BY TOBY ROBINSON

A FIGHTING fit schoolteacher from Crewe is hoping to become a world beater this weekend.

Ruskin High Schools Chris Sharpe has been selected to represent the Great Britain Sport Ju-Jitsu grappling team.

The seven-strong team has high hopes for glory in the 2000 ISJA (International Sport Ju-Jitsu Association) World Championships held in Leeds over Saturday and Sunday.

Chris, 29, has been attending squad training sessions with OeTeam GB throughout the country since April and earned his place in a gruelling four-hour training session earlier this month.

I think weve got a really good chance of getting the gold, said Chris, who is a Second Dan Black Belt in Judo.

Well be facing teams from Australia, Poland, Japan and the USA who are the current champions.

Last years event was held in Florida so its typical I was selected when were the host nation!

Also an instructor at Crewe Judo Club, Chris was grateful to his local pub, the Cross Keys, for help in raising enough sponsorship to allow him to compete.

Theyve had a jar on the bar to raise funds and the locals and Tom and Diane have been brilliant, said Chris.

An Information Technology teacher for three years, Chris has the backing of his pupils at Ruskin.

Its a great school. Many of the pupils from Ruskin come to the classes at night so they call me Sir in the day and Chris at night. Im sure theyll be cheering me on.