CONJURE an image of a ninja and depending on your age you may see five mutant teenage turtles or perhaps a deadly fighter clad in black robes.

But according to 3rd Dan instructor Chris Kaye, there is much more to Ninjutsu than green cartoon characters with a love of pizza.

The 900 year old martial arts tradition of the fighting system of the legendary ninja, used on the battlefields of feudal Japan, has been given a modern reawakening in Colburn Leisure Centre.

Mr Kaye has spent more than 20 years honing his skills, having started with Wado Ryu karate in his teens.

After mastering several schools, or ryu, Mr Kaye felt something was missing until he discovered Ninjutsu - a ryu which included kicks, throws and weaponry, combining the best of many different disciplines.

Mr Kaye said: “Karate is great for kicking and punching. Judo is first rate for throws. But Ninjutsu combines all of these elements and just filled in the gaps.”

“To broaden my depth of knowledge, I spent time in Japan with the world’s top practitioners, and received instruction from Ishizuka Sensei – a 15th Dan master teacher."

He said his classes are informal with an emphasis on natural flowing movements and correct body structure to defeat an attacker – also a fantastic all over workout for body and mind.

He said: “The core of the system is based on prearranged forms, or kata, which are typically practised with a partner. Each series of moves has been passed down the generations through a combination of kuden, or oral transmission, and training manuals called densho.”

Beginners are welcome to the classes on Monday night – potential ninja warriors sign up now.