Glasgow Uni Kung Fu Fitness Club (GUKFFC)

A minute of silence for Great Master Fulvi

2011-11-06T13:52:00.002Z

Probably you will not know him, but Master Fulvi was one of the popular chinese masters in Italy and also known internationally for his strong relationships with China.

He learned Judo, Jujitsu and then learned Shaolin from Chang Dsu Yao,

he founded the "Italy Chinese Kung Fu Association" in 1992, then the "World Chinese Kung Fu Association" in 1996.

He used kung fu to promote friendship, wellbeing and peace by opening several institutes in Cuba and Lebanon.

In 2004 he opened the "Tui Na Chinese Massage Academy".

His only child Daniele, died in a tragic accident and he has opened a memorial in his name.

He achieved a lot in his life and gave equally a lot with a pure spirit and free of prejudices.

He was found dead last week in his best loved Dojo in Perugia, Italy.

Good bye Master Fulvi.

Cung Le Interview

2011-08-22T23:54:00.000+01:00

Former WCW Superstar Bill Goldberg going toe to toe with Cung Le for an interesting interview.

Cung Le won most of his matches in MMA proving that Sanda is a valid style for this style of competition. Watch how he plays to his strengths (strong and fast kicks and throws) whilst avoiding being drawn into ground game or straight out blow for blow matches.

Bando around the world

2011-07-24T16:10:00.000+01:00

Sex and age is no hindrance in martial arts - we all have our own particular strengths and weaknesses. We should be fortunate to be as skilled as these practitioners.

The importance of the triad

2011-07-24T16:04:00.001+01:00

No we're not talking about Chinese mafia but the importance of the number three in Chinese martial arts.

The importance of sahn/three (Burmese - Thown) is expressed in many aspects of martial arts. In the Kung Fu Fitness philosophy:

The meaning of which is “Self-discipline, self-development and self-improvement”.

You can also view the training in three stages: mind, body and soul. This can be expanded upon, for instance when executing a technique it must be done with balance, power and control.

The following are from Tae Kwon Do but transverse language and country:

The reason for nine black belt degrees is that the number nine is not only the highest of the single-digit numbers, but also is the number of three multiplied by three. In the Orient, three is one of the more esteemed numbers. The Chinese character for 3 is three horizontal lines, one above the other. The bottom line represents earth; the middle line represents mortals; the upper line represents heaven.^[10] It was believed that a man who could unite the three realms in himself, would aspire or be reborn into a king. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Taekwon-Do_Federation

Alternatively, the Kukkiwon philosophy, the Han Philosophy, is based on Eastern principles of samje (삼제, three elements), eum (음, yin; negative or darkness) and yang (양, positive or brightness) with samjaereferring to cheon (천, sky or heaven), ji (지, the earth), and in (인, a man or a person). The origins of these concepts originate from the Chinese classic "I Ching" which is considered to be an important part of the canon of East Asian Philosophy.^[40] -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taekwondo

The American Bando Association probably chose to build their training around a 9x9 system for the same reasons as it's 3x3. - "The basis for the ABA's bando system is a 9X9 matrix of techniques and principles" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bando

How to tie a Combat Bando Belt

2011-07-24T15:57:00.000+01:00

As members will be aware, GUKFFC offers Combat Bando grading. Currently three club members hold belts: Richard Gregory, Darren Eggenschwiler and Joel Spencer. For them and future members here is a short video demonstrating how to fasten the belt properly:

Sanda Seminar - 3rd July @ Griphouse MMA Gym

2011-06-21T02:04:00.002+01:00

For those more interested in the competitive side of Kung Fu or looking to cross train in MMA then Paolo will also be on hand to give an introduction to Sanda. July 3rd Griphouse MMA Gym 11am-5pm (Subject to approval by Sifu Sawbwa). £17 (can be combined with a day of the self defence seminar saving you £4!)

Program of Events

The History of Sanda: The Old Ring Rules, Modern (Chinese Federation) Rules
Sanda Stretching and Preparation: Static and Dynamic Warm-up and how/when they should be used
Sanda Techniques: The ABC’s of Sanda
Distance: Standing ground and Striking, Blocking
Grappling & Evasion: Catching, Trapping & Redirection/Throwing
Combinations
Sanda, the Origins: How was Sanda practiced in the past?

Paolo is a former semi-pro fighter, in the <70 Kg division, of the Italian Wushu and Kung Fu federation (http://www.fiwuk.it/) he has studied Tao Lu (non armed forms), Sanda and Tuei Shou (push hands). He has 10 years experience in traditional Kung Fu, and a combined 6 years teaching/competing in Sanda. See the poster below for more details.

Summer Bando Flier

2011-06-15T22:21:00.004+01:00

Further to our blog post here is a flier for the event.

You can find details of the Sanda seminar here

Summer Seminar

2011-06-11T22:29:00.006+01:00

Classes have officially finished (though student organised sparring sessions may still be organised through the google groups but no official instruction will occur until at least the 22nd June when Paolo returns from Italy) however we do have a Bando Self Defence & Introduction to Sanda Seminar scheduled for the 2nd-3rd July.

Bando details below:

Saturday 2^nd July – 11am-5pm (Glasgow University – John MacIntyre Building)

Bando Basics
Kick and strike techniques
Choke & Grappling defence
Overview of (Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Hong Gar, Bagua, Bando) unique techniques
Q&As

· Sunday 3^rd July: 11am-5pm (Griphouse MMA Gym)

Throws & Takedowns
Submission manoeuvres
Weapons defence – Bladed Weapons, Blunt Instruments, Firearms, etc

· Sanda information is currently being worked on and will be added later.

This will be a unique opportunity to train with Sifu Sawbwa (4th Rank Black Belt in Combat Bando) who is a Myanmar Thaing Federation recognised instructor in this style and the founder of our club. He will also be grading several of our members so you will get a chance to observe the dedication and skill of our practitioners

£17 per day or £30 full weekend

Places are limited so please enquire first by emailing us at: gukffc@gmail.com

Or leaving a message on 07986 173 442

Why not print out a poster to remind yourself?

Fat boy done run a race

2011-04-18T11:39:00.001+01:00

Congratulations to Steve and Kevin for reaching their target of £1,800 and also successfully completed the 31st London Marathon in an official time of 5:04:35 all whilst carrying a surf board.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StevePeek

http://urbankungfu.blogspot.com/2011/04/peeky-and-kev-nailed-for-london.html

We're open to new charity event ideas so let us know on the forum, personally I'd like to raise some money for Child's Play which gives games, books, toys and cash to sick children in hospitals.

Tai Chi 24 Form

2011-04-05T20:08:00.003+01:00

I and a some of the other students have asked about a video of the Tai Chi 24 form to help memorize the moves. This will be especially important whilst many students will be away revising or on holiday.

And this is the visual from the back:

Without practice it is impossible to progress and if you are serious about training I would suggest you do some in between lessons. For the past 6 months most of my personal training has been devoted to improving my flexibility and I have noticed a related increase in the height and balance of my kicks as well as better posture.

For those doubting the importance of stretching or the difficulty of Tai Chi, throw a kick as high as you can. Now try and repeat that kick slowly, it is unlikely you will be able to get your leg much higher than your waist and you will almost certainly hunch over to deliver the kick placing undue strain on your supporting leg.

Tai Chi is also important to improve your posture, in fact the Chinese term for spinal cord is the "Jade Column" many positions are developed to keep the Jade (precious element) straight (like a Column)

Lastly don't be afraid to change your regime every 4-6 weeks (alter the duration, weight amount or type) as when you reach a plateau a sidewards step can help you advance in the first instance. For example lunges are extremely common in sports like Badminton and will increase the strength of your hips and thighs and the elasticity of your calves and groin.

Rest is important though, if your muscles are fatigued and you can't carry out your usual daily training then why not take some time to study a book on the subject instead.

About

2011-04-05T16:46:00.000+01:00

Glasgow Uni Kung Fu Fitness Club (GUKFFC) was founded in 2008 by the students and is run by the students. GUKFFC is a member of the Kung Fu Fitness (KFF) Association and the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts. KFF is a combination of different Kung Fu styles and Bando Kick boxing. We use mixed martial arts for self defence and Yoga for fitness.

'Art of Combat, Way of the Warrior'

The Benefits of Kung Fu Fitness training include:

* Physical health and fitness, stress release
* Improved self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-discipline
* Improved focus, attention, flexibility and impulse control
* Emotional well being, through the camaraderie of working with fellow students towards a common goal
* Spiritual well being, which comes from the non-violent philosophy of martial arts, and forms the importance of a martial artist's duty to others.

Class Times

2011-04-05T16:45:00.023+01:00

Wednesday 6pm to 8pm	Taiji Chuan, Yi Quan: forms, pushing hands and weapons Bando: attack and weapon defense Sanda: techniques and stamina training Optional: shaolin weapons quin fa, pan fa, san qe er jie qun,san gie qun By Paolo	Glasgow University Union (GUU) 32 University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8LX ,Map>>
Weekend Classes	Sanda semi and full contact sparring Ground fighting: wrestling Pancratio Other Topical Training
The current scheduled training dates are: Debates Chamber 6pm-8pm Mon 17th of October Debates Chamber 6pm-8pm Mon 24th of October Debates Chamber 6pm-8pm Mon 14th of November Debates Chamber 6pm-8pm Mon 21st of November Debates Chamber 6pm-8pm Mon 28th of November Debates Chamber 6pm-8pm Mon 5th of December N.B. Weekend sparring is currently not taught per se, but a chance for members to test their skills against one another. The only instruction is to make sure that these sessions are carried out safely as, if held at the Stevenson building, the management do not accept responsibility for injury. Non SRS paid members must be signed in by a member and pay the appropriate levy. BCCMA insurance cannot cover these sessions at the present time so please be careful. Read SRS Service Rules - Conduct Point 20 - A restatement is given below "20. SRS and the University Court do not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or injury occurring in or in the vicinity of any of its premises, nor will the University accept any responsibility for injuries to persons participating in any activity in or on its facilities" (Retrieved 16/04/11 - 09:55) Please note times given are a rough guide only (and weekend sessions are arranged on a weekly basis until such time as the GUSA affiliation process is complete) join our google groups page to see any changes.

Instructors

2011-04-05T16:44:00.003+01:00

Aldrich Sawbwa (London based) is a fully qualified martial arts instructor and founder of Kung Fu Fitness. He has done extensive training in Karate, Taekwondo, Aikido, Bare Knuckle Kick boxing, Bando, various styles of Chinese Kung Fu and has won many martial arts competitions. He has an enhanced disclosure Scotland check and holds a first aid certificate.

"I'm not a master. I'm a student-master, meaning that I have the knowledge of a master and the expertise of a master, but I'm still learning. So I'm a student-master." Quote from Bruce Lee

Paolo Di Prodi (Glasgow based) started Chinese martial arts training in Italy when he was a wee boy, where he found his first love "Kung Fu" since then he trained in China, Korea and competed in Europe. He has done extensive training in Shaolin styles and San Da (Chinese free fighting system or kick boxing).

(Glasgow based) Senior Student Joel Spencer has been training in martial arts since 2007. He started Muay Thai kickboxing as he found doing leg weight training boring, after his first class with master Sawbwa he found it to be the most intensive leg workout he had ever done. Gaining an orange belt with merit in Combat Bando in 2009 (alongside Darren Eggenschwiler), he draws on eight years of weight training and fitness experience to help students lose weight and gain strength. He now holds a Green Belt with merit in Combat Bando (the first awarded in either branch history) thanks to the grading this summer.

Membership

2011-04-05T16:43:00.007+01:00

GUKFFC is open to everyone who wants to learn self defence, Bando, Tai Chi, Sanda, Kick boxing, Kung Fu and Yoga.

Students please come to our classes with a valid matriculation card. Once you become a GUKFFC member you can attend our classes for £2 per lessson (Pay as you go).

Non students are charged at £4 per weekday class or you can discuss payment options with the instructor.

Our members come from all faculties and ages: from first year to phd. Some have previous martial art backgrounds and some don't but our students do share similarities. Most notably a dedication to learning effective self defence techniques and improving their fitness in a friendly environment.

Once you decide to join our club, the only "special clothing" you need is a club t-shirt (available from from your instructor for £10). Mandatory annual insurance is £10 - details found below

http://www.bccma.com/docs/bccma_insurance_cover.pdf

If you forget to wear the club t-shirt, there is a fine of £1 toward our social fund (Beer money). For weekend classes the club t-shirt is not mandatory - it does get sweaty during class and you need time to wash them after all! Unless you buy two :).

If you wish to move your training to the next level and partake in sparring sessions then we require students to at least buy gloves and a gumshield (for hygiene reasons we can't have club shared ones). Again you can ask your instructor if you are unsure about the quality of brands or the best place to get equipment. The club can also usually get a discount from the Karate shop in the Savoy Centre (City Centre).

Contact Information

2011-04-05T16:43:00.006+01:00

E-mail:

gukffc@gmail.com

Web:

www.gukffc.blogspot.com

Discussion Group:

https://groups.google.com/group/kung-fu-fitness-glasgow

Seventh Dan Granny

2011-04-03T20:12:00.001+01:00

Saw this on Russell Howard's Good News Series 4 Episode 2 but there's a better video below

Skip to 3:18 to see the segment, apparently the only seventh Dan woman in jiu jitsu (contested) but teaches Spirit Combat which is self defence oriented. Think they may be humouring her a bit but still impressive at 77.

Joel

A good chef can make good kung fu

2011-04-02T02:50:00.003+01:00

I was having an interesting conversation with my brother who is a Chef and surprisingly I found some strong similarities between the art of cooking and martial arts.
What makes a good chef?
We must consider internal and external factors. A very skilled chef cannot prepare a good dish without good ingredients. Conversely, if he has top quality food but few skills; dishes will still be mediocre and so on and so forth!
The skills and knowledge of a chief can only be as good as the ingredients and tools he has.

Teamwork is also important because complex menus can only be cooked by chefs with combined complementary experience! All of this can be translated in kung fu. A good practitioner needs to have excellent knowledge and skills, healthy mind in a healthy body, team-work and leadership.

How do you plan to perform your shaolinquan if you can barely run for 4 minutes when the form requires 10 times more effort than running?
How can you perform a tao lu if you cannot remember the basic movements?
How can you do a flying kick if you can barely throw a front kick?
How can you do a group performance if you are not aware of your surroundings?

I saw good athletes who perform well solo but are very bad in group performance.
I saw athletes with excellent stamina, strength and flexibility not being able to focus on 4 simple movements.

So if you want to be a good kungfu practitioner you need to have the basic ingredients (body & mind), the knowledge (techniques and philosophy),teamwork (other awareness).

Famous Quotations

2011-03-31T23:15:00.000+01:00

學拳容易練拳難

easy to learn, hard to practice

練拳容易悟拳難

easy to practice, hard to understand

悟拳容易證拳難

easy to understand, hard to master

證拳容易行拳難

easy to master, hard to apply

行拳容易宏拳難

easy to apply, hard to improve

by

Taiwan Lingnan Association

"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles"
By Tzu Sun

"When anger rises, think of the consequences. " - Confucius

"Study the past, if you would define the future. " - Confucius

"Respect yourself, and others will respect you." - Confucius

"Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend."

Bruce Lee

"No system is completely unique. No system is completely independent from external and internal influences. Every system evolves over time by integration, modification and restructuring, resulting in what we then call "uniqueness." Overtime, this unique system will also change."

His Holiness the Venerable Amarapura Sayadaw, 1910

Kung Fu Film Nights

2011-03-31T23:02:00.001+01:00

The last Saturday of every month we host a film night.

Recent films have included:

Shaolin
House of Flying Daggers

KFF in Healthy for Men Magazine Dec 09

2009-12-03T15:08:00.000Z

Kung Fu Fitness in Healthy for Men Magazine Dec 09

The inner rewards of martial arts

After three week of regular martial arts training, practitioners will have improvements in blood sugar and pressures, as well as calcium metabolism. These changes translate into better functioning of the body and brain, and overall risk reduction for such diseases as hypertension, diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases, osteoporosis, anxiety, depression and some cancers. Martial arts also bring about remarkable change in brain chemistry. Higher levels of serotonin, endorphins and dopamine have been recorded following training. These will boost moods and increase self-confidence. Those who use the right side of their brain are likely to be better at martial arts as they have superior spatial perception. Aldrich Sawbwa, founder of Kung Fu Fitness, explains: ‘In terms of mental strength, everything we do in life requires self-confidence. By controlling balance and power in martial arts, we learn to control anger. If you can’t focus you can’t see and then you get hit, which is why martial arts are a way of meditation. Even with small amounts of practice you’ll find beneficial effects to mind and body’.

Languages & Martial Arts

2009-11-26T11:44:00.000Z

Imagine you are learning a new language, where do you start?

Basic
In Languages: Alphabet letters
In Martial Arts: Forms and Stances

How to apply?

In Languages: use alphabet to form a word and apply different words according to situation when you speak or write

You don't speak or write: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K ...

In Martial Arts: use different forms and stances according to attack and defence situation

You don't apply a set form you have learned: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ...

Advance

In Languages: Once you perfect the language, you don't need to think which words to use, you can apply fluently

In Martial Arts: Once you perfect the art, you don't need to think which forms or stances to use, you can apply fluently

Putting the Best with the Best

2009-11-26T11:41:00.000Z

Imagine that you get a call from a nationally respected headhunter. She represents a company that wants to hire you. In fact, she’s offering a signing bonus and a 20 percent pay increase. Your authority would increase, and you would get an ownership stake in the company. It’s a job you know you could handle, with responsibilities you know you would enjoy.

The drawback? You would work on a team with a reputation for mediocre work. It is known in the industry for doing no more than what it takes to get by, and there’s no indication that the leadership at the company plans to change that. Mediocrity is so much the rule at that company, in fact, that you’re a little concerned that they would want you. Do they really think you’d fit into that culture?

Despite the material benefits, many of us would turn down such an opportunity, rightly recognizing that it fails to satisfy one of our most basic needs—the desire to work with people who share our commitment to excellence.

The best want to work with the best. In fact, just one weak link can dramatically influence an otherwise strong team—ultimately leading to turnover among the best producers. So if we want to recruit and keep the best people for our teams, we have to recognize the importance of a strong weakest link.

We can demonstrate the impact of the weakest link with some basic math. If you have a five-person team and all five people are “10s,” then you might add that up and say your team is a “50.” But what if one of those people goes into a funk and becomes a 5. Now your team is a 45, and its effectiveness drops by 10 percent.

That’s a pretty big impact, but it still falls short of reality. In the real world, synergy exists, so our impact on a team is more like multiplication than addition. One and two doesn’t equal three in teamwork; with synergy, one and two can equal ten.

Consider the previous example but with multiplication. 10 times 10 times 10 times 10 times 10 equal 100,000. But 10 times 10 times 10 times 10 times five equal only 50,000. One weak link reduces the team’s effectiveness by a whopping 50 percent.

Clearly, the way to keep good people is to keep them around other good people. When good people find themselves working with people who are not carrying their share of the load, dissatisfaction creeps in. Pretty soon, the productivity of the really good people begins to fall off too. They lose motivation for excellence or they just get worn out from carrying someone else’s share of the work. Eventually, the best leave for greener pastures.

Everyone on a team needs to add excellence, which means leaders first need to place people in roles that make the most of their gifts and talents. But a person with the right skills and the wrong attitude is still like the proverbial bad apple that spoils the whole batch. So if you want a team that experiences low turnover and high success, fill it with people who are both capable and committed to doing great work.

by Dr. John C. Maxwell

Bando in Russia

2009-11-26T11:36:00.004Z

Bando Connection with British

2009-11-26T11:35:00.001Z

Conquered by the British

After repulsing forces from China, the Burmese then pressed West into India, seizing Assam. There, the Burmese encountered an immovable object directly astride their path of conquest: the British Empire. Three bloody Anglo-Burmese Wars resulted: 1824-26, 1852 and 1878. Losing these wars, Burma became a subjugated Asian Colony of Britain, annexed to India.

With this accomplished, the British set about ruthlessly suppressing indigenous Burmese combative systems, both empty-hand and weapon-oriented. This action was calculated to inhibit rebellion, but it also nearly destroyed the precious cultural artifact of indigenous and highly-developed Burmese combative systems. This process is not unlike the suppression of indigenous martial arts on Okinawa.

Burmese Martial Arts Go "Underground"

Prior to World War II, Burmese combative systems had been generally termed "Thaing," with at least nine major systems, each linked to the primary Burmese racial/ethnic groups: Burmese, Chin, Chinese, Indian, Kachin, Karen, Mon, Shan and Talaing, each with a different manifestation of the art. Nonetheless, these systems had been driven "underground" for nearly a century as World War II approached.

Only a select few were taught the arts in secret by the Masters, so the young could carry on the knowledge of the past. In the land where Bando Boxing had been the "Sport of Kings", it had now become a criminal act. Under Sections 109 and 110 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, imposed by the British, Burmese "Lethwei" boxers and Thaing/Bando practitioners were classed as "vagrants" and "habitual criminal offenders."

Rescued from Oblivion: The Military Athletic Club

As the clouds of what would become World War II hung over Asia, the British authorities in Burma permitted small scale martial arts training under government sponsorship and rigid controls (in order to prevent the spread of these disciplines into the populace as a whole). This was accomplished through the establishment, in 1933, of the famous "Military Athletic Club."

The Club was first formed by nine Gurkha officers (including Dr. Gyi's father, U Ba Than Gyi). These nine men were determined to restore full vigor to the ancient fighting arts of India, Tibet, Burma, and China. The group also was intent upon integrating some aspects of Japanese arts. As of 1966, information on the Founders of the Military Athletic Club was as follows (ages as of 1966):

Yogi Abehanada Indian, 76 years old, retired near Darjeeling, India

C. C. Chu Chinese, 80 years old, returned to mainland China

A. K. Khan Pakistani, 69 years old, retired in Karachi, East Pakistan

U Zaw Min Burmese, 70 years old, retired in Tongoo, Burma

G. Bahadur Gurkha, 79 years old, retired in Darjeeling, India

Saw Ba U Karen, 66 years old, retired in Insein, Burma

Dowa Naung Kachin, 71 years old, retired in Mogong, Burma

Boji Mein Sa Arakanese, 63 years old, retired in Rangoon, Burma

U Ba Than (Gyi) Burmese, 81 years old, retired in Twante, Burma

Guruji Gonju Bahadur was the first Chairman of the Club. Initially, beyond the Founders, there were some 90 members. In 1936, selected non-military men were allowed to participate due to their high level of martial / combative knowledge and skill. In 1939, total membership was increased to 300.

The training in the Military Athletic Club was extremely stark, rugged, brutal and realistic. From the perspective of today’s legal environment in the United States, such training is inconceivable. For example, it is reported that 15 members collapsed and died during a series of incredibly rigorous training drills. Some 33 members are said to have died of injuries during the group's annually staged private combat bouts.

Lord Mountbatten (then High Commissioner of His Majesty's Imperial and Colonial Forces in Asia) reportedly attended one of these tournaments in 1937. After viewing these life and death contests, he is said to have made his historic remark: "Beautifully brutal art . . . I'm happy they're on our side." General Orde Wingate is said to have called the members of this private military club "Bando Bastards."

* Dr. Gyi (USA Bando founder)
Source: American Bando Association

Tree and Martial Arts

2009-11-08T22:26:00.000Z

As a martial artist's, we see our self as a tree. Why?
In order for a tree to withstand any challenges, it needs strong roots. So do martial artists, we need to have a strong stance. Tree roots are like our stances, Tree trunk are like our body, branches and leaves are like our limbs.

A tree without roots is very weak, no matter how strong the branches and leaves, only supported by the tree trunk it will not last long. The same is true for martial artists’; without a good stance, just using your body, no matter how good is your forms and techniques. Soon or later you will fall.

So, I hope you guys can understand why stances are the most important in any martial art.

Most popular stances in Kung Fu are...

Horse stance (aka squat stance)
Bow stance (aka fighting stance)
Resting stance (aka cross stance)
Taming stance (aka low stance)
Cat stance (aka loose stance)

Lingnan Hung Ga Taiwan

2009-10-17T20:56:00.002+01:00

Self defence Kung Fu (Taiwan SWAT team)

2009-10-17T20:02:00.001+01:00

Philosophy

2009-10-13T23:20:00.000+01:00

Our philosophy is simple. We want to help you keep fit and learn practical self defence at the same time. You will learn to appreciate all styles of martial arts with mutual respect. As the Chinese say, “Let’s make friends through martial arts”. Part of the profit generated from such lessons will help fund IFCharity projects.

KFF Halloween flat Party

2009-10-13T00:04:00.001+01:00

You are invited to attend KFF Halloween flat Party on Fri 30th Oct 09 from 9pm till late. Joel has kindly offer his lovely flat to throw this party (email me for address if you gonna come).

I will bring some Chinese dumplings and snacks (first come first served). Feel free to bring any drinks and food you want to share with us. If you are so skint no worry just show up with smile, I am sure a walk in the living room will give you a full cup. That's how I got my drink during my first year at Uni.

Entertainment includes:

-Wii games
-Kung Fu movies
-Salsa lesson with Dj Soul
-Drinking games (no push up and sit up punishment I promise)
-Debate corner
-Prize for best Halloween dress

You are welcome to invite your bf,gf,f along. (one invited guest can invite one other guest).

Dress code: Dress to impress

Martial Arts Wheels

2009-10-04T21:03:00.000+01:00

KFF added English translation.

Source: Taiwan Lingnan Hung Ga Association

Fast track to black belt

2009-10-04T20:45:00.003+01:00

Many students ask us some sort of variation on this question. Some ask how long it takes to earn a black belt. Some ask how long before they feel like they can apply the Kung Fu we teach in self defence. Some ask how long they need to train before they start learning weapons.

No matter how the question is phrased or what the ultimate goal is, the answer is always the same - it depends. It depends on how hard you train. It depends on how much you practice. It depends on how coachable you are. It depends on how well you can deal with obstacles and setbacks (because we all have them).

The bottom line is that training in Kung Fu, or any martial art for that matter, is a lifelong journey (To be a martial artist is a way of life, both mental and physical). If you’re always looking for the finish line, you’re missing the point. It’s great to train with goals in mind, but training goals should be short-term and attainable; mastery is certainly not.

Studying Kung Fu is like learning medicine (they both take a long time), before you become a consultant or a specialist you need to learn all the basics to become a GP first, through years of practice and further study you will reach the next level.

My advice to anyone wondering ‘how long before I…’ is to just train hard and enjoy the journey because the further along on the path you get, the more you realize that there is no finish line.

"The black belt is not a mark or symbol of the end of the journey to one's mastery of the arts; rather it is the mark that one is done packing for their journey and may now take the first step in their true journey. This a journey which can not ever be complete, only traveled..." ~ Unknown

So is there any fast track to black belt?

Yes, just go and buy one, but a true martial artist does not concern himself with decorations and adornments. A piece of paper or material will not protect you against an assailant's anger.

"The weakest of all weak things is a virtue that has not been tested in the fire" ~ Mark Twain

Ref: Hung Ga

Sanda Technical video guide

2009-09-26T18:25:00.000+01:00

I was thinking of shooting a series of small technical videos about the basic sanda techniques because I have noticed that on youtube there are very few videos about this.
If somebody has a good digital camera with a steady cam please do let me know!
cheers.

Filter Drinking Water project in Myanmar (Burma)

2009-09-22T16:38:00.001+01:00

With your support in KFF, we manged to donate money to IFCharity and see below link for what we have achieved.

Link to our charity project>>

Grading Syllabus

2009-09-22T15:15:00.002+01:00

For those of you interested in becoming a professional fighter or an instructor, KFF offers Combat Bando grading syllabus.

Social

2009-09-05T14:43:00.001+01:00

We organise meet ups at pubs, the cinema, BBQs, House Parties, Day Trips and more

All GUKKFC members are encouraged to contribute new ideas and organise social events.

Committee 11-12

2009-02-01T22:30:00.006Z

Club Captain

Richard Gregory

Secretary

Roland Neofitu

Treasurer

Ania Winarska