Special to Gulf Coast Newspapers

GULF SHORES - Gulf Shores recently played host to more than 70 martial artists from across the United States and Canada during the 26th Annual Akayama Ryu Jujutsu Summer Camp. 

Gulf Coast Martial Arts in Foley and local Jujutsu instructor, Mark Barlow organized the event.

Jujutsu, Judo, Aikido and Kempo instructors provided training for the Camp participants over the two-day event which was held at the Bodenhamer Center.  Among the instructors were Dr. Chris Dewey, a former US Judo Association Coach of the Year, Ed Byers, a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Tim Knight, a detective with the Gulf Shores Police Department and Richard Worthington and Mark Barlow, the highest ranked instructors in Akayama Ryu Jujutsu, an international martial arts organization.

These Camps have been held in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area since 1983 and have grown to include martial artists from a number of different styles and schools.  At this Summer Camp, 10 schools were represented with students and instructors coming from eight states and Ontario, Canada.

Duing the Camp, Gary McMillan of Elberta was tested by a Black Belt  Board of Examiners for his Black Belt.  After a grueling test, he was promoted to Black Belt. Gary has been training for the past five years at Gulf Coast Martial Arts.

For information on upcoming Camps or local classes, please e-mail kayama_ryu@yahoo.com or phone (251) 979-6019.