One of capital’s most illustrious martial arts schools is challenging everyday Londoners to be more like Bruce Lee.

Julian Hitch Martial Arts School of Excellence which holds lessons in Old Street has laid down the gauntlet with its 30 Challenge, offering unlimited classes in Kung Fu, meditation, nutrition and philosophy over a 30 day period.

The challenge is to complete 30 hours of training over the month at any of five centres across the capital used by the school, which teaches Wing Tsun Kung Fu – an ancient art that dates back 1,500 years, made famous by Bruce Lee.

The have-a-go kung fu connoisseur who clocks up the most hours of training will win a trip to Montenegro worth more than £1000 as well as expert tuition from school founder Si-Fu Julian Hitch.

Si-Fu Hitch said: “Having a healthy body and healthy mind is something we all aspire to, and practising martial arts is a great way to see improvements in both those areas.

“It’s the highest form of self-defence, but it doesn’t just help you learn how to diffuse a situation should you, heaven forbid, ever run into trouble. It’s a way of living, seeking to harmonise physical and mental strength with spiritual well-being.

As well as challenging themselves, newfound ninjas are being encouraged to collect sponsorship for completing the targeted 30 hours of training – with the money raised going to Help for Heroes.

It costs £130 to enter the challenge and the first 50 people to sign up will receive equipment worth more than £80, including a chest guard and specialist clothing.

“Martial arts, in its very essence, is about enabling you to live a life without fear,” said Si-Fu Hitch.

“It empowers you to have self-belief in all aspects of your life, not just your personal security. We hope the 30 Challenge helps lots of Londoners find out just what this ancient practice can do for them.”

As well as classes at ISTD2 Dance Studios in Old Street and Dance Research Studio, De Beauvoir, there are also centres at Victoria, Watford, Bromley and Dulwich.

The school has also agreed to refund the sign-up fee of anyone taking part who decides the challenge is not for them during the first two weeks.

You can watch a video previewing the challenge at youtube.com/watch?v=AbT4KqyWu_k and sign up for the challenge at 30-challenge.com