Muggers pick the wrong guy (From Penarth Times)

Muggers pick the wrong guy

FOUR Spanish muggers picked the wrong man to have a go at as he wandered the streets of Madrid.

For Paul Grainger is a student of Ninjutsu at the St Paul's Martial Arts Centre, Arcot Street, Penarth.

Ninjutsu is a self protection system, so it came in handy when fireman Paul and a friend were accosted by the four.

Part of the art is to stay calm, so Paul kept on walking as one of the four men danced around him, patting him as if checking out whether he had anything on him to steal.

But when Paul spotted a flash of metal - possibly a knife - he used his training to good effect, knocking his attacker to the floor.

When the four realised they had taken on more than they could chew, they soon scarpered.

Paul has only been attending the training since February.

According to Michelle Murray, principal manager and organiser at St Paul's, Paul was "amazed by his effectiveness and his calmness during the incident."

He was in Madrid with three fellow members to train with a Ninjutsu Grandmaster.

Senior student Michelle, who also went to Madrid, said: "The goal of The Academy UK is to give all its students the ability to survive threatening situations no matter where they arise, as demonstrated with full effect by Paul."

The Penarth group say they had a brilliant time, despite Paul's experience, and achieved some fantastic results - including a wedding engagement. Juliet Gale, of Barry, received her 8th Kyu student level from principal Academy UK instructor Marc Moor.

And Marc, a direct student of the Grandmaster, was awarded his 6th Dan. And at the final evening party, when the 600 Ninjas were having the time of their lives, Marc and Michelle got engaged.

An excited Michelle said: "A truly fantastic time was had by all." n For more information just telephone 01793 752735 or 07776 202011.