Hundreds of martial arts competitors will be fighting fit in Sheffield as the city plays host to a series of regional and national events.

Leading leisure operator Sheffield International Venues (SIV) has been selected to stage four key martial arts events across its portfolio of facilities over the next six months.

The AMA (Amateur Martial Association) National Karate Championships will take place Ponds Forge International Sports Centre on June 21.

Ponds Forge's international sports hall will also play host to the BKA (British Karate Association) National Karate Championships from September 5 - 6.

The National Age Band Judo Championships return to iceSheffield on October 10 for the fifth year running.

Making up SIV's martial arts programme is GKR (Go Kan Ryu) Karate, which follows at Ponds Forge on November 15.

Helen Broadbent, general manager of Ponds Forge, said: "Martial arts are growing in popularity in South Yorkshire, particularly since the success of local Beijing Olympic bronze medallist Sarah Stevenson, so it is fitting that out venues, which are some of the best in the region, should be chosen to host this programme of events."

SIV runs a variety of martial arts classes and sessions, including Aikido, Karate, Judo, Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do, across its sport and leisure venues.

For more information visit on any of the events or how you can get involved in martial arts activities at SIV facilities www.sivltd.com.