A self-defense instructor has qualified for the European Karate Championships.

Shelim Ali, originally from Bristol, has been teaching martial arts in the city for almost 30 years.

The father of three will compete in the veterans category of the competition after an ‘intensive’ five-month selection process, his first in 15 years.

“I try to inspire others,” Mr. Ali said.

Mr. Ali grew up watching action movies and was introduced to martial arts at an early age by his father.

The black belt started as a teenager at the Scorpion Karate Academy in Eastville and rose to senior instructor, teaching 50 to 60 students.

His training was halted in July 2021 when he contracted Covid and pneumonia, leaving him in a ‘critical’ condition. However, he has since recovered and is looking forward to the tournament in Cyprus in October.

“To be here now, fit, ready to fight and selected for the European Championships is phenomenal,” he said.

Mr Ali said he wanted to honour the legacy of his coach, who died in January, and will spend the coming months training and raising money to finance the trip.

“If you know you have the opportunity to have a second chance at life, grab it with both hands. That’s what I try to do,” he added.

“The last thing I want is to arrive in Cyprus and say I wish I had trained a bit harder.

“I want to get that out of the way, have no excuses and give it everything I’ve got. It’s an exciting journey ahead of us.”

Last year, Mr Ali launched the self-defence campaign Knives Down, Guards Up in Bristol.

The programme was initially planned to be repeated during the summer holidays, but Ali relaunched the programme in February after “so many tragic incidents” in the city.

“It is a free seminar on self-defense, where we gain insight into the current state of affairs among young people and what we can do to support and guide them,” he said.

“We still help young people behind the scenes and we love seeing them join the karate academy over time.”