Martial arts legend coming to Hastings

Mr Gracie shot to fame in the mid-1990s after winning the first-ever Ultimate Fighting Championship that pitched different martial arts against each other.

He went on to dominate the sport by using Gracie Jiu Jitsu, the grappling style pioneered by his father, Hélio Gracie, to defeat those skilled in boxing, wrestling, judo and karate.

Paul Bridges, the head instructor at Dark Star, said it was a huge honour to welcome such a legendary figure of the sport.

“Royce Gracie is one of the important and influential figures in martial arts history – and is right up there with Bruce Lee,” he said. “It is great to have him teaching us a seminar.”

Mr Bridges, who has been training Jiu Jitsu for the best part of two decades, teaches daily classes at Hastings Kickboxing Academy, based at Body Sculpture gym, on the Ivyhouse Industrial Estate.

Spaces are limited so for further information please ring 07967 659867.