Newark man achieves black belt in martial art of Ninjutsu after 15 years of training at Newark Ninjutsu, now based at the Magnus Sports Centre on Bowbridge Road, Newark

After 15 years of dedication to craft, a Newark martial artist has been awarded its highest accolade.

Barry Holland, of Newark, has been training in ninjitsu since 2010, and now at the age of 58 has achieved a black belt.

“Every time anyone mentions it [the black belt], it puts a smile on my face,” he said.

“It took 15 years of hard work, but nothing is ever achieved unless you work for it.”

Ninjutsu is an alternative martial arts system historically geared towards unconventional warfare, but also teaches many practical self defence techniques.

Students are taught in all its forms of warfare, mastering open handed combat, fighting with bladed, staff, and throwing weapons, as well as skills such as situational awareness, communication, and healing.

Barry came to be involved with the sport later in life while searching for an activity to do alongside his son, and even when his son’s priorities turned to football, Barry chose to continue after enjoying himself so much

He continued: “It’s the variety that really appealed to me.

“You’ll be working with weapons one week and working on the floor the next.

“It’s also very thoughtful — it’s a way of life as opposed to some of the other martial arts.”

Newcomers start out with a white belt, before progressing to a green belt. Then through a series of gradings ninjas are given stars, before eventually having the opportunity to try out for a black belt.

To achieve a black belt, Barry had to pass a tough examination process which was no easy feat.

As well as being required to demonstrate dozens of different techniques and capability with a range of weapons, first aid skills, he had to write an essay about ninjutsu and how it had impacted his life, as well as speak with other ninjas about his journey.

He said: “I thought it was hard before but the really hard works starts now, as I’ll begin teaching much more, passing on my knowledge and helping others to progress.

“Anyone that’s interest can just come down and give it a try.

“It’s 58 now and just passed my black belt, that should show that age isn’t a barrier.”

Alongside a number of other black belt at Newark Ninjutsu, Barry was trained by Kiyth Fotitt, who himself has just celebrated 40 years of involvement in ninjutsu.

Weekly classes are held at the Magnus Community Sports Centre on Bowbridge Road, on Wednesdays, from 7pm to 8.30pm, for adults aged 16 and up (no upper limit), and on Sundays, from 10am to 11.30am, for juniors aged five to 15.