Shaolin Kung Fu (nam pai chuan)

what you will learn

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.

form

These are pre-arranged sequences of techniques and are used to help students perfect a series of individual techniques and to develop ‘flow’ between movements.

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.

animal styles

In the animal world, self-defence is a matter of survival. Centuries ago Shaolin monks studied how different animals defended themselves against attack and developed fighting styles based on animals’ defence techniques. We now use defence techniques developed from animals like the crane, snake, monkey and tiger as part of advanced Nam Pai Chuan training.

chi-gung

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.

sparring

Students learn how to apply the techniques they have learned by sparring together which helps them to practice control when faced with the unpredictability of an opponent.

how you will learn

We believe that balance in life is of fundamental importance. Therefore we encourage all people regardless or age, ethnicity or belifs to get involved. In particular we believe it is important to have a mixed gender group, and we avoid the male-dominated macho atmosphere that can be present in some Martial Arts.

Nam Pai Chuan Shaolin Kung Fu is a traditional martial art and rooted in Chinese culture. Central to our training is a system of respect. We ask students to respect the information they are given, the system they are taught, their instructor and the wellbeing of their training partners.

Our training takes place in classes of mixed ability and we encourage students to constantly change training partners to learn from each other and experience training with different people – from beginner to black belt.

Rather than being something to be fearful of, this gives new students the chance to learn from our more experienced students, who are expected to demonstrate control over their techniques, assist new students, and help them to develop confidence and skill.

As a mark of respect, students are expected to bow to each and every training partner they work with, whoever they are. Traditionally, a student had to earn the right to learn kung fu, which was seen as privileged information.

Although things have changed and we actively welcome newcomers to our training centres, we believe that students should still be respectful of the knowledge they are given. To help students master each different technique properly and to continuously improve, we use a training syllabus. Grading examinations are held every three months based on this syllabus to assess students’ progression. Different coloured belts are issued as a formal indication of a student’s level of skill and knowledge.

After passing a grading students are expected to regularly attend training sessions and practice what they have learned to maintain the standard that they have reached.

All information and guidance given to a student by an instructor should be viewed as valuable. To show their respect for an instructor, students should try to follow all instructions and training rules to the best of their ability.

For health and safety reasons and to show respect for their instructor, students should avoid causing any unnecessary distractions during training, for example by switching off mobile phones and asking their instructor’s permission to get a drink or leave the training hall. You should bow to your instructor at the beginning and end of every class, and when given information by your instructor as thanks for teaching you.

Training venue & times