“During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Martial Artists in China categorized the fighting arts into Chang Chuan (long range fighting method) and Tuan Ta (close range fighting methods)....The major characteristics of Chang Chuan are those techniques which are mostly designed to attack the opponent at longer range. Therefore speed, power, flexibility and footwork of entry and retreat are heavily emphasised.”
Kung Fu
Wing Chun
Wing Chun means “forever spring” and was named after its first proponent of the art, a young village girl, Wing Chun, who was doomed to marry a bandit chief unless she could beat him in unarmed combat.
Wing Chun can be practiced by people of all ages, sizes, shapes and degrees of physical ability. It is equally applicable to both men and women. Wing Chun uses structure rather than strength and timing rather than speed. It is also based on natural human anatomy rather than mimicking the movements of animals, so it does not require extraordinary flexibility or athleticism.
We teach both the traditional Wing Chun as well as the modern version modified by Yip Man.
Praying Mantis
A ferocious self-defence system with blinding speed and incredible strength.
It is the emphasis on trapping tactics that really makes the Seven Star Praying Mantis kung fu system a complete martial art. All the ranges of fighting: long range with kicking tactics, middle range with hand techniques, trapping range, and grappling range can be neutralized by the skill of controlling the opponent’s body by the manipulation of the major joints. When, for example, an elbow, shoulder or knee is placed correctly then the body will follow. This creates an opportunity to neutralize or control the opponent.
Chang Quan (Long Fist)
Powerful, courageous and free spirited.
The forms of the Long Fist style emphasise fully extended kicks and striking techniques, and by appearance would be considered a long-range fighting system. In some Long Fist styles, the motto is that “the best defence is a strong offence,” in which case the practitioner launches a pre-emptive attack so aggressive that the opponent doesn’t have the opportunity to attack. Others emphasise defence over offence, noting that nearly all techniques in Long Fist forms are counters to attacks. Long Fist uses large, extended, circular movements to improve overall body mobility in the muscles, tendons, and joints. Advanced Long Fist techniques include joint locking techniques, throws and takedowns.
The Long Fist style is considered to contain a good balance of hand and foot techniques.
Choy Li Fut
A system that combines the devastating kicks of Northern Shaolin, with the hand techniques of Southern Shaolin.
The system combines the martial arts techniques from various Northern and Southern Chinese kung-fu systems; the powerful arm and hand techniques from the animal forms from the South, combined with the extended, circular movements, twisting body, and agile footwork that characterises Northern China’s martial arts.
It is considered an external style, combining soft and hard techniques, as well as incorporating a wide range of weapons as part of its curriculum. It contains a wide variety of techniques, including long- and short-range punches, kicks, sweeps and take downs, pressure point attacks, joint locks, and grappling.
Choy Li Fut is the most effective system that I’ve seen for fighting more than one person. [It] is one of the most difficult styles to attack and defend against.
— Bruce Lee
Baji Quan
Often referred to as “the bodyguard style”.
Simple in appearance but extremely effective.
The major features of Baji include elbow strikes, arm/fist punches, hip checks and strikes with the shoulder. All techniques are executed with a short power, developed through training. The essence of Baji Quan lies in power-issuing methods, particularly explosive power. The mechanics of “jin” are developed through many years of practice and Baji Quan is known for its strenuous lower-body training and its emphasis on the horse stance.
The effectiveness of Baji Quan is best measured by the high positions that students held - Li Shuwen’s (Baji master), Huo Dian Ge (bodyguard to Pu Yi - the last Emperor of China), Li Chenwu (bodyguard to Mao Zedong) and Grandmaster Liu Yun Qiao (instructor of Chang Kai Shek’s bodyguards and founder of Wutan).
Weapons
To help students better understand body mechanics we also teach the complete 18 weapons system.
Classes for Men and Women
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Monday 19:00-20:30, Redland/Westbury Park
Teacher: John
Westbury Park Methodist Church (upstairs hall), 4 North View, Westbury Park/Henleaze BS6 7QB
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Monday 20:00-21:30, St Werburghs/Montpelier
Teacher: Sarer
St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, St Werburghs BS2 9TJ
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Wednesday 19:00-20:30, Southville
Teacher: Sarer
St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Stackpool Road, Southville, BS3 1NW
Prices
Pay by the night
1 x 1.5 hour lesson = £10
1 x 1 hour lesson = £8.50
Discount for standing order
One class a week
1 x 1 hour lesson a week x 4 = £30
1 x 1.5 hour lesson a week x 4 = £34
Two classes a week
2 x 1.5 or 1 hour lesson a week x 4 = £45
Three classes a week
3 x 1.5 or 1 hour lesson a week x 4 = £60
⛔ Not all classes have places available - please call or email to reserve your place.
