MORE than 200 students have taken gradings at a Wrexham thai and kickboxing centre.

Since Russ Williams opened his premises a year ago, students aged from four to 58 have been taught how to keep fit and defend themselves.

Russ, a former world champion, also has a centre in Caerwys.

He said: “I have people travelling to train with us from as far afield as Dolgellau, Llandudno, Birkenhead and one comes regularly from Llandrindod Wells which is a 140 mile round trip.

“Thai boxing is an excellent way to keep fit, lose weight, tone your body and also learn good effective self-defence techniques.

“Most people who train just do it for fitness and self defence, but for the ones who wish to go further a good future can be had by fighting or learning to teach the art.”

The pupils are graded according to colour with white being the lowest right through to black.

Russ, of Caerwys, says a number of people have been asking about getting involved in the sport this month.

“It is surprising because of the bad weather,” he said. “But we have had a lot of girls who want to do it for self defence.”

For more details call 07814 516102.