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what
is training? |
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What
to expect
Much
of our time training is spent developing internal power
or gung, so there isn't much to watch.
It's
best to experience Chow Gar firsthand, so we encourage all
newcomers to join us in a nights training. See the contact
page to arrange a time to train with us.
When
you arrive, there'll probably be people warming up, some
talking, some practising forms. Class 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.
Initially
there is loads 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.
How
do you train Tong Long
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, rather techniques for close
in-fighting, utilising powerful rapid strikes. After a time,
training develops shock power or short power. This is where
the body works as a complete system, concentrating all the
force into one single short, devastating movement.
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Where
do you train?
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We
use community halls at several venues around London - Shepherds
Bush in the inner west, and Houndslow in the outter west.
The
class info page has links to maps and
additional information.
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Who
is the teacher? |
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Sifu
Ip Chee Keung is a 5th generation master of Chow Gar. In December
2002 he inherited the title of Grand-Master when his father, (Great)
Grand-Master Ip Sui retired (at the age of 90).
Being
the son of the Grand Master has allowed Sifu Ip to develop a depth
of knowledge and experience that is uncontested and second to
none. He is now the highest authority in the Chow Family system.
Sifu
Ip established this school in London to pass on genuine Chow Gar
Kung Fu to anyone who is dedicated, and willing to devote time
to learn.
Several
SiHing (senior students or instructors) have trained in the UK
and Hong Kong for many years, and now assist Sifu Ip with the
classes.
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Is
there a Uniform?
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Students
wear black bottoms and a white t-shirt at all times during training.
The official uniform for the school includes a T-shirts with the
Chow Gar logo, a silk sash, and silk bottoms.
After
training for a time, new students are invited to purchase these.
Until then a plain white T-Shirt and black track pants are appropriate.
Students
train barefoot so there is no special foot-wear required.
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What
special etiquette should I be aware of? |
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The
way you conduct yourself helps share your development as a martial
artist, and reflects on your character.
Here
are a couple of basic things to remember:
- Be
on time to training - or even a few minutes early. It is disruptive
to Sifu and your fellow students to arrive once the class has
started.
- Turn
mobile phones off or onto silent ring during class. Phones should
not be answered while you are training.
- There
is time to talk with fellow students at the start or end of
class. Idle talk during class may disrupt Sifu and prevent his
instruction being heard.
- Always
refer to Sifu Ip as "Sifu". Throughout years of training
he has earned respect.
- Listen
to Sifu or Sihing (senior students). If they being to explain
a technique, cease training and listen intently.
- Concentrate
on your own training. Try not to breed the spirit of competition
with fellow students - there will always be a higher mountain.
- Cultivate
a respectful and friendly attitude.
- Swearing
and joking are in-appropriate while in class.
Although
based on Shoalin Buddhist practises, Chow Family Kung Fu is non-
sectarian. We welcome all people into our school regardless of
racial background, religious belief, gender, or sexuality. As
there is no place is in our Kung Fu for religious dogma, students
are expected to honour the system and their fellow students and
to train hard together. |
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Does
Chow Gar have weapons training? |
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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.
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Fees
and Charges
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Trial
Period
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 any class, either Monday in Hounslow or
Thursday in Shepherds Bush.
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
Annual
Fees
The
annual membership fee of £60 enables the school to advertise,
to maintain this website and produce literature and to arrange
events for members. It is paid in a single installation on the
autumn equinox (september/october) each year.
The
membership fee is payable after you have trained for four weeks
- after which time you should have a good idea if our system is
right for you.
In
special circumstances, arrangements can be made to spread payments. |
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