Martial arts instructor Jo Hardy has recently brought classes to Wymondham Leisure Centre, teaching the traditional art of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu.

This style of martial art is an important self defence system because it has been handed down over the last 200 years direct from the Shaolin Temple in China.

Jo has been teaching Kung Fu for the last 10 years and she is a personal student of the world famous Grandmaster Doc Fai Wong based in San Francisco.

Her new school is affiliated with the Plum blossom International Federation, an organisation with over 200 schools worldwide, and her teacher Doc Fai Wong is the president of the federation.

Jo is a senior level Sifu and for 10 years was the head instructor of a Norwich based school. She previously competed at the First World Traditional Wushu Festival, winning two silver medals for her open hand and weapon forms.

She has also participated in cultural performances at the Guangdong International Tourism and Culture Festival, Jiangmen, China.

She believes that her greatest achievement was winning a gold medal for her hooks swords performance at the First International Xuwen Huajian Garden Cup Wushu Invitational Tournament in Zhanjiang.

The art of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu is unsurpassed as a practical self defence system because of its unique versatility. Practised at full speed, it provides an excellent cardiovascular work out while also improving strength and flexibility.

The style includes long and short range punches, kicks, sweeps, take downs, lethal pressure point attacks, joint locks and grappling. It also includes training with 53 types of traditional Chinese weapons, including short weapons like the broadsword, long weapons like the staff or spear, flexible weapons like the chain whip and three sectional staff, and twin weapons like the double hook swords.

Jo welcomes everyone no matter their fitness, shape, age or ability. She says that classes will not only provide people with the tools of self defence, but they will build energy and burn fat for improved fitness and overall confidence.

You don't have to travel far now to experience an authentic martial arts work out. New students can take advantage of their first class free, and sessions run every Tuesday from 8.30 to 9.30pm at Wymondham Leisure Centre, Norwich Road, Wymondham. Website: www.guanyin.co.uk. Telephone 07940 575336.