Hove is a long way from Cuba and couldn't be more different.

Yet Cuban fitness instructor John Fernando Echeverri, who arrived two years ago for a three-month holiday, has decided to stay for good.

After ten years leading teacher workshops at fitness conventions in Cuba, John has rediscovered the joy of teaching normal, everyday, unfit people like you and me.

His upbeat JF Combat class, at Shape Health Club in Hove, combines martial arts moves with a cardiovascular workout and attracts a mixed bunch - all of whom enthuse about the class.

The session I attended had an even number of men and women, which is always a nice surprise and perhaps is an indication of the class content.

The use of music is very important to John and sets his class apart from many others.

His lively, creative combinations are designed to improve co-ordination and rhythm, which he believes is just as important as building strength and flexibility. The class should be hard work but it should be fun, too.

Like many kickboxing, tai bo and body combat classes, the main emphasis is on kicking and punching combinations but carried out to Latin grooves, these movements have a much less aggressive feel.

There was a nice section where we teamed up with a partner so we had someone to punch at. But rather than it being serious and confrontational, I found I couldn't stop smiling at my "opponent".

Of course, there was no actual contact but it was a great way to connect with fellow class members.

As well as plenty of punching and kicking, we did some toning work using weights and rubber bands. This was a a good way of cooling down after an energetic 40 minutes and you could pick your own difficulty level through your choice of weight or band.

Unlike other combat-style classes I've attended, the stretch section of John's class was also very relaxing, helped by a calm Dido track.

It's a pretty tough workout and if you really want to go for it, you can even incorporate jump-kicks into the combinations. But there are always options for the less experienced and John is particularly good at keeping an eye on his students' form and correcting if necessary.

He is keen to point out, however, that unless they're in danger of injuring themselves, he tends to leave first-timers alone. He feels it is more important to have fun and just get an idea of the moves at your first class.

John has attracted quite a following at Shape, which he loves as it means he is able to follow his students' progress.

All his regulars have improved their overall fitness level and, just as importantly to John, they have enjoyed every minute.

John teaches JF Combat at Shape, Fonthill Road, Hove, on Wednesdays at 5.45pm and Sundays at 10.30pm. He also teaches Latin movement for complete beginners at Dancecenter, Brighton College and is a personal trainer. For more details, call him on 07769 970235.