The benefits of the kettlebell swing for a martial artist

Those of you who have trained in classes at WCA or with myself personally in one to one training sessions, will know that I am advocate of adding kettlebells to your routine. I don't think they are the be all and end all of strength and fitness training but from my own experience I do … Continue reading The benefits of the kettlebell swing for a martial artist

3 Golden Rules of Self Defence

"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting".  Sun Tzu, author of The Art of War Ultimately the traditional martial arts are about self defence. That is why they were designed as the efficient fighting systems that they are (if trained correctly). There are plenty of health and fitness benefits you … Continue reading 3 Golden Rules of Self Defence

5 ways to find your motivation

1. Don't settle for where you are right now We are often told that we have to make the best of what we've got or settle for what we have. Whilst true to a degree, particularly if you compare yourselves to those born into poverty or abusive families or you have very limiting health conditions, … Continue reading 5 ways to find your motivation

Why bother with traditional Chinese weapons training?

As any club that teaches the traditional Chinese martial arts should do, here at WCA we offer the opportunity to train with a variety of weapons. It's interesting to see the reaction of new students when they first entertain the notion of weapons training. Broadly speaking they seem to fall into three camps, as far … Continue reading Why bother with traditional Chinese weapons training?

5 things to do between training sessions or classes

1. Keep mobile - do joint mobility exercisese everydayAfter a hard training session most people are stiff and ache to some degree a day or two later, especially if they haven't been training for long. Rather than seizing up, keep mobile! We do plenty of joint mobility exercises in classes, so just choose a few … Continue reading 5 things to do between training sessions or classes

Lots going on!

Thought I'd update the blog briefly as it's been a while. At WCA it's been a busy few weeks, lots of classes, personal training, organising courses and most importantly grading Kung Fu students. I'm very pleased to announce that Hamish McDermid has graded up to full instructor level and will be opening up his own club in … Continue reading Lots going on!

The Benefits of Outdoors Training

 The Kung Fu class that I teach on a Wednesday evening in Haywards Heath has recently moved from the confines of the hall to the great outdoors! Personal training clients of mine generally train outdoors too and appreciate getting away from a gym environment.So with summer (almost) here and lots of outdoor fun and games … Continue reading The Benefits of Outdoors Training

North/South Divide

 Chinese Martial Arts can be separated into several categories, one of which you may come across is the distinction between the Northern and Southern styles.Northern styles feature longer stances, more jumping, higher kicking and are noticeably more acrobatic than Southern styles.  When performing traditional forms, stylists from the north will use up a lot more … Continue reading North/South Divide