16-year-old Wushu Champion

From the collection of

MACE is the strategic lead organisation for screen heritage for the East and West Midlands regions. An independent charity based at University of Lincoln, MACE preserves and makes accessible a collection of more than 100,000 historic moving images representative of the diverse cultures and histories of communities throughout the heart of England from the Lincolnshire coast to the Welsh border.

16-year-old Wushu Champion (Here and Now)

Media Archive for Central England
Quinton
1988-09-18
Sound

Meet Lay Chan Thoong: Britain's youngest Kung Fu master.

Lay Chan Thoong was a high achiever when she featured on Central Television's Here and Now programme in 1988. Not only was she the only female member of the British Kung Fu team, but at 16-years-old, she was also the youngest. Here she gives reporter Paula Ahluwalia a demonstration of the artistic version of the Chinese martial art more formally known as 'Wushu'.

Lay Chan's story is even more incredible when we learn that her family migrated to the UK from Vietnam in the early 1980s, settling in Quinton in Birmingham. With two hours martial arts practice a day under the tuition of her father, Senh Wo, and an expert coach brought over from China, Lay Chan is beginning to soar in her chosen sport.

A profile of Lay Chan Thoong, 16-year-old martial arts champion from Quinton.

Going the Extra Mile: Midlands Records and Stunts

A celebration of the strength, stamina and sheer bloody-mindedness of some exceptional Midlanders.

They may look like you and me, but don't be fooled - these are the people who push themselves in ways that are beyond us, mentally as well as physically. We might consider their feats of endurance (and often discomfort) foolhardy and even, perhaps, worth a giggle. But without them the world would be a far duller place. Their stunts prove that more is possible, whether the aim is to go faster or further, to last longer, or to simply to do something daft. So, whether it's press-ups or pole squatting, a bean-eating marathon - or simply a marathon - this is the place for you to enjoy the exploits of outstanding Midlanders. And you don't even have to break into a sweat (although some of the stunts may make you wince)!

17 videos in this collection

Taekwondo Brick Challenge

Nuneaton
1982-04-23

Midlands Draymen Challenged

Wolverhampton
1983-03-17

Exploding Coffin Stunt

Thurmaston
1984-09-21

A Diet of Beans and Beer

Mansfield
1986-02-10

Assistant Fire Eater Required

Ilkeston
1986-04-28

The Birdman of Lincolnshire

South Reston
1982-09-16

Large Pancake

Quorn or Quorndon
1987-03-03

Fred Burton - Record Breaker

Cheadle
1987-08-04