Pictured above: Michael Chan

A former electronics engineer is aiming to spark a new craze across the city after he gave up his career to study an ancient Chinese martial art.

Michael Chan, 38, has launched Tai Chi classes in association with Coventry Sports Foundation at all three of the organisation's sites across the city - The Alan Higgs Centre in Allard Way, Xcel Leisure Centre in Mitchell Avenue and Centre AT7 in Bell Green Road.

The former Bablake School pupil has returned to the city after spending over three years in Beijing and Shanghai, China, to study the Chinese martial art under the guidance of Tai Chi masters - and now he is looking to share what he has learnt.

"I first started to take an interest in Tai Chi in 1998, but I never really pursued it seriously until 2000 when I went to my Tai Chi teacher after suffering from lower back pain," said Michael.

"By 2002 I had given up my career and went to China to study Chinese and continued to learn Tai Chi. It is practiced on a different scale over there - it really is very inspirational."

Michael now runs three classes a week for those aged 16 and over with the first session taking place at Centre AT7 every Saturday at 11am, then another at the Alan Higgs Centre every Sunday at 9.30am followed by an 11am class at the Xcel Leisure Centre also on the Sunday.

"Tai Chi has a number of benefits and can assist with general health, posture, memory and self confidence.

"It is low impact, which means anyone can do it and it will not damage joints, but the intensity depends on what you as an individual aim to achieve.

"It's very much like riding a bicycle in the respect that when you go quickly it is fairly easy, yet the slower you go the more difficult it becomes and the more concentration it requires."

Lifestyles Health and Fitness members can take part in the sessions for just £3 while non-members can join in for £6 or £4.80 for concessions.

Nicole Freeman, studio coordinator from Coventry Sports Foundation, said: "We are delighted to have someone of Michael's experience and knowledge hosting classes across all three of our centres.

"Coventry Sports Foundation is committed to offering a wide range of exercise classes and fitness sessions in order to provide something for everyone and this is the latest step towards achieving that aim.

"We are sure the classes will prove to be popular with new and existing members and we are looking forward to working with Michael over the coming months."