Pioneering Easter Ross martial arts expert heading Scottish Kempo Academy inducted into international hall of fame
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A TAIN martial arts expert with 38 years of experience under his black belt has been inducted into an international hall of fame.
Kyoshi (Master) Neil Hourston is an 8th Degree Black Belt in Kempo and has been studying and teaching self-defence based martial arts for over 38 years.
He teaches alongside his wife Helen Beattie, a 7th Degree Black Belt who has over 35 years of experience.
They run schools at Dingwall, Bonar Bridge, Strathpeffer, Tain and Inverness.
Neil and Helen have just completed a popular tour of teaching bully defence to pupils at Highland Council primary schools in Dingwall, Tain and Inverness.
"I hope that his students and community understand what a huge honour this is and just how much he is respected in the martial arts community locally and internationally." – Master Robert Austin, UMAAI president
The chief coach of the Highland-based Scottish Kempo Academy was inducted into the United Martial Arts Alliance International Hall of Fame. he received an award certificate presented on behalf of the American organisation, based in Colorado, USA, by Master James W. Denning who was teaching at an SKA Kempo martial arts seminar at Dingwall Academy on Sunday.
Speaking from the organisation’s HQ in Greeley, Colorado, the UMAAI president Master Robert Austin said: "Neil is truly a pioneer in Scotland bringing Kempo to so many people's lives. He continues to make a positive difference and I am so honoured to know and call him a friend and brother after all these years.
"It only seemed fitting as one of the pioneers of the UMAAI that he was inducted into the UMAAI Hall of Fame. I hope that his students and community understand what a huge honour this is and just how much he is respected in the martial arts community locally and internationally.”
Information on classes and taster sessions can be found at kempo.co.uk
