This Martial Arts class is for those looking to undertake a traditional no frills Martial Art.

The Mantis system is famous for its short range aggressive techniques. None of the techniques in the Mantis system have been watered down or adapted for teaching to children or to make them safe for competition.

Chow Gar Kung Fu is a close in fighting system from the Southern Shaolin. It is famous for its aggression and effectiveness in close in fighting. These skills are developed by utilizing a range of training techniques developed over the years and passed down through authorized teachers of the system. There are a large range of training routines that are used within the system to develop the fighting skills the system is famous for. This martial art is a great system for self defence and personal development. One of the key elements of training in the Mantis style is to learn to generate the Gen or Shock power. One of the first exercises to help in this development is called Chia Sau or Grinding Arm.

As one becomes more experienced the more one begins to be relaxed in the exercises, building power and strength through a relaxed force which otherwise, to a beginner, seems very physical. This is a stage where the power emanates from the joints and bones. The whole of the body is used as a weapon including the use of the fingers, wrist, elbow, claw, phoenix eye fist, knee, shoulder and low line kicking.

There are many famous forms and hidden training drills which make Southern Praying Mantis Kung-fu unique. Novices begin with the basic but also one of the most advanced forms “3 step arrow” or “Saam Bo jin”. They then move onto others 3 step forms including “Yui kui” or “shaking off the bridge”. The advanced forms, of which there are 36 in number include -searching insect hands- “bo sim sau”, 4 gate hands- “Say mun sau”, 9 top asking hands – “Gau si mun sau”.

Chow Gar Weapons Training

addition a number of weapons are taught within the system including Pole, Straight Sword, Broadsword, Sai, Tiger Fork and Spear.