Martial arts instructor gets big break in Hollywood film

Sep 6 2006 Wirral News

A WIRRAL martial arts instructor has been invited to join the stunt team for the top secret remake of a Hollywood blockbuster in Europe.

Lee Charles, who is chief instructor at Black Dragon Martial Arts, was asked to join the film's stunt and fight team by his Sensei, Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez.

Benny, who flew in from the Los Angeles to Merseyside earlier this month to host a seminar organised by Lee, has choreographer fight and stunt scenes for blockbusters such as Con Air, Grosse Point Blank, Roadhouse, Batman, Spiderman and Pearl Harbor.

He has also starred alongside the likes of Jackie Chan, Jean Claude Van Damme, John Cusack and Nicolas Cage.

Lee, who is keeping tight-lipped about the movie's title, said: "As well as his career within the movies, Benny is also one of the original pioneers of kickboxing.

"He achieved a record of over 200 wins and no losses, with 63 title defenses and 57 KOs.

"He is the only fighter to have retained six world titles in five weight divisions for 24 consecutive years."

In 1993, Urquidez was determined to prove that age isno barrier in martial arts and returned to the ring aged 42.

He beat defending champ Yoshihisa Tagami, 25, from Japan, for the world light middle-weight championship.

The Jet has remained undefeated for more than 27 years. He still remains the longest reigning world champion of all professional sports in modern history.

Lee formed a close friendship with Benny after travelling to the States back in April to train with martial arts legend at his world-famous gymin North Hollywood.

Lee, who is an international student of Benny's, added: "The seminar took place in Bebington High School Sports College. This was the first seminar that Bennyhas done in this country and it was a great success.

"He was impressed with the standard and the determination of all the participants, as they were put through a five-hour masters class.

"It was a great opportunity for martial artists from around the country and the Wirral to experience a true legend of the martial arts.

"It is a once in a lifetime chance to train with superstar of the big screen and the ring. It was an honour for me to bring my Sensei to my home town to demonstrate and teach the skills that have made him a martial arts superstar."

During the trip, Benny asked Lee Charles to become part of his stunt team and join him in the forthcoming months to film a sequel to a top Hollywood Blockbuster in Europe.

Lee said: "This truely is a dream come true for me. Not only do I have the chance to train with one of my all time heroes, but I will now be working with him both in front and behind the camera.

"Of course, I will be continuing to teach my classes throughout the Wirral, as I have a lot of support from my quality blackbelts. This experience can be passed onto them and my other students through myself."

* For further information about Black Dragon Martial Arts contact Lee Charles on 07790-706318 or visit: www.blackdragonma.co.uk