BERMUDIAN students studying Eastern martial arts held a special tournament to demonstrate their skills last weekend.

The tournament took place over two days at the Bermuda College.

A number of contests demonstrating the various forms of martial art were held, including fighting, weapons and form (movement) categories in Taekwondo, Aikido, Wing Chun Kung Fu and Shotokan.

There are a host of different martial arts classes held on the Island. But be warned, patience, stamina, endurance and both physical and mental fitness are all needed before one can become a black belt.

olice officer and black belt Colin Paynter is one of three instructors who teach Taekwondo to CedarBridge students.

Out of the seven students who entered last week's tournament, four came away with placings in their respective divisions, including Gary Dowling, Edmund Johnson, Sirqute Maryan and Ieja Caines.

"Since September they've been training every Tuesday and Thursday for two hours,'' Mr. Paynter said.

"That's increased in the run up to a tournament with training every Saturday for the last month. You have to be really dedicated -- it's a long apprenticeship.

"Most of the students at CedarBridge have been training for a year or so and are still on yellow or purple belts. It takes about three or four years to become a black belt.'' aekwondo focuses more on hand movements than the feet and does not contain a lot of kicking movements. But Mr. Paynter denied that it was an aggressive, attacking sport that encourages violence.

"Martial arts are all about self discipline,'' he said.

"The students become disciplined to be much better individuals, it teaches them right from wrong and how to push themselves that extra mile.

"If someone says that they can't make it martial arts training will teach them that they can do it. It's all about bettering themselves and raising their self esteem.'' lthough Mr. Paynter's team teaches about 20 students each week he says there is still room for any beginner who would like to join.

"All they have to do is turn up at CedarBridge between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.,'' he said.