DON'T mess with Helen Cummins or she's liable to knock you to the ground with her bare hands.

For Helen is an expert in the Chinese martial art of wushu and has just become the Euro-Wirral International champion in the bare hand forms (southern boxing) category, beating fellow competitors from all over Europe.

Despite living in Southport, 32-year old Helen travels the 20 or so miles to St Helens every week where she is a member of the Dragon Wushu Martial Arts Club in Tolver Street (at the back of St Helens Town Hall).

Club instructor, Jon Staples, told the Star: "Helen is a brown belt which is one step down from the black belt and I am really pleased that she's done so well because she was the only club member to compete in the event.

"She has won quite a few competitions - she is the National champion at the moment - but as I tell all the club members, there is always room for improvement!"

The Dragon Wushu Club takes all ages and abilities from absolute beginners to people of Helen's standard and Jon is happy to put anyone through their paces.

He added: "Wushu has got elements of self-defence, combat and gymnastic performance and one of its most famous exponents is Ray Park who played Darth Maul in the new Star Wars film. However, it is an accessible sport and I would welcome any new members who want to give it a try."

The Dragon Wushu Club meet every Thursday evening from 8.30 to 10pm at St Helens Martial Arts centre in Tolver Street and anyone interested in joining can go along on the night or call Jon on 07974 939555.

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