IT was a proud moment for Black Crane Kung Fu Schools owner Neal Gilding last month when he presented student Michael Chess with his SiHing grading (third level Black Sash) certificate.
"He's one of the best students I've ever had and I've been doing this for 50 years," Neal said.
Michael, 23, of Birkdale, began learning martial arts at the school in 2004 as a 12-year-old and is now qualified to teach.
Joining Black Crane in year 7 was "life-changing" for Michael.
"I was a bit of a chubby kid, and it really changed my confidence and my physique," he said.
The focus of Black Crane Kung Fu was practical self-defence with an emphasis on technique rather than strength.
"The system uses speed, agility and mobility to get power, rather than size or physical strength," he said.
"It involves knowledge of body mechanics and fighting techniques to give you a tactical advantage when fighting someone bigger."
Qualifying for the third level Black Sash took about three months and involved written exams as well as practical fighting.
"The written part tested my knowledge of fighting techniques in other martial arts, the history of martial arts, and anatomy," Michael said.
"Then there was fighting with and without weapons and fighting bare-handed against knives."
Neal trains about 20 students ranging in age from 13 to their 50s and said Black Crane was a soft style of martial arts incorporating self-defence, fighting techniques, meditation, tai chi and breathing exercises to enhance the body's natural energy systems.
"Because it's a soft style, it's not too physical so it's ideal for both men and women of any age," he said.
Michael has begun teaching at Black Crane while he completes his engineering degree and aims to open his own school once he has finished university.
