A COMMUNITY martial arts event with the chance to train under a world champion will be taking place in West Devon this month.

The Seventh Open Jujitsu Workshop, which will be held on November 14, has secured two expert instructors to lead the event being staged at Tavistock College.

Maestro Rovigatti, an eighth dan jujitsu practioner, will be accompanied by junior world champion Maestro Vallieri, fourth dan.

Maestro Vallieri competes at international level, and this summer took part in the World Games in China. First held in 1981, the event is an international multi-discipline competition for sports not contested in the Olympics.

Umberto Bergonzini, Tavistock College's IT network manager, founded Jujitsu Tavistock – which runs the annual workshop — before setting up an after school club for the college's students.

Mr Bergonzini, who is a black belt third dan, said: 'So far 32 people from Devon and Cornwall have booked a place. They range in ability from beginners to black belts, but all are keen to practise under the tuition of one of the best martial artists in the world.

'Last year's event was fantastic and was probably the largest martial arts gathering ever to take place in Tavistock.'

To book a place, or for more information, email [email protected]">[email protected] or call 07866 720361.

Those wishing to take part must have some jujitsu or judo experience but everyone is welcome to come and watch. The event runs from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

Anyone interesting in joining Jujitsu Tavistock – which meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Scout Hall on Pixon Lane – should also contact Mr Bergonzini.