More than 40 people attended the Bermuda Combat JuJitsu Academy's open house on Middle Road in Warwick on Saturday afternoon.

Among the invited guests attending the function were Opposition leader Jennifer Smith, herself a former JuJitsu student in the early 1970s, Sports Minister Dr. David Dyer and Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Yvette Swan. Premier Dr. David Saul, otherwise engaged, sent his regrets.

Several former students of Professor Burnell Muhammad (formerly Williams), the first Bermudian to teach the art of JuJitsu at the Bermuda JuJitsu Club in the early 1970s were also present. Professor Muhammad now lives in Italy where he continues to teach JuJitsu.

Umar Al-Khattab, formerly Robert (Deafy) Bernard, was Professor Muhammad's first student in the late 1960s. He attended the open house with his most senior student Tyrone Weeks.

Both men have continued to study the art and Sensei Al-Khattab is in the midst of remodelling a new building for the site of his dojo on Court Street in Hamilton.

Meanwhile, Sensei Weeks is operating his own school beneath the New Mount Area Bar and Restaurant in St. David's.

Other students of Professor Muhammad who attended the function were Major Barrett Dill, director of Music for the Bermuda Regiment and Ahthur Eliyatsoor Ben Israel (formerly Mel Saltus), Mission Head for the Hebrew Israelite community of Bermuda.

Sensei Al-Khattab said he was touched to see the Bermuda Combat JuJitsu Academy open its doors because it meant that JuJitsu would continue to live into the next generation.

"I was Professor Muhammad's first student back in 1968,'' he reminisced. "I taught Tyrone (Weeks) and he had a hand in the development of both senseis Burchall and Hashim.

"Now they represent the third generation of Bermudians to study this art and their students will represent the fourth generation when whey they reach instructor level.

"I am glad to have lived to see this day. I wish them all the best.'' The Bermuda Combat JuJitsu Academy opened its doors on November 4, 1996. It is located on 55 Middle Road, Warwick behind Four Star Pizza. Anyone wishing to view a class or is interested in JuJitsu lessons can call 292-7366 or 238-2252.

Sensei Roots Shiai attracted a bumper crop of competitors to Pembroke Sunday School on Sunday for a spirited display of martial arts competition.

Some 74 took part in the second annual event, a jump from 44 last year.

Outstanding among the juniors was Mark Watson, who grabbed gold in advanced forms and junior weapons among the Under-11 category, while taking silver in boys 8-9 years sparring.

Kelly Exell achieved similar success among the adults, placing first in green belt forms and weapons and second in women's sparring, a point behind Corinne Bonga. Kelly also captured the judges award for MVP of the tournament.

Mark Pettingill beat Geoffrey Rothwell 3-1 to win black belt sparring.

Rothwell also had to settle for second best in black belt forms, being edged out by Antonio Calvinato.

First in black belt weapons was Andre Joseph.

Meanwhile, Marilyn Martin received a special award from Zenji Ryu Dojo as student of the year.

Proceeds from the tournament will assist in financing the Bermuda Karate Organisation team set to compete in Okinawa, Japan in August.

THREE GENERATIONS -- Bermuda Combat JuJitsu Academy chief instructor John Burchall (far left) and brother instructor Edward Hashim (far right) link arms with mentors Umar Al-Khattab -- formerly Robert (Deafy) Bernard -- and Tyrone Weeks at the BCJA open house held at the dojo on Middle Road in Warwick on Saturday afternoon.