Build fitness and self-confidence with Wing Chun Kung Fu

This class runs weekly on Monday evenings from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm and the cost is £7 per class. The format is 'drop-in' - just turn up as and when you can and train at your own rate. Dress is informal and clothes that allow free movement are recommended - for example, T-shirt or sweatshirt, training trousers and trainers.

The class is open to men and women aged 14 years and over, and of course is open to non-Buddhists! No special level of fitness is needed to start, and the system can be tailored for participants who are physically unable to do any particular movement or movements.

Although there is no set pattern for each class, the Instructor (Matt) will take you through a programme of instruction structured around ten grades. You will be introduced to the theory behind each technique. The classes are open and friendly and mainly with individual tuition rather than group work.

Classes do not include actual combat, although you may have the opportunity to engage in a form of practice called 'sparring'. There may also be work with pads.

After the first few lessons, when you have decided that you want to pursue Wing Chun Kung Fu, you will be invited to join the European Traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu Association. The fee for this is £20 per annum, which includes an element of insurance.

Participants report the following benefits from learning Wing Chun Kung Fu:

• improved self-confidence
• better reflexes
• improved health
• improved body awareness, perception and awareness of others
• ability to respond confidently to any situation.

Kung Fu (literal translation = 'achievement through great effort') originated with Buddhist monks of the Shaolin Temple, to counter the lack of physical fitness arising from the sedentary nature of meditation practice. The form 'Traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu' dates back 250 years to a Buddhist nun named Ng Mui, who developed the style to exploit the weaknesses of other kung fu styles. The system was designed to achieve the most effective results by using technical ability and confidence rather than brute force, and can therefore be practised by both men and women of all abilities.

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