RANKIN INLET - A group of 14 youth in Rankin Inlet began a quest to master the skills of kung fu this past month.

The program is being taught by Mike Pickles, who holds a black belt in kung fu and has experience in tae kwan do, karate and aikido.

Pickles said a few kids in Rankin, who knew he was into kung fu, asked if he'd be willing to instruct youth in the community.

He said he identified a need for the program in Rankin and decided to proceed.

"To me, it looks like the two big sports in Rankin right now are hockey and gymnastics," said Pickles.

"Those programs are very well done, but not every kid is into hockey and gymnastics, or even soccer or volleyball for that matter.

"My program, hopefully, will provide a positive, influential outlet for kids who aren't involved in those sports."

Now in its fourth week, the co-ed training is open to youth between the ages of nine to 18.

Participants must be students and attending school on a regular basis.

The youths received their white belts this past week, which marks their learning of the basic moves and forms.

Those who stick with it will progress from white belts to the colours of green, brown and black.

Pickles said a student must earn a number of stripes on each belt, before advancing to the next colour.

"We meet for an hour two evenings a week, and they should practice for a minimum of two days outside of class.

"Conditioning is a big part of kung fu.

"I have some at class every week who get tired and can't keep up.

"You have to earn three stripes on each belt before you advance to the next colour, and the next step - earning their first stripe - will take my students anywhere from two to five months."

Pickles met with parents before beginning his program.

He told them there are two parts to the program, external and internal.

The external part focuses on cardio, strength, balance, co-ordination, flexibility and self-defence, while the internal side deals with discipline, self-esteem and anti-bullying.

Pickles also issued a stern warning to anyone who may be joining the program for the wrong reasons.

"I told the parents and the students if I find out anyone is using what they learn in class to go around and try to beat people up, they're gone from the program.

"There's no if, and or but about it. They all know it's one infraction of that rule and they're gone.

"This is about self-defense and is never to be used in an aggressive manner."