Most people's perceptions of martial arts are restricted to films starring the likes of Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee, or even the comedy karate chops of Inspector Clouseau. But you don't have to be a Hollywood star to learn karate. In fact, martial arts are something that can be done by all sorts of people and even small children can get involved.

Sensei, Ricky Constantine is the cheif instructor at the Ashin-Do Kai Martial Arts Academy and he believes that karate, if properly taught, can have tremendous benefits for children. "Even little ones can gain so much," he explained. "Not only is it great for fitness and defence but also to teach discipline and self-control."

Ricky, who is about to be awarded his 8th dan black belt, specialises in Wado-Ryu karate, the fastest and softest of martial arts styles. His martial arts academy, Ashin-Do Kai, has been based at the David Lloyd Centre in North Finchley since 1989 and, in that time, has produced several world champions. The name of the academy stems from Ricky's own experiences whilst training in Malaysia in the early 1970s. Initially made to feel like an unwelcome outsider, he trained hard to gain the respect of his fellow students and was eventually given the name 'Ashin' which means 'spirit'. When he came to set up his martial arts academy some years later, he named it Ashin-Do Kai, which translates as 'school of the way of the spirit'.

Ricky began his martial arts career while he was still a teenager. "I studied under Tatsu Suzuki, and 8th dan 'hanshi' a title given to those who have distinguished themselves as a 'teacher of teachers' between 1967 and 1974," he said. "I trained for eight hours a day wihtout my parents' knowledge - bunking off school to train from the age of 14. I really learned from the raw."

Now, 38 years later, Ricky is regarded as one of the foremost Wado-Ryu instructors in the world, with schools established in Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Slovakia in addition to Ashin-Do Kai.

He is southern area coach for the national team as well as winning a whole host of titles as an individual competitor, including both national and European championship titles. He has also taught Wado-Ryu karate to the rich and famous including King Hussein of Jordan, Princess Catherine of Yugoslavia, Peter and Victoria Sellers and numerous MPs and celebrities.

His main focus, however is his Ashin-Do Kai Martial Arts Academy, something that he readily admits is a real passion in his life. "It's probably fair to say that I'm married to his work," he said laughing.

But it is this passion and drive that helps to motivate his students to achieve their incredible success.

Ricky is supported at Ashin-Do Kai by his seven highly qualified and experienced instructors, something that he says is vital in order to offer the best training opportunities.

"As well as the obvious safety concerns, choosing an unqualified instructor can instill false confidence and it causes a void in the student's proper training," he said. "So it is really important to choose an authentic instructor. Ask questions and check with the governing body if you're unsure."

The club is open to both children and adults of all levels, with children as young as four starting in the beginners class.

Ricky says most children tend to stay with the club for many years and that, because of this, the calibre of his students is world class. Watching Ricky teach a class of young children, it is easy to see why so many of them stay. His calm and patient teaching methods mean that even the youngest children learn respect and self-confidence, and everyone is encouraged to have fun.

In recent years, Ashin-Do Kai has produced four world champions and six international home-bred champions, but now Ricky has his sights set on an even bigger prize. "The calibre of our students really is world class and it is our committment to train as many children as possible to the highest standards," he said.

Judgung by past results, it's probably safe to say that a few of those four-year-old beginners may turn out to be the international champions of the future.

Ashin-Do Kai
David Lloyd Centre
Leisure Way
High Road
North Finchley
London, N13
07931 387373
www.ashindokai.com