Much of our time training is spent developing internal power or gung. It's best to experience this firsthand, so we encourage anyone that wants to know more to join us. See the contact page to arrange a time to train with us.
Training usually starts with Chy Sau - one of the fundaments of our system. We then go on to practise stepping or hand techniques, along with two person training drills.
There is a lot to learn, so it's fairly intensive for beginners. Pretty soon however you'll know the ropes. And of course it's better if you can make it to a couple of classes each week.
Training methods dating back over 250 years have been added to by successive generations of masters, building an effective and comprehensive training system.
Students train the fundamental elements of the system to develop power, and learn to focus this efficiently; combining the elements of strength and speed, like the attack of the Mantis. Combining this with Chi Kung (Qi Gong) or internal training develops a healthy body, strengthening against strikes.
Hand techniques and forms focus power or chi, while two person training drills illustrate the application of the techniques, developing the confidence and ability for self-defence.
There are few high kicks in Chow Gar as the emphasis is on techniques for close in-fighting, utilising powerful rapid strikes. After a time, training develops shock power. This is where the body works as a complete system, concentrating all the force into one single short, devastating movement.
Weapons require a great deal of accuracy and power to use. In Chow Gar they are taught after students are proficient in use of their hands and feet. Once a student has developed power at arms length, weapons provide a means to extend this power further from the body.
The weapons used in Chow Gar are traditional Chinese weapons- the Sai, the Pole, the straight-sword, the Kwan-Dao, and the Tiger Fork.
Because in our modern society there is little need to use weapons such as these, weapons training provide a means to increase power, accuracy, and focus, and to train for fighting against weapons.
Before committing to training under any system, it is best to try it out first. In Chow Gar this is doubly important, as much of the system is "internal" so it is hard to see the power - you really have to give it a go.
We encourage anyone who is interested in learning Chow Gar to train with us for a month. We welcome new students to any class.
Over 4 weeks new students will learn basic steps and hand techniques, as well as forms and conditioning exercises. At the end of this time you can become a member of our school.
Your first training session is without obligation; so join us for a night and see if our system is right for you.
Weekly Classes
Each class lasts for 2 hours and can be paid for on a class-by-class basis. Members pay for a month in advance which affords a discount:
* Class-by-class fees (beginners): £10 for 2 hours
* Monthly fees: Dependant on how many times you train