THE supporters of one of East Lancashire’s best-known martial arts academies are facing the fight of their lives.

Renowned sensei Amos Sedgwick, 75, says that the Kara-Jutsi-Bushido Academy in Padiham must find a new home before the end of 2010.

The outfit’s headquarters, in a former factory in Ribble Street, is facing demolition with the arrival of the town’s new Tesco store.

More than 200 people from across Burnley, Padiham, Clitheroe, Blackburn and Clayton-le-Moors regularly turn up for karate, kick-boxing and ju-jitsu classes.

Mr Sedgwick, who is originally from Padiham but now lives in Burnley, said: “We have until December 31 to clear out our stuff.

The property is one of the ones which will make way for the Tesco store.

“And we have been given 90 days notice.

“If we don’t find a new home then we will have to sell everything off.”

The Padiham club, which boasts 11 other senseis, has its own ring, mats and training equipment and is looking for any suitable replacement in the Burnley and Pendle area.

“The people who own the building have been very supp-ortive.

“But we need somewhere before the end of the year,” added Amos, an eighth-dan black belt.

Amos is a lifelong exponent of martial arts and has learned karate, judo, kick-boxing, tai-chi, ju-jitsu, kumite and the ancient arts of iaido (sword fighting) and kobudo, a form of stick fighting.

Wife Lynne, 60, is also a fifth-dan black belt.

“People who come to the academy learn discipline and respect, and all about another culture,” said Amos, who has ran the club for nearly 20 years.

If anyone is able to help him he can be contacted on 01282 432891.