New recruits at a Bingley firm are not only getting to grips with a fresh job - they're getting to grips with the boss too.

For the two-day induction into the Jackson Consultancy Group is following How to Succeed and How to Communicate by introducing a third tough day of rigorous physical training - including martial arts techniques.

Group chairman Michael Jackson, himself a First Dan Black Belt at Shitoryu karate, teaches them self defence techniques as well as how to smash roofing tiles with their bare hands.

"As I got involved in martial arts I noticed how it affected my business performance," he said. "It gave me a totally different attitude - made me more determined, stronger and more patient," he added.

Now every newcomer to the company - a motor industry training and marketing consultancy - goes through a gruelling routine of exercises and team-building games.

"It's not every day you can grab the boss round the throat in a stranglehold and still have a job the next day," said sales training consultant Justine Passey.

"Hard physical training like this develops courage and team spirit," said Michael. "It improves fitness, endurance, agility and co-ordination. It boosts self confidence and the ability to function under pressure."

The sessions have become so popular that regulars are coming back a second and third time.

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