AN international martial arts tournament is heading to Birchwood.

The AJP tour will be stopping off in Warrington this weekend, making its mark on Birchwood High School.

This tournament is just one event in a series of competitions that celebrate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - the AJP tour will host 150 events on six continents this season.

The tournament will be held at Birchwood High School on Saturday, February 25, and is set to be the martial arts' first tournament in the north west of England.

Previous competitions have always been held in London or the midlands, but now the tournament is heading to the north west, with Birchwood being chosen to step into the spotlight.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, the AJP tour said: "We expect to have around 300 competitors, including kids, teens, women, men and master's divisions.

"BJJ is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is one of the fastest growing sports at the moment, at both a professional and hobby level.

"It's a technical sport that anyone can participate in, which is unusual for a martial art, and is recognised as one of the most effective and practical martial arts around."

Birchwood's tournament will be the first competition in the UK this year, before the Grand Slam in London next month.

The tour's organisers added: "The event has been planned for several months, and will be sure to be an exciting one!

"We have athletes of all levels competing, some even travelling from abroad to be involved and in with the chance of earning points!

"I would definitely encourage people to come along and check it out if they can."

The AJP tour Birchwood tournament will take place at Birchwood Community High School on Saturday, February 25.

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