MARK Spencer, founder and coach of Bradford's oldest mixed martial arts (MMA) gym, was a surprise recipient of a coveted black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

Spencer, who owns and operates Team Fulinkazan on Sunbridge Road, was given the grade by his coaches Darren and Helen Currie, who began practicing BJJ before its current surge in popularity.

"I am honoured to receive this. It has been 15 years of hard work but worth every step," said Spencer.

"Both Darren and Helen have been amazing role models and friends, which made this more special."

Spencer added: "When the belt was presented to me, I was shocked and confused – it was the last thing I was expecting.

"After it had registered what was happening, it was quite an emotional moment, and seeing how much it meant to Darren and Helen made it hard not to cry with happiness."

Prior to this award, Spencer had spent the last seven years as a brown belt (the level below black) but he felt that period was a positive part of his BJJ development.

"I didn't feel like I was waiting for my black belt. In BJJ, if you are waiting for your next belt you are missing the reason to practice the art.

"BJJ is not about belts, it is about your personal journey and your struggle through obstacles."

Spencer also had complimentary words for the Curries, and outlined his future plans for Team Fulinkazan.

He said: "They (Darren and Helen) are the reason why Combat Base BJJ exists and why people in the group have the opportunities we have. They do not get the credit they deserve.

"Over the last year at Fulinkazan, we have really pushed the BJJ classes and we have had some excellent competition results.

"The plan is to keep this going and encourage more people in Bradford to try this amazing art."

Darren created the Combat Base BJJ association in the mid-1990s and is regarded as one of the UK pioneers of the grappling art, which is a key element of MMA and focuses on controlling opponents on the ground, joint lock techniques and strangles.

Owner of a BJJ gym in Pontefract, Darren explained his and his wife's decision to award Spencer the belt.

He said: "I felt now that Mark was more than ready to accept the promotion – it is a heavy responsibility in BJJ to be a black belt.

"Mark has taken his BJJ and tailored it to work for him in MMA competition. He has many submission victories in the cage, which shows he can effectively apply his art under pressure.

"He has also given so much to people in his coaching duties that he had neglected himself a little recently and perhaps wouldn't have felt comfortable with such a heavy belt.

"I have been working with him and his team more, so now I feel is the right time for him to take up the challenge of being a black belt."

Team Fulinkazan offers classes in mixed martial arts, boxing, combat submission wrestling, Jeet Kune-Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

It recently celebrated its tenth anniversary and also operates a successful fight team, with competitors at amateur, semi-pro and fully professional level.

For more details of all classes and the gym's range of training sessions, please visit bradfordmma.com or e-mail info@bradfordMMA.com