FORTUNATO Ficarra from Ely has been chosen to represent Great Britain in the martial arts European Championships in Milan in December. The 40-year old won the European title in October 1992 and hopes to repeat his success 16 years on. He has been in train

FORTUNATO Ficarra from Ely has been chosen to represent Great Britain in the martial arts European Championships in Milan in December.

The 40-year old won the European title in October 1992 and hopes to repeat his success 16 years on. He has been in training for 31 years, starting when he was nine. He maintains a schedule of training three times a week and feels that age is no barrier to achieving physical fitness and being able to compete at the top level.

"I'm feeling as good as I did when I won the championship", he said, "and I think I have a real chance to win another European medal this year. I'm really looking forward to the contest."

'Nato', as he is known, went through the selection process for the European Championships in Birmingham a few weeks ago where he was up against 72 competitors fighting for the seven team places. He is the only representative from the East of England to make it through.

He teaches karate, kick-boxing and self defence at the Ficarra School of Martial Arts in his 'dojos' at The Glebe in Sutton and at Greens Health and Fitness Club in Cambridge. Training in Sutton takes place on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm-7.30pm for children and from 7.30pm-8.30pm for adults.