If ever you wanted to see an example of someone fighting fit, look no further than great- grandad Raymond Wood.

At 76, the Hull man has started up his own jujitsu class and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Mr Wood started studying martial arts in 1948, when he was 15.

The jujitsu expert makes the trip from his sheltered housing at Broadway Manor in east Hull to the Bridlington Martial Arts And Fitness Centre in Pinfold Lane to hold two classes a week.

He told the Hull and East Riding News: "It all started for me on Scarborough beach when I went to a demonstration.

"Even now, I still enjoy it as much. I love the contact and fitness sides of it."

"I was asked to volunteer and beat a few graded people. After that, I was asked to join.

Mr Wood, who has been awarded a 10th Dan – the highest honour in his discipline, has studied several martial arts, but concentrates on jujitsu after stopping judo in 2006.

He was a tournament fighter, winning many trophies, and became all-England jujitsu champion in 1996 at the age of 63.

Mr Wood worked on the docks, was a long-distance lorry driver, drove dustcarts for Hull City Council and was a security guard for a scrapyard in Hull before retiring aged 72.

He said: "I started coaching years and years ago, as there didn't seem to be many about. I'm getting on a bit and can't chuck myself around as much now.

"I've also got a bit of arthritis in my left hip. Because of that, I packed in judo to concentrate on jujitsu."

The father of five has passed on his enthusiasm to his children, with his son, Andrew, reaching the level of 7th Dan in judo, jujitsu and kobudo. Mr Wood has 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He has coached hundreds of youngsters, including four-times judo world champion Karen Briggs, of Hull, when she was a child. He said: "It gets people off the street and occupies the mind. It also gives people the confidence to walk around.

"It's a great atmosphere at the club. The members aren't aggressive and love what they do. Coaching has become a way of life for me and I will continue teaching as long as I can."

Mr Wood has been involved with the Bridlington martial arts club for two years, after meeting chief instructor Stuart Hicken. He only recently started holding jujitsu classes.

Mr Hicken, 56, said: "Ray is very good and I'm surprised how fit he is. He almost breaks my arm when training with me.

"The club is going well and growing more and more. We also offer kick-boxing, mixed martial arts, pole-dancing and fitness classes."