Frequently asked questions
Why do martial arts?
People do martial arts for various reasons. Some people train in the arts to learn to fight, others for self defence, fitness, confidence or simply because they have a passion for what they practice. It’s up to you to decide what you want to do.
Why do kungfu?
Kungfu was and is the original martial art. It gives you a vast array of principles and techniques to work with. To become good in anything, you need to have foundations. In true kungfu manner, you learn not only foundations at Southern Crane Kungfu, but you also learn why you do foundation work. This leads you on to using kungfu in everyday life.
Kungfu teaches you to better yourself in your life outside of the Kwoon, the name we give to our training hall.
Why these styles?
We teach Yong Tai Tiger Respect Boxing and Fujian Calling White Crane, both of which our instructors learn in China direct from experienced Masters who have themselves been taught by long, distinguished lineages of Grandmasters. We also teach Tiger Crane Combination, which uses the style and grace of the crane and the power of the tiger, giving the practitioner all the fighting ranges.
In short, in one club, you have three distinct yet complementary styles of kungfu, all taught by qualified experts.
Why train with this club?
What this club has to offer is a friendly atmosphere run professionally by experienced instructors. At Southern Crane Kungfu we hold regular gradings, enter competitions and tournaments, and attend national and international camps and seminars.
We are a well established club with many links to other styles. We have links with other crane styles, tiger boxing, dog boxing and taichi styles.
Can anyone train?
Yes, anyone of any physical ability and of any age can train in our styles of martial arts. We currently cater for four to 76 year olds, but anyone outside of those figures is more than welcome to join in! Both absolute beginners and those with experience in other martial arts are welcome and catered for.
Why should I become a member of Southern Crane Kungfu?
By becoming a member of this club, you are entitled to attend sparring classes, go to members-only specialist Masterclasses, start learning weapons, attend training camps in the UK and China, enter tournaments, and grade in your patterns to progress in your martial art attainment levels.
What is Shuang Yang?
Shuang Yang is the soft style side of Southern Crane Kungfu, and is similar to taichi. Shuang Yang is a single pattern consisting of 66 set principles of a soft qi gung form.
Shuang Yang is a martial art, and not a meditative form of relaxation as it has become thought of in many gyms and martial art clubs in the Western world today. It requires much thought and practice, and is incredibly rewarding for practitioners of all ages and abilities. Learn more about Shuang Yang.
What is sparring about?
You do not have to attend sparring lessons, but it is encouraged as the practitioner gains a practical insight into kungfu. Sparring lessons are not always about fighting each other; sparring lessons teach the practitioner how to use their patterns and what they have learnt in class, plus more. Additionally, sparring lessons include weapons training, from swords to staffs.
Are kids classes available?
Yes, they are. We run two classes per week specifically for children from around four years old up to the age of around 12. Students are taught the principles of kungfu, focusing on strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and self discipline, and light sparring to teach them to apply their techniques. See the timetables here.
Is private tuition available?
Private one on one or small group classes are available. These classes and Masterclasses can help to advance students that are focusing on a particular area of interest in their study of martial arts, to work on areas for improvement, as as specific courses. Students approaching a grading or tournament may also find these classes of importance. They are also useful for people wishing to increase their fitness with a personal training workout.
How much does it cost?
Our prices are competitive: “We are not here to empty your pockets, we are here to teach traditional martial arts” – Darren Trottman. Please call for further information, see contact details.