MARTIAL arts enthusiasts wanting to reach the master class are invited to a new club in Tetney.

David Copinger, a Master in Wing Chun Kung Fu, has launched the Mui FAA Academy Wing Chun, based at Tetney Village Hall, on Humberston Road.

The martial art, formerly practised by Bruce Lee, is based on the ability to simultaneously block and strike when attacked, thus saving energy while maximising power.

Copinger has named the club after the Durham-based school he attended 25 years ago, in respect of his former teachers, Sifu Matthew Chapplow and Sifu Mark Stanbridge.

He formed the Grimsby-based Black Phoenix Wing Chun club in 1996, which closed down after the instructors Copinger handed the reigns over too went their separate ways.

Now Copinger – who has previously trained with renowned Wing Chun players such as Grand Master Samuel Kwok and Masters Tong Liu and Trevor Jefferson – is back to teach again.

He said: "Wing Chun is quickly becoming a very popular martial art.

"The most renowned person who learnt the art was Bruce Lee, who having practised up to the second of the three hand forms, went on to devise his own art, Jett Kun do.

"The art itself does not rely on physical strength.

"But correctly used, the techniques can mean even the smallest of students can easily defeat the biggest.

"The style uses economy of motion. It is a very close-range martial art.

"You only strike when you have to, and when you punch, the power is only inserted at the end of the punch.

"That was the secret behind the one-inch punch made famous by Bruce Lee.

"Wing Chun gives students confidence because they know how to defend themselves.

"I've found it helps my students avoid getting into fights as they have the confidence to walk away and feel that, if they were jumped on, they would be able to handle the situation."

Fitness training is included in the classes and Copinger says the atmosphere is relaxed, with "egos left at the door".

Classes are on Wednesdays from 7-9pm at Tetney Village Hall.

Each session costs £4.

For more information contact Copinger on 07908024010.