A WORLD champion martial arts expert has had a once in a lifetime trip to Japan thanks to a local drinks company.

Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur-sponsored Richard Smith recently paid a visit to a school run by the family of original Samurai warriors in Okinawa.

He spent three weeks fine-tuning his skills, especially the use of the Katana sword, and absorbing the culture of the region.

Sensei (teacher) Richard Smith runs clubs in Kendal, Ambleside, Windermere and Carlisle, as well as classes in schools.

He now brands his activities as Kesshin Kai, with 200 students across the north of England.

Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur is based at Burgundy’s Wine Bar and brewery in Lowther Street.

Director Mike Pennington said: “Our strap line is ‘The Spirit of Adventure.’

“We are looking to be associated with adventure sports. The roots of KMC are climbing, expedition, and we aim to continue with this.

“We felt that Richard Smith represents the core values of our brand. After all the kind publicity for KMC, we felt it right to help another local business. We look forward to a long partnership with one of Kendal’s bright stars.”

Smith, who won the world championship in Kobudo when the championships came to Kendal earlier this year, said he needed to go to Japan as there was no-one left in Europe who could teach him.

“Without the support of Mike Pennington, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this tremendous experience in Okinawa," he said.

"I am very grateful for his belief in my potential.”

In Okinawa he was taught by 78-year-old Sensei Hisao Hamamoto, who has been studying for 70 years and whose family still uses a 650-year-old sword inherited from the Samurai.

“It was a tremendous opportunity to learn with the Samurai and further my knowledge,” added Smith.

He already has students in Liverpool and is being asked by clubs in Manchester and London to teach.

Early next year he plans to go on-line with classes given over the internet.

He is a 6th Dan black belt in Ju-Jitsu, the original Martial Art the Samurai would use when disarmed in battle; 3rd Dan Black Belt in Sport Nunchaku, the use of rice-flails made popular by the 1970s films of Bruce Lee; and 2nd Dan Black Belt in Kobudo, use of martial arts weapons.

He set up the Ju-Jitsu club in October 1997 when he came from his native Sheffield to study outdoor pursuits at Charlotte Mason College in Ambleside.

Since 1997 all the clubs have continued to increase and there are now 200 members ranging from three-years0old to adult.