A MARTIAL arts instructor has won the top accolade at a national awards night.
Russell Jarmesty, from Astley, was voted British Martial Arts Man of the Year 2017 on Saturday at Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Telford for his work in the last year as chief instructor and owner of Jarmesty Martial Arts Academy in Atherton.
Dad-of-two Russell, 40, also picked up Seminar of the Year at the ceremony for his Meanstreets martial arts programme which has been presented in more than 20 UK locations in the last 12 months.
Russell, who previously worked as a doorman before opening the Victoria Mill club four years ago, has also run after-school self-defence classes for around 20 years.
He said: “When I collected the award it was great being stood up in front of all the guys I have spent most of my life reading about and trying to emulate.
"We have a good family club and everyone will hopefully benefit from these awards.”
Russell has won other awards in the last few years including British Martial Arts Self Defence Instructor of the Year in 2016.
He also hopes to open a youth club called Atherton Community Hub at Victoria Mill in July.
For more information about the club go to jarmestymartialarts.com.
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