THE World Martial Arts Display Champion Emma Elmes gave a special performance to local youngsters at the Marconi Sports Club in Chelmsford on Saturday.

They watched in awe as the champion showed off her skills and remained on hand to talk to the youngsters about her experiences of martial arts.

"It's always nice to meet others particularly youngsters interested in the sport," she said. "I always hope to encourage more young ones to come and try the sport."

The event was staged by Laurence Sandum's Black Belt Martial Arts Academy based in Boreham.

The show featured an opening speech from chief instructor Laurence Sandum on the benefits of martial arts for families. World Kickboxing Champion Andy Woodroffe from the academy was also there with all his title belts to talk to youngsters.

Talk Sport radio presenter and former Essex County Cricket captain and England international Ronnie Irani also gave a speech on the benefits of martial arts having himself been a long time student of the academy along with his family.

At the show many students were awarded certificates they have worked hard to earn over the past year ranging from beginner grades right through to black belt.

There were also displays in the following martial arts: Muay Thai Boxing, Kickboxing, Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Kali, MMA and Jiu Jitsu.

The academy is a National Centre of Excellence for Martial Arts and recently won the 2011 Top Martial Arts School Award at the EFC International Martial Arts Summit in Nashville Tennessee.

There are daily beginner classes available in age specific classes right through from 4 - 60 years of age.

This month the academy is offering a free one-tone group class to all new potential members interested in joining and seeing the benefits of Martial Arts.

Call 01245 467680 to book a free lesson or see www.blackbeltmartialarts.co.uk.