A HOLYBOURNE man has flown out to Australia to take part in the WCJJO (World Council of Ju-Jitsu Organisations) Sport Ju-Jitsu World Championships.

Alex Gee, 45, is heading up a 20-strong GB team bound for Brisbane where the World Championships run until Sunday.

A mixed team, comprising men and women of all ages, the GB athletes are hoping to bring back individual and team medals in a competition based on the traditional Japanese art of ju-jitsu. Fought over three two-minute rounds, this form of martial art involves punching and kicking as well as throws, locks and strangles.

Having taken the title of super heavyweight world champion in 2013 when the competition was held in Andover, this is the fourth time Alex has been selected to represent his country at the tournament – having competed in the Masters category in Las Vegas in 2010 and Geneva in 2015.

This time round he is accompanied by his number one supporter, son David, 14, a pupil at Eggar’s School who, according to mum Tracy has been given permission to take time off school to attend as part of the team.