ONE of the world's top performers in a controversial sport is due to appear in the region.

Shootwrestler Erik Paulson, from the US, will be at Shildon Martial Arts Centre, County Durham, next month, when he will give a four-hour seminar on the martial art which has swept the US.

There are very few rules in Shooto or Shootwrestling and kicking, choking, kneeing, punching and grappling are all allowed.

The former world champion, who has trained for more than 20-years in martial arts, regularly appears in films or television.

But many of his fans will have seen him on satellite television, appearing in competitions such as the World Combat Championships, Extreme Fighting and Fight Zone.

Richard Welsh, an instructor at Shildon Martial Arts Centre, said: "Instructors of Eric's calibre usually only coach in the bigger cities around the UK, and are very much sought after by the larger, commercial schools so we consider ourselves very privileged."

For details call the centre on (01388) 773554.