AWARD-winning martial arts practitioner Amy Jones has been teaching self-defence techniques for over a decade.

But behind her achievements, the 33-year-old Black Belt is fighting a battle far more challenging than any she faces on the gym mat.

Amy is suffering with Multiple Sclerosis, a condition which affects the nerves in the spinal cord and affects vision and mobility as well as resulting in severe pain and crippling fatigue.

“In January 2009, Amy had spinal surgery in the hope of curing a condition she was suffering,” said Peter Jones, her 36-year-old husband, who is a nurse.

“Then in March or April that year she woke up one morning with double vision. Various tests were carried out and we were given the diagnosis that she was suffering from MS.”

It was a life-changing moment for both of them.

The couple were engaged at the time and, just a couple of months after the discovery that she had MS, they got married.

At the time, Mrs Jones had been at university and had a very successful career as a building surveyor but she had to give up her job because of her illness. She now works as a carer.

“The diagnosis was life changing and it had a huge impact. After Amy became ill I had a nervous break - down,” added Mr Jones.

Before she became ill, the couple played together in Tenbury Teme Valley Band, as well as both being involved in martial arts.

Mrs Jones used to play the saxophone but as a result of her illness she has had to change her instrument to a glockenspiel.

She is still heavily involved in martial arts and teaches at the Kajuen Ryu School, run with her husband, that offers classes in Aiki-Jujitsu in Martley and Shrawley as well as the Bridge in Tenbury.

Her progress has been slowed due to the progressive nature of the illness, but achieving her proba tionary 1st Dan Black Belt last year is testimony to her persistence.

Further recognition came last month when she won The Warriors Assemble Fighting Spirit Award for people with disabilities who succeed in martial arts.

Amy has gone public about her illness to show people that despite dis - abilities they can take part in martial arts – gaining skills, keeping fit and learning self-defence.