The basics
Our students start their training by learning not to rely on physical strength, but technique. We begin by teaching them how to punch and kick effectively, how to use footwork and blocking to evade an attack, and how to use short and long range self-defence techniques such as joint locks and throws.

Form
These are pre-arranged sequences of techniques and are used to help students perfect a series of individual techniques and to develop ‘flow’ between movements.

Weapons
Once students have learned to master basic techniques they are taught how to defend themselves with different types of weapons. These include long staff, spear, dagger, broadsword and butterfly knives. Although many are centuries old, all have modern equivalents and by learning how to use them students develop control and technique that can be transferred to modern-day situations.

Animal styles
In the animal world, self-defence is a matter of survival. Centuries ago Shaolin monks studied how different animals defended themselves against attack and developed fighting styles based on animals’ defence techniques. We now use defence techniques developed from animals like the crane, snake, monkey and tiger as part of advanced Nam Pai Chuan training.

Chi-gung
These are breathing exercises which are used to relieve stress, improve concentration, strengthen and nourish internal organs and to teach you how to channel your body's own energy, its chi, into a movement or part of your body.

Sparring
Students learn how to apply the techniques they have learned by sparring together which helps them to practice control when faced with the unpredictability of an opponent.