THE Verwood-based Keith James Academy of Martial Arts hosted its first ever two-day Doce Pares Seminar last weekend.

The highlight of the event was the attendance of Grand Master Danny Guba, Europe’s highest ranking Filipino martial arts supremo in Eskrima Kali Arnis.

Guba holds a 10th degree Black Belt in the Doce Pares Original Multi-Style system and he was joined at the seminar by more than 80 delegates from all over Europe.

These included: Master Nimesh Desai (Bromley), Guro Lee Banda (Tonbridge), Guro Bill Lowrey (Newcastle), Guro Andy Gibney (Northampton), Guro Keith James (Bournemouth), Guro Paul Cox (Dublin), Guro Danny Huertas (Norway), Guro Jon Wesley (Colchester), Guro Ian Forster (Medway), Instructor David Arnold (Maidstone), Instructor Martin Fields (New Forest) and Instructor Andy Pooke (Southampton).

Guba and the other delegates ran workshops and classes, instructing people on how to improve their technique.

Organiser Keith James, of Keith James Academy of Martial Arts, said: “When Grand Master Danny took centre stage, the air became electric.

“His techniques were awe inspiring and it did not take long to acknowledge and appreciate that he is the very best of the best.

“Danny dedicated time in explaining the various moves, especially to newcomers in the audience. Other representatives of the UK Doce Pares clubs and academies also went around assisting and correcting students with their strikes.

“The seminar was a resounding success and I hope Grand Master Danny will return to this area soon.”