We would like to welcome you to our School. As you are new, there is much for you to learn, and you will most likely have many questions to ask. We have produced this welcome page to answer some of the most commonly asked questions, and to give a brief introduction to our School and our System.

Chow Gar (Gar means 'Family') is an ancient Chinese Martial Art which dates back approximately 250 years. It was created by a famous Monk at the famous Shaolin Temple, who devised a no nonsense system of self-defence based upon the power and agility of a small insect, the Praying Mantis. Although the Mantis is very small and really quite delicate, relative to its size it is a formidable and aggressive predator, and one which demonstrates a single-mindedness in matters of survival. We adopt this approach, or 'Spirit', in our system, adapting it to our modern society, and the object of self-defence on our streets today.

Like the Mantis, Chow Gar teaches you to use your power as efficiently as possible, training you week by week to adopt the mantis 'Spirit', until it is second nature. Only then will you gain the confidence and ability to defend your-self, and those around you. This is not a sport, nor is it an art particularly suited to 'demonstration'. There are no fancy techniques, nothing is wasted, everything is focused in one direction.

We will train you to use your body in a very special way. Very soon you will find that you have gained a great deal of strength and energy, and gradually over many weeks of training you will gain the skills which you may not have ever thought possible. Chow Gar has techniques which will render you invulnerable to strikes to any part of your body. And developing the special 'Shock Power', feared and only particular to the Southern Mantis Kung Fu practitioner. You will find it possible, which such power, to release a devastating amount of power in the smallest and most economical movements, just like the Praying Mantis.

Traditionally, most Chinese Martial Arts were designed for the battlefield. Those Systems which proved effective survived to be passed down to the next generation. Those who practised ineffective systems were not so fortunate.

Being a Martial Art, there are many weapons to train and learn. Because weapons require a great deal of accuracy and power to use, they are taught after the student is proficient in use of his/her hands and feet. Once a student can unleash his or her power at arms length, the weapons provide a means to extend power further and further away from the body. The weapons used in Chow Gar are all very 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 exotic weapons such as these, weapons training provide a means to increase power, accuracy, focus, train for fighting against weapons and improve confidence..

There are a number of things you should be aware of when coming to a Kung Fu school for the first time. Traditionally, the way you act and conduct yourself helps share your development as a Martial Artist, as well as showing Sifu and your fellow students that you are a good person. Here are some important things to remember : -

• Always refer to Sifu as Sifu, speaking in a respectful and humble manner, never being rude, arrogant or argumentative.
• Never shout or swear whilst in class or in front of sifu.
• Concentrate on your training, keeping joking around to a minimum. Try not to distract the other students in the class.
• Try not to breed a spirit of competition into your training- there will always be a higher mountain

Try to cultivate a respectful and friendly attitude, and your training will be far more enjoyable!

For information please visit

http://www.tonglong.co.uk

or email

london_chowgar@hotmail.com