking all those who took part, making this a great event, as well as thanking all those who gave so generously – raising a fantastic £ 1,473. We thank you all.”

If anybody would still like to donate online, you can do so at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martial-arts-ukraine.