Expert Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Gary Savage visited Workington this week.

And the high level coaching he provided led to the promotion of a Just Grind grappler to purple belt.

Savage is one of the foremost submission specialists in the UK, having trained under Mario 'Sukata' Neto. The BJJ mastermind has competed in MMA against some of the sport's most dangerous fighters.

Neto also trained at prestigious gyms including American Top Team and arguably the birthplace of the British MMA scene, Wolfslair. His prize pupil Gary Savage is therefore more than qualified to hand-out advice and gradings.

On Wednesday December 12, he held a seminar on 'the gentle art' at Just Grind, Workington; imparting his knowledge to the Gi class. Coach Savage, who is based in Blackpool, has served as guest coach previously, however, this session was particularly special.

Chris Richards, A student of the gym was promoted to purple belt. In BJJ, it is traditional to take part in an awards ceremony which is as brutal as the training. The student receiving the promotion walks through a procession of their peers who each take a turn at whipping their comrade with their belts.

As if that was not painful enough, they then walk back the other way to earn their stripes. It is no surprise that Just Grind's athletes are progressing. They have also hosted guest coaches that were schooled by Marcelo Garica and Eddie Bravo, pioneer BJJ minds. In the meantime, David Delvecchio and Mark Hodgson lead the regular classes.