Location : Training - Classes |
Drayton
Manor High School CHILDREN'S
CLASSES ADULT
ONLY CLASSES Private
Tuition by Arrangement |
BEGINNING
TRAINING
We understand that for beginners, attending your first training session can be an intimidating experience, as one does not know quite what to expect. It is worth remembering that everybody has shared this same initial experience, and it is therefore our aim to make newcomers feel as welcome as possible. Our classes are mixed groups, with students of all ages and abilities. The first training session is free of charge so that you can determine whether this martial art and the teaching style are what you’re looking for. When attending your first class you should wear loose comfortable trousers and a T-shirt, we train bare foot so no footwear is required. Jewellery should not be worn and those items which cannot be removed should be taped over for safety. Those with long hair should have it tied up. Also ensure you bring some water with you. Because Nam Pai Chuan is such a broad style, no two classes are ever exactly the same. However, there is consistency in that the underlying principles on which the style is based are always being developed through the various methods taught. Training often begins with warming up exercises aimed at improving strength, aerobic fitness and increasing flexibility. The best part of training time will then be spent focused on individual skill sets either as a whole class, split up into smaller groups, or paired with a training partner. Practice commonly includes traditional forms, prearranged sequences, hard and soft chi kung, sensitivity exercises, chin na, padwork, practical self defence, body conditioning, free sparring, groundwork, classical weapons, and much more. The syllabus is challenging but rewarding. Our classes are ongoing throughout the year with the exception of bank holidays and a short break over the Christmas period. As a matter of courtesy please contact the instructor before attending your first class to arrange a suitable day to attend and ask any other questions you may have. Beginners with little or no previous martial arts experience will usually be invited to attend an initial trial class at the beginning of the calendar month. |
ADULT
CLASS TESTIMONIALS
Alex
(30) Ami (Adult) Asa (33) Cat (36) Frank (32) Gisele (Parent) Hunnan (16) Jai (Adult) Jerome (38) Kasia (Adult) Lynne (62) Mark (39) Matthew (17) Sivi (31) August 2011 |
EVERY JOURNEY HAS TO HAVE THAT FIRST STEP… ‘Arrgh! Eeek! Panic! Oww!’ went through my head as I rushed around looking for socks and jumper hours before my first class. You could say I was somewhat nervous and a little scared. ‘What will happen? What will I do? Will I be able to follow or will it be too difficult? What will the teacher be like? What will the students be like?’ So many questions running through me head. I also had butterflies the size of Pterodactyls in my stomach. It had been two months now since I had my check up with the nurse. “You need to lose some weight” is what she told me, “when you are heavier your body has to work that little bit harder and your asthma will get worse”. So that was that, I was determined to try to get fit and take up a sport for exercise. Being not a particularly sporty person this would be no easy task! Which sport to choose, where and when? I didn’t like the idea of going to the gym, it would be no fun to go on all those machines on my own I thought; If I was going to take up a sport it would have to be fun but be demanding as I need all the exercise I could get, but also it should teach me something worthwhile. It was then I suddenly remembered an old thought that I had forgotten about for some time. My brothers and I practically grew up on Martial Art movies when I was younger and the ‘Street Fighter’ computer game was part of our staple diet, we always used to try to copy those awesome moves from the films as we all wanted to one day be able to learn how to do them properly. So that was it, a martial art would be my new sport. Checking the Internet for martial arts clubs and classes in Ealing I kept coming across the Hanwell classes at Drayton Manor which were affordable and near enough to get a bus to. It seemed like a great opportunity as I could learn Chi Kung which I really wanted to learn more about it as it was a useful and gentler form of exercise and peaceful, but also I could learn Kung fu too. So I sent the teacher an e-mail to find out more. The teacher Henry was most helpful answering all my questions, and invited me to join the next intake of new beginners which was in the following months – after his journey to find a Kung fu grandmaster. On the day I wasn’t sure where to go or how to get there, but before I knew it I was on the bus and soon arrived. I was trying to remember what I had read on their website ‘Delta Pi West’ about the Kung fu style I would be learning Nam Pai Chaun (North South Fist) which is a variation of one that Shoalin Monks practice; so it would definitely be very interesting to learn more about. After getting a bit lost I eventually made my way to the gym, crossing the room I saw the familiar face from the website of Henry who is the teacher. “Hello” I said, “Are you Henry?” He nodded and shook my hand, asked me my name and explained information about the classes to me. I also filled out a form which insured me for the lesson and joined the class. Whatever happened exactly after that during the first lesson with time I’ve somewhat forgotten it’s a blur it went so fast, but I got all the answers to the thoughts I had before class. What happened I remember is being a little confused but it was all explained and broken down into steps so I could follow; I was eager to try out the many moves – some of which were easier than others. I tried to follow as best I could, and it was interesting to finally find out more. Nevertheless I was totally exhausted when I got home, but ready for the next class. Out teacher Henry was nice and very knowledgeable, but like every martial arts teacher you see in the movies he can also be strict - though not as militant as the film teachers would be. So make sure you try your best and you should be fine! His assistant Chris is also nice and very helpful. The students too were a good bunch of people; little did I know that Kung fu drew such a variety of people. Everyone was nice, always explained and helped me out, and put me right when I struggled. Weeks
later my big brother asked me how the classes were going. It’s mighty
difficult sometimes but it’s going good. I’m not sure my teacher
thinks that much of me though” I said, “maybe he thinks I’m
not cut out for Kung fu and that I will quit soon.” So that’s what I do, every week I try my best and so far so good. I’ve been going to the Chi Kung and Kung fu classes for about 4 months now - one lesson of each a week, and slowly but surely I’m getting there. Fingers crossed and touch wood no injuries so far which is very good, and also I’m getting regular exercise which is the main thing. Knowledge, flexibility and defence skills, the benefits are many. So if I can do it there’s hope for everyone! March 2008 |
HEALTH & FITNESS It's
only been about nine months since I took up Nam Pai Chuan, it's been a
life changing experience so far. I love it and I wish I had taken it up
years ago. Since joining the system we had the opportunity to meet other instructors and senior members from Nam Pai Chuan schools. They have all been an inspiration to meet and train with and great source of encouragement to keep advancing further in the system. Nam Pai Chuan has helped me to change my life. It’s a very personal experience and will be different from person to person, mainly depended on the individual’s own reasons for taking up any form of martial arts from karate to kung fu. All I can say is to try it out, as its either something you will love or it’s not for you at all. February 2008 |