Legendary grappling ace and world-renowned martial artist Shinya Aoki returned to his roots this weekend as he held a judo masterclass at Sakura Judo Juku in Hachioji.

Aoki, 36, who practiced judo, his first martial, as a child until he graduated from Waseda University, taught a series of basic ne-waza techniques.

Former Japanese junior national team member Misaki Hoki, 25, from IPU Kantaiheiyou University, assisted Aoki with the session.

"I know Aoki san through a mutual friend, Yuka Osumi, and tonight the techniques he displayed were of the highest quality.

"The children were having a lot of fun.

"Aoki san said that teaching the children was difficult. This is because children absorb everything and you't can't make a mistake when teaching them."

Third dan black belt Aoki said: “Children’s judo classes are fun, for the children, and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves."