AN Ealing kung fu student, age 14, is aiming for gold at the world championships in Malaysia this October.

Lone'er Kavanagh will find out this June if he is to be a contender in the 45 Kg category in Sanda, a form of Shaolin kickboxing derived from kung fu.

For the past 15 years, teacher Alan Winner and his wife, Salie Lewi, have been training students like Lone’er at Hanwell Community Centre for the World and European championships.   “If you’re looking for something extra, Chinese martial arts have it. It’s not only about kicking and punching, it has a huge philosophy behind it”, said Alan.

As well as Wing Chun Kung Fu and Wushu, Alan also teaches Chi Gong and Tai Chi, which are Chinese martial arts that place less emphasis on fighting, and more on meditation and breathing exercises.  

Students can start as early as four years old.   Though they may not all end up potential world champions, like Lone’er, they can at least take inspiration from the posters of kung fu master Bruce Lee on the academy wall. 

“Alan’s very engaging with the children, I like the rapport he has with them,” said mother of two Shushuma Gill. 

“Martial arts builds confidence, instills discipline, and teaches them to be able to defend themselves. And, if they’re not behaving, he tells them!”

Two of Alan’s adult students, Kristian Andonov and Malcolm Effiong, are also hoping to qualify for the world championships in Sanda this June.

Other academy students who have been nominated for team selection in the championships in Wushu are Barzo Dosky, and Salie, Alan’s wife.