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TESTIMONIALS NAME:
Richard I have wanted to study a Martial Art for many years now but never really found a specific style that appealed to me. Something traditional, something to be learned, something to focus on, a complete fighting style. (I didn’t want to stand in a line punching air!). After searching for sometime I decided I wanted to study an ancient style that can also be incorporated into our busy world of today. After researching many different Martial Arts I decided Kung Fu was the style I wanted to experience further. Hung Leng Kuen Kung Fu incorporates many aspects/styles into one discipline and has been developed for the hectic, dangerous world of today. Over a short period of time (a few lessons) I began to understand the fascination for wanting to do such an art. HLKKF has given me confidence, in-depth learning of the technical aspects and teachings behind the style (not just the movements but application), a sense of accomplishment, but most of all the ability to fight/defend when required! The quality of teaching in my opinion is excellent. Each movement is broken down and practiced. Together with the forms and application, one becomes more fluid in the movements and understanding of the combat art. The teachings encourage you to produce your own style once the basics have been understood. This means that the style is not rigid and each person will end up finding their own style and self development (Free Spirit!). Not only do we get taught as a group but also individual teachings i.e. one-on-one are also carried out. This provides excellent focus and irons out the mistakes. We’re always encourage to push that little further which doesn’t hurt anyone. The calibre of people at HLKKF are second to none. Not only do we train well we play well! We’re often out socialising, parties, get together, sometimes holidays any excuse to have a beer and a laugh. Most of all we’re always ready to help each other wherever possible whether in class or not. I’m proud to be a part of the teachings. NAME:
Simon I guess I started to take an interest in Martial arts following exposure through Chris Crudelli’s BBC series, ‘Mind, Body and Kick Ass moves’. Previously to this I had always enjoyed watching actors like Jackie Chan and Jean Claude Van Damme but only really looked upon it as ballet for men. Sure the actors were talented gymnasts but I didn’t believe that studying martial arts would be interesting enough to hold my attention. The difference with the TV series was to include many different styles from all regions of the world and look into some of the philosophies and history behind the styles (why would anyone try to pick up a rice flail (nunchuka) and learn how to use it as a weapon instead of a sword?) I chose to look at this club following a recommendation from my cousin, himself a kung fu practitioner (actually his words were - ‘forget about wing chun, why not have a look at this place? I think you’ll find the syllabus more fun’). A controversial opinion possibly but I have indeed found the tuition to be physically stimulating, mentally stimulating and dare I say it - good fun. The syllabus is divided into such a way as to encourage progression. Each level has skills to be mastered but the gap between grades seems small so there is no feeling of hitting a plateau beyond which progress becomes more difficult than it is rewarding. The open teaching style is welcome. As an engineer I always ask a lot of questions about the science behind things. For me this helps to build up the ‘minds eye’ visualisation of how my body should be performing. As a fairly recent club the ratio of high grades to new students is very good, and it was encouraging to me to see that quite a few higher grades coming over regularly from the flagship club specifically to train. This was particularly good in self defense training as it meant I alway had a lot of help from senior grades as well as the instructor allowing me to improve more quickly. However as HLKF is well established on the south coast, there is a healthy social scene to be involved in if you are looking for extra-curricular fun. Although my busy free time schedule has prevented from attending many of the events I have thoroughly enjoyed the parties I have been to (especially the Christmas meal). NAME:
David After a typical 70s childhood diet of Bruce Lee and ‘Monkey’ I had an initial foray into martial arts in my teens. However, after a life on the ocean wave, I thought that I would never have the opportunity to join a decent marital arts club, especially as there has been a proliferation of mediocre clubs in recent years. However, following a recommendation by a friend (3rd Brown Sash Mo - of Hung Leng Kung Kung Fu) I restarted my martial arts career, and have never looked back! The Portsmouth club is relatively new but has an excellent pedigree, is blindingly professional, and has a fantastic training style with all new comers being made exceptionally welcome. Sifu Mark is an exceptional instructor and has never lost his touch with the challenges faced by new comers. After a short while, you will be immersed into a whole new world and be itching to come back for more! There are also regular opportunities for weekend seminars, and even a weeklong training holiday for those who are hungry for more! The training is designed to get you up to speed very quickly, and Sifu Mark never holds back anything or avoids the simplest of questions (I know – I am the one often asking them!) – and even gives us a few of his ‘trade secrets’ - you only have to ask! Self defence sessions are well thought out and applied in very realistic scenarios. I am always amazed at what can be achieved after only a few minutes of instruction! After a long week at work the training nights are just what I need to pep me up and keep me going. The ability to ‘take someone out’ is a surprisingly good stress release for all those tensions at work, and not (yet) available on the National Health! The social scene is also brilliant, and everyone cannot wait for the next big night out – after training beers are always encouraged! So – what are you waiting for, give it a go – I have enjoyed every minute of it! |
