A TEACHER has turned to an ancient martial art to combat an incurable heart condition.

Paul Williams, 37 has been attending Tai Chi Shibashi classes run by Rhyl City Strategy (RCS) on Wellington Road after learning his Brugada Syndrome, which has caused two heart attacks and a coma, could strike again at any moment.

The slow moving martial art, whose origin is shrouded in mystery, is used for both its defence training and health benefits and helps Paul cope with the stress of his condition, which can lead to Sudden Adult Death.

Paul, said “It’s been amazing. As well as the physical side of things the Tai Chi is slowing down the mental side of things. It’s helping me to take the focus away from my fears.

“I have very much been living in fear that it can happen again. It’s a scary thing to keep thinking that, it’s like a black cloud."

The former music teacher has been left unable to work after he suddenly collapsed after a day of teaching at Abbey Gate College in Chester in 2015, leading to a six day induced coma.

Paul, of Bagillt in Flintshire, then suffered a second cardiac last September just weeks after the birth of his third child Iris, requiring a Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator to fitted inside his chest.

Under the tutelage of former nurse former nurse Sue Edwards at RCS, a social enterprise helping people across North Wales enter or progress in employment through improving their health, he has began to gain control over his condition.

A total of 56 people have tried out Tai Chi, yoga or pilates in the past year.

Paul added: “After the first session I felt like a new person, and my mind is clearing. Physically I had less pain and I felt looser and more flexible.”

Sue said: “We’re practising a form of Tai Chi called Shibashi at RCS which is very low impact and suitable for beginners.

“It’s wonderful seeing the benefits Paul is experiencing, and I would urge other people to try it, whatever your background.”

For more details about RCS call 01745 336442 or visit rcs-wales.co.uk