Liverpool woman is a legend and one of the toughest people in the country

A ju-jitsu school owner has reached incredible new heights after securing the prestigious eighth degree black belt - one of the highest achievements in the sport. Sue King, from Croxteth , is a ju-jitsu legend who has been commended for 40 successful years in martial arts. Founder of the Muga Mushin Ryu Ju-Jitsu school in Norris Green , Sue has been recognised not only for her combat but for her services to the sport.

She picked up the craft at 15-years-old after she found herself being taunted in school and decided, “Enough is enough.” Wanting to stand up to her bullies, she attended a self-defence club after school. Initially, she went to training once a week, but her love grew so strong that she began dedicating six days a week to it - stating it was an “escape from my reality, from home”.

Since then, she said she has “never looked back". As the school approaches 20 years in 2027, Sue's eighth degree black belt has cemented her as one of the highest ranking female martial artists in the country. The prestigious, senior-level rank is typically designated to a grandmaster or senior master who has dedicated decades to the art.

She said: "I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Kenneth Culshaw Hanshi, John Greenhalgh Hanshi and to everyone who made this possible.

“I have never been one to chase grades or titles, for me, ju-jitsu has always been, and remains, a lifelong study. After more than 40 years on the tatami, I’ve learned that rank is not a reward, it is a responsibility." Muga Mushin Ryu Ju-Jitsu school remains non-political with a modern ethos derived from the modern Juko Ryu martial arts system: ”

No politics, no egos just good ju-jitsu training." Sue added: "

This grade carries great weight, not only in the belt itself, but in the commitment to continue studying, refining, and growing both on and off the tatami. To challenge myself, learn new skills, and remain a student of the art, no matter the colour around my waist." Sue has recently published her first book, The Warrior Monk Way - a handbook of wisdom that gives people tools to live a wholesome and happy lives, while utilising Eastern philosophy to guide people through adversities.

She already has two more books in the pipeline, yet despite everything going on her commitment to her school remains unwavering.

She said: " It is my duty to lead from the front, not with authority, but by example. To live the values we teach. To represent and showcase our Ryu with sincerity, honesty, and openness.

To share knowledge without ego and to honour those who came before us through how we train, teach, and carry ourselves." Discussing her position in the sport, she admits it can be "difficult", though she strives to help every person she can regardless.

She added: "I love changing lives. If I help just one kid, it makes me feel at home. Every day is a bonus for me and I can’t see myself stopping as long as I have blood and breath in my body.

There’s been many times I thought I would hang up my Gi but I love it." Sue's Muga Mushin Ryu Ju-Jitsu school is located on Utting Avenue East, at the end of The Strand in Norris Green, and there’s capacity for a limited amount of new children and adult members. The school operates on a free trial basis for anyone interested for themselves or their children.