Martial arts master catches falling construction worker

A Chinese construction worker has been saved by a martial arts master after plummeting eight metres from a ledge.

The construction worker, surnamed Wang, was scaling scaffolding in Suzhou City on March 29 when his footing gave way.

The worker precariously clung to the side of the eight metre tall building as a small crowd gather below, including shop owner Gu Zhiying and her martial arts master husband Wu Qiang.

Wu braced himself as the man eventually lost his grip and managed to catch him in his arm.

The martial arts coach of 40 years said he was instinctively prepared to save the worker.

"I learn martial arts. It's also an instinct. And we know this rescue skill," Wu told CCTV.

Wang, who is in his fifties, suffered only minor injuries.

"One of my feet has climbed onto it while the other was climbing. Clatter. The scaffold collapsed. I'm lucky to hold onto the wall with my hands," he said.