By Nikki Jarvis

nikki.jarvis@essnmedia.co.uk

A high-flying kung fu school from South Croydon has just become the first in the world outside of China to be given the Chinese government's stamp of approval.

Kung Fu Schools, based at the Capital Business Centre, in Carlton Road, is recognised by the Confucius Institute.

An organisation run by the Chinese government, it recognises groups and businesses that promote the understanding of Chinese culture around the world.

Head instructor at the school, Alan Paterson said: "It feels slightly surreal that we are the only school in the whole world outside of China to be given this recognition.

"It's fantastic that someone recognises the hard work we do here."

Members of the Confucius Institute's London base visited the school earlier this year.

They granted the recognition which means the school can use the institute's prestigious logo on paperwork publicity material. The school will also get a plaque recognising the achievement.

Alan added: "What really impressed them was that we make it fun to learn something which might be a bit of a drag for kids in China because it is taken so much more seriously over there.

"They found it really shocking that our kids have so much fun – they couldn't get their heads around it."

Members of the institute have also invited children from the school to perform their wing chun and kung fu in China during the summer holidays.

Alan said: "It's sort of like getting the Queen's seal of approval in England.

"I think they chose to give us this honour because they like the way we incorporate Cantonese in our training by getting the kids to count punches and kicks in it.

"Parents love it too because their children are learning something different."