A NEW martial arts club is combining traditional training with academic learning.

The Academic Martial Arts Academy is based at the Bolton Olympic Wrestling Club, in Wigan Road.

It offers both traditional martial arts training, coupled with academic courses, which could lead to recognised professional and academic qualifications.

The academy is run by published author, lecturer and researcher Professor Jaimie Lee-Barron, with the help of highly qualified and experienced black belts.

Prof Lee-Barron is a member of Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, the oldest martial arts organisation in Japan. He is also a 10th Dan - the highest level someone can achieve in a Japanese martial art.

Prof Lee-Barron said: “This academy was formed to help all martial artists grow and develop.

"We base what we do very much upon experiential learning and practitioner led research, allowing the average, hard working martial arts instructor who helps so much in keeping their local community safer, healthier and fitter, to gain recognised qualifications and enhance their professional standing simply by continuing to do what they are already doing, combined with some supported online learning and assessments."

The academy will work closely with the Institute of Martial Arts and Sciences (IMAS) and the Teaching and Learning Academy. this academy hopes to attract martial arts instructors from all styles, helping them continue with their personal and professional development. Courses will be offered from entry-level up to postgraduate.

Along with traditional martial arts and education, the academy will offer regular courses in personal safety, which will be taught by specially trained instructors who are former police officers and Home Office advisors.

If you are interested in joining the academy, email admin@instituteofmartialartsandsciences.com or call Prof Lee-Barron on 07792 214993.

Alternatively you can go down to the Bolton Olympic Wrestling Club and ask for more information.