MARTIAL arts enthusiasts were given an expert demonstration of Japanese swordsmanship and Okinawan weapons on Friday, at a show organised by the Kings Langley Karate Club.

Weapons rarely seen outside of the Far East, including nunchakus, a six-foot staff known as a Bo, and sickles - a blade resembling a scythe - were on display, handled by senior instructor Gerry Coulter.

And £200 was raised for charity - which will be split between the Lemarie Centre in Watford and The Children's School of the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

Gerry, 52, is a fifth Dan in karate, a third Dan in Iai Japanese swordsmanship and a second Dan in Okinawan weapons.

He said: "It was a good show. It's a good way to demonstrating old martial arts because most people haven't really seen old weapons and wouldn't have seen them outside Japan."

Following an early interest in boxing, Gerry started training in martial arts 35 years ago with a Japanese instructor in Harrow.

He travelled to Japan regularly for further training and also began to integrate himself into the spiritual and philosophical aspects behind martial arts.

Gerry, from Rucklers Lane, said: "In the 70s it was all the rage with Kung Fu and karate.

"I started training and then having graded up I started going to Japan.

"By the early 80s I was fighting all the time - once or twice a year.

"When you're younger it's like fighting, it's just another contact sport.

"As I got older and got into swords, I got more involved in the esoteric side and philosophical and spiritual side from deeper training.

"It was really good to train in Japan to get immersed with it.

"Even at 52 I was still fighting in October last year in an Okinawan festival.

"I can still kick at head height.

"When we get younger guys in their 20s it takes three weeks to do one full hour session.

"We have to take it really easy with them just to get them in a fit state."

Kings Langley Karate Club, which has been running for 12 years, meets at the Scout hut adjacent to the Rose and Crown pub, in the village high street on Mondays from 7pm to 10pm.

For more information, telephone Gerry on 07956 374927.