A WYRE Forest martial arts instructor met a living legend when he trained with Shihan Keigo Abe.

Jason Lester, who heads up the England Karate Association in Kidderminster, trained with the remarkable ninth dan in London.

The course was four hours long in which Abe Sensei covered basic techniques, kicking over belts, one step sparring, self-defence and the Kata Hangetsu.

Mr Lester said: “The course was hard work, the exercise kicking over the belts was without doubt the hardest part having to do 100 kicks of each leg.

“Not only did I get to train with this great legend of Shotokan Karate I was also invited to have lunch with Abe Sensei.

“That was a great honour and one of the greatest experiences of my life.”

Shihan Abe Sensei was one of Japan’s Karate Associations best instructors, and one of the most important representatives for the karate world.

He also worked on the James Bond film You Only Live Twice.

Also on the course was another legend of Shotokan Sensei, Charles Gidley, a seventh dan who is one of the UK’s top and international instructors.

The England Karate Association teaches traditional Shotokan karate and offers members the opportunity to train with top international Japanese instructors throughout the year.

Anyone who wants more information can call Mr Lester on 01562 67734.

Alternatively you can visit the website englandkarateass ociation.co.uk.