A KICKBOXING instructor in Hexham is one of just two people in the world certified to teach a rare fighting style.

After spending 10 days in America recently with the martial art’s main man Lyte Burly, David Wells is now qualified to pass on the teachings of the more defensive style of 52 Blocks.

David, who runs The Corner sessions at Wentworth Leisure Centre on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 6pm and 8pm, is the only person outside of New York to be certified to teach the form which was largely secretive until the past few years.

While taught and practised for many decades, 52 Blocks is only coming to prominence now that the art is dying off slightly.

But David is taking it on himself to spread the awareness of the style which teaches more defence moves than attacks, passing down the qualities the discipline provides.

A kickboxer since 1996, he turned to 52 Blocks in 2007 and quickly followed it up in a training session with Lyte Burly the following year. He returned to New York last month where he was presented with his certificate.

David said: “I first read about 52 Blocks when I was reading a martial arts magazine, but it wasn’t until I found another article about it on the internet in 2007 that I got interested in it.

“I was writing to Lyte Burly and he said I was just the kind of person to teach as I had an understanding and enthusiasm to keep the art alive.

“While I was over there I was filmed and will feature in four DVDs, and I’m the only person outside of New York state certified to teach the African American martial art.

“I’m very proud of that fact as it has taken a long time to achieve, and it is great to be able to continue spreading the word about it.”

To gain the qualification, David had to run through a set of moves while giving a break down of what he was doing to ensure he fully understood what he was doing. But because it is more of an oral art rather than instructions written down, he had to do it all from memory of what he has picked up along the way.

And he has learned from the best and in the best surroundings possible.

David said: “It is amazing in New York and it is a whole different world over there. Everything is so relaxed, but so technical and accurate at the same time.

“What is so good about 52 Blocks is that the main focus is on defence and about stopping punches and kicks before you learn striking, and I want to spread the word to get more people to learn.”

Anybody interested in 52 Blocks can contact David on (07931) 666361 or turn up at The Corner sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.