LEYLAND martial arts champion David Mitchell gets a real kick out of teaching martial arts -- so much so that he's just received his second dan for kick boxing.

And the classes he runs for youngsters at the Elite School of Thai and Kick-Boxing, in Leyland, mean their self defence skills are literally alive and kicking after just a few months.

David, 32, from Briery Hey, Bamber Bridge, opened the new school at the Robix Dance Studio, in Knowles Mill, Leyland Lane, Leyland, at the end of last year.

Since then the sporty champ has been a huge success with youngsters and his classes have been a roaring success with folk in the town.

David, who works at Lunar Caravans, in Lostock Hall, is a real professional when it comes to practising the martial art and has scooped medals and trophies for his skills at championships around the world. And the sportsman is keen to pass-on his talents to his son Lee, 12, who competed in his first fight at the weekend.

David said: "I came fourth in kick boxing for the Great Britain Martial Arts team in the world championships in 1999.

"I was also in the European Kick Boxing championships last year and narrowly missed out on the title by just one point."

"Lee has a real talent for it and I think he'll do really well -- I guess he takes after his old dad.

"It's a great sport for both the young and old and is a good way of meeting new friends as well."

People who wish to find out more about the club or to join should call 01772 491068 for details. Classes take place on Thursday evenings from 8.15pm to 9.15pm and on Sunday afternoons from 4.30-5.30pm.