corrA Norfolk grandmother and lollipop lady has become the first woman to get a 7th dan black belt in Spirit Combat International ju-jitsu.
Ena Mallett, 77, is only 5ft 4ins tall but that doesn’t stop her from throwing around much larger opponents.
She first started learning karate in 1979 as a way to keep fit – becoming a Spirit Combat International instructor in 1987.
Mrs Mallett holds weekly classes for children and adults at the village hall near her home in South Walsham.
Twice a day she also acts as a lollipop lady outside of the local school – helping children to safely cross the road.
She said: “I might be getting on a bit but I still get stuck in myself during lessons… I can still deal with any big bloke who comes along.”
Mrs Mallett has only ever had to utilise her skills once in real-life – when she put a 14-year-old boy in a wrist lock while working in a local shop.
She tackled the shocked teenager seven-years-ago when she spotted him attempting to steal a packet of mints.
She recalls: “It gave him the shock of his life and he quickly dropped the mints”.
Ena adds: “Spirit combat is all about using self control – but you have to be prepared for violence to defend yourself. I love teaching it and I certainly have no plans to give it up. I don’t see why I should put my feet up.”
Post published in: News