Class Structure

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Classes are typically 90-120 minutes long,and are usually of mixed ability, ages, and sexes. They begin with a warm up, which will include various cardiovascular exercises, followed by specific stretching and body conditioning.

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Training then moves onto learning Kung Fu techniques. Being a broad based style, we incorporate a variety of different methods. Our instructors will teach specific things which are relevant to the class. This could be paired pad work, learning how to use one of the traditional weapons, or even basic locks and throws.

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Our training is done in a way that each class provides a steady and continuous progression to help students master the basics of a technique then learn to add other dynamics such as footwork or additional techniques. Towards the end of the class students break into smaller groups to practice specific techniques relevant to their level of ability.

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Training sessions conclude with a cool down session to slow the heart rate, and prevent stiffness in joints and muscles.

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What you will learn

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Shaolin Kung Fu is a style of martial art which uses a broad range of self-defence techniques. All students start on building a solid foundation through various stance drills which helps strengthen the legs and core. We also incorporate the use of pad work which helps develop hand and eye coordination, understanding the use of force and technique.

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Here is a list of just some of the things we teach:

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The basics
Our students start their training by learning not to rely on physical strength, but technique. We begin by teaching them how to punch and kick effectively, how to use footwork and blocking to evade an attack, and how to use short and long range self-defence techniques such as joint locks and throws.

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Forms
In years gone by the use of form was used to develop stamina through a sequence of pre-arranged techniques which help develop coordination and movement. This is something not too dissimilar to modern day shadow boxing. Our forms incorporate multi angle as well as multi level application which helps foster a better understanding of “flow” and “centre”.

 

Weapons
Once students have learned to master basic techniques they are taught how to defend themselves with different types of weapons. These include long staff, spear, dagger, broadsword and butterfly knives. Although many are centuries old, all have modern equivalents and by learning how to use them students develop control and technique that can be transferred to modern-day situations.

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Animal styles

The monks at the Shaolin Temple used to watch the way animals would fight. From watching these animals the monks devised moves and techniques into various fighting skills. We teach seven main animal styles which have their own sub-school within the system which is taught at the higher grades.

 

Chigung
These are breathing exercises which are used to relieve stress, improve concentration, strengthen and nourish internal organs and to teach you how to channel your body’s own energy, its chi, into a movement or part of your body.
Chi-gung has been around for over a thousand years and helps improve strength and functionality of internal organs. Chi-Gung breathing exercises incorporate postural positioning which are either static or in movement, breathing techniques which use the lower diaphragm and mental focus.

 

Sparring
We use sparring in order to give our students an understanding of how to use technique while under pressure. It also gives the student a better understanding of utilisation of power as well as the importance of mental focus. We utilise a full range of techniques which allows the student to gain a better insight into the various levels of combat.

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Communication of values and learning content

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Nam Pai Chuan Shaolin Kung Fu is a traditional martial art rooted in Chinese culture. At the heart of our training is a system of respect. We ask that students respect the information they are given, the system they are taught, their instructor and the welfare of their training partners. Our training takes place in mixed ability classes and we encourage students to keep rotating training partners to learn from each other – from beginner to black belt. Rather than being afraid, newcomers have thus the opportunity to learn from our more experienced students, who are expected to demonstrate control and help new members develop more confidence and good technique.

 

As a mark of respect, students are expected to bow at the beginning and end of each class as well as to each training partner they work with, whoever they are. Traditionally, a student had to earn the right to learn kung fu at all, which was considered a privileged situation. Although things have changed and we actively welcome newcomers to all of our training centers, we believe that all members should always be respectful of the knowledge that is imparted to them. 

 

In order to help the students to properly master the different techniques and to continuously improve, we use a syllabus. Based on this syllabus, placement exams are held every three months to assess student progress. Different colored belts are issued as a formal indication of a student's level of skill and knowledge. After passing assessment, students are expected to attend regular training and practice what they have learned to maintain the standard achieved.

 

All information and guidance provided by an instructor should be considered valuable and appreciated. To show their respect for an Instructor, Members should attempt to follow all instructions and training rules to the best of their ability. For health and safety reasons, and to avoid unnecessary distractions during exercise, cell phones should always be turned off before exercise. Also, participants should ask the instructor's permission if they wish to have a drink or leave the training hall, even briefly. You should bow briefly to your trainer at the beginning and end of each class, as a traditional thank you that this knowledge has now been passed down to you through many generations.

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Fitness

 

Although Kung Fu teaches participants not to rely on physical strength to defend themselves, a good general level of fitness and stamina is essential to perform techniques at a good level.

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Our trainers use a combination of stretching, cardiovascular, strength and stretching exercises, and general conditioning techniques to help participants continually improve their overall fitness and flexibility.

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Fitness is an essential part of kung fu, so we keep changing our methods - also to make the lessons as interesting and entertaining as possible. We also believe it's important to train the mind, so our instructors use endurance training to help students deal with fatigue and improve their ability to focus - which can often be the difference between success or failure in a combat situation.

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Unlike some fitness or martial arts classes, we encourage students to rotate training partners on a regular basis to experience training with partners of different skill levels, body types, and fitness levels. This also has the added benefit of creating a welcoming environment for students to get to know one another and make friends quickly.