Gracie Barra Isle of Man took part in a 24-hour ’roll-a-thon’ along with over 60 other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies recently.

The event took place to raise funds for the REORG Charity which helps members of the armed forces and emergency services find solace from physical and psychological trauma by training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The rolling which took place in the ’roll-a-thon’ is described as being the equivalent of sparring in sports such as boxing.

Gracie Barra IoM - which is based in Hills Meadow, Douglas - has strong connections with the emergency services and armed forces, with many of the coaching team currently serving or having served previously.

The Manx martial arts club alone raised £630 for the charity for which former Royal Marine Mark Ormrod MBE and actor Tom Hardy are ambassadors and who also took part on the day.

Mark Ormrod, who is a triple amputee, has taken part in numerous fund-raising events over the past year and has currently raised over £575,000.