Duff turns to martial arts

DAMIEN DUFF took up judo earlier this season to put his injury nightmare behind him after twice dislocating his shoulder last season.

Chelsea physio Mike Banks was convinced that Duff’s shoulder problems were brought on by him falling awkwardly and arranged for him to have several sessions with British judo star James Lutman.

“Duff and I did about six sessions over two weeks,” Lutman said. “It was a real honour. I’m a big Chelsea fan.”

Duff was taught how to fall properly: “I taught him how to distribute his weight evenly and not stick his arm out,” Lutman added.

“Over the two weeks, I got him to do the falls harder and faster. When we’d finished, he could do a break-fall running at full pace and he could fall properly when I threw him.

“He’s had no problems since and I’ve seen him do a number of textbook rolls in matches.”