Benny jets into Birkenhead

Jun 18 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

HOLLYWOOD’S undisputed hard-man Benny ‘The Jet’ Urquidez took time out from his busy schedule to pay a visit to one of his students in Birkenhead – Elite Martial Arts’ chief instructor, Lee Charles.

Urquidez, who is also one of Tinsel Town’s top fight and stunt choreographers, having worked on major films as 1408, Spiderman, Con Air and Pearl Harbour, to name but a few, visited Lee’s Price Street based martial arts school for a special, closed-door seminar at the beginning of June. Those present included movie star and world martial arts champion Zara Phythian and 10-times world champion Robbie Hughes, as well and movie fight choreographers, George and Mandy Johnston.

Lee said: “The day was a great success and the students got to train with a true legend of the martial arts.

“It’s truly an honour to share an experience like this with my students. It’s not everyday a legend of the martial arts world comes to Wirral. The last time I had Benny over was two years ago and that was an amazing experience. I think we clearly surpassed it this time, as the seminar was so much more personal as it was at my academy – it was like bringing him into my home.”

Meanwhile, Lee Charles has recently been crowned European Champion, WAKO World Golden Gloves Champion and WPKA World Silver Medallist.

He is now off to Italy to compete in The International Best Fighter Event and has two more world title fights – the first in Ireland and the other in Miami. Lee has also just signed up to feature in two movies – Infected and Nui Lung.

Lee added: “I have signed two deals, which will be a different sort of challenge to me and on top of all this the students in my club are starting to prove themselves to be among the best in the UK.”

Contact Elite Martial Arts on 653 8139 or visit www.emahouseofchampions.co.uk