While making up excuses about injuries, keen runner Alex senior finally got his gear back on last night and is determined to catch up on his son, who is now his tutor! Alex said: "I wanted Alex to settle in and get his first and second belts, and then progress up the grades together - that was the plan, anyway. But he is now more advanced and is teaching me moves!

"It's hard to believe that six years ago he was running around the gym and now he is a green belt student. It's a very proud moment when the kids pass their grading - you can sense the parents’ tension on grading day. The kids just get on with it but the parents, if they are honest, are filled with dread and anxiety.

"Alex has inspired me to return to the syllabus. He teased me about slacking and not practicing what I preach. Over the years I have learned so much from Billy Murray’s coaching, from pad work to having the honour of sparring – albeit lightly. It’s just a fantastic club and community to be a part of.”

Alex senior added: “My son’s personality and confidence is reflective of the values and teaching in the Prokick Gym. He loves the sport and loves to talk about it with his friends in school.

Alex Sr will be postine live blow-by-blow updates of the action at ProKick's 'Fright Night' event this Sunday October 30th in Belfast's 5 Star Hilton Hotel. Limited tickets are still available for the event from ProKick HQ. For details, call the gym on (028) 9065 1074 or email info@prokick.com