Frequently Asked Questions

No experience is necessary! We welcome complete beginners as well as those with martial arts backgrounds. We’ll guide you step by step at your own pace.

Wear comfortable workout clothes, like a T-shirt and tracksuit trousers. Training is usually done in light martial arts shoes, but you can wear indoor trainers to begin with. Uniforms can be purchased later if you decide to continue.

We form up in rows and columns to train (this is for safety so that people don’t accidentally come into contact with each other when practicing techniques), with the instructor at the front, leading the class. There will be an appropriate warm up, followed by stretching if necessary, and then we normally train the techniques of the style.

We partner up in pairs in some classes in order to practice the techniques in a safe, controlled way to learn timing, positioning, distancing, and accuracy, and we often do padwork so that you can gain confidence with the effectiveness of your movements.

The classes incorporate strengthening and fitness exercises.

We welcome beginners in all our classes, although we recommend that you start with either Kung Fu or Tai Chi initially. Please choose your nearest location from our classes list in the menu and pick the most convenient class for you.

There is no need to book in advance – you can just turn up – but we suggest you get in touch with the relevant instructor first to find out how much the classes cost.

Our styles of Kung Fu and Tai Chi are complementary, as they are from the White Crane system. Many people start doing both right from the start, as this enables a more complete understanding of the system, but if you only want to choose one to begin with, this is also fine. The best way to find out what they’re like is to try the classes, but…

In Kung Fu the movements are fast, with quicker gains for strength, fitness and the ability to defend yourself. In general, while white crane kung fu is a complete system, beginners will normally focus on basic self-defence movements, learning striking and blocking with the hands, as well as some kicking techniques.

In Tai Chi practice is normally much slower, with greater focus on the internal aspects of the White Crane system, working with the integration of mind and chi with the movements.

All students who train with the club need to join as members. The annual membership fee (£60) is due following the first class. To join up, please complete our membership form and pay the membership fee.

The class fee varies between instructors and locations, so please get in touch with the appropriate instructor to get the appropriate details for you. Not all instructors are equipped to take card payments, so you may need to bring cash with you, or arrange to pay by bank transfer. They will explain the best option when you get in touch.

Yes. Kung Fu can be adapted for different ages, abilities, and fitness levels. Whether you’re looking to build strength, flexibility, confidence, or focus, you’re welcome to join us!

The minimum age for our children’s classes is 5 years old. Normally, when children are 12 years old, we move them up into the main Kung Fu classes.

For the adults there is no maximum age – we can adapt the movements and exercises for our older students, those with health issues, or those with reduced mobility.

Our most popular classes for the club’s teenagers is the Kung Fu, 10.30-11.30 on a Saturday morning at the City & Islington club, as well as the Kung Fu classes at the Haringey Club.

So if you want to fit in, we’d suggest you give these a try to start off with. If that’s not so important to you, then we welcome teenage beginners in all of our Kung Fu and Tai Chi classes.

You’re welcome to bring along a parent for moral support for your first class, if you wish, and they can watch the class to make sure they’re happy with how we’re running the sessions.

Not at all. Flexibility and fitness will improve naturally through regular practice. Just bring an open mind and a willingness to learn.

We suggest that new beginners aim to start with two classes per week. As you progress, you may choose to train more often depending on your goals and availability – this is obviously personal to you. If you’re not sure, please have a chat with your instructor.

Sparring classes are separate and non-compulsory. Beginners focus on form, technique, coordination, and partner drills before moving into controlled sparring. You must have passed your first grading to start sparring. The contact level is light, and safety equipment must be worn.

We think you’ll get a much better feel for the classes if you join in, rather than watch. We also think that it’s not fair for our students to be observed training by people they don’t know. So please get in touch to do a trial class, and we can take things from there.

We’re happy for parents and young children to observe the children’s classes prior to starting, as we recognise that, for this age group, it is sometimes a necessary part of gaining familiarity with the environment. We do always recommend doing a trial class though, rather than observing, in all cases.

You can turn up to a class and talk with the instructor, or get in touch beforehand via our Contact Us page or Whatsapp. We’ll help you arrange your first session and answer any questions.

Regular Kung Fu training improves:

• Strength, balance, and flexibility
• Focus and self-discipline
• Confidence and resilience
• Self-defence skills
• A sense of connection with tradition and community