Classes & Timetable

Except for the "Tai Chi & Weapons" class, all classes accommodate ability levels from beginner up to advanced.

See below for our latest timetable or download a printable timetable here.

Important Updates

The school will be closed from the 16th December 2024 to the 3rd January 2024. Classes resume on 4th January 2025.

If any student would like private lessons please contact Shifu.

Class Timetable

Weekday Classes (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)

Time	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
17:00-18:00	Shaolin Kung Fu Students: Children Level: All	Shaolin Kung Fu Students: Children Level: All	Shaolin Kung Fu Students: Children Level: All
18:00-19:00	Weapons & Acrobatics Students: All Level: All	Weapons & Acrobatics Students: All Level: All	Weapons & Acrobatics Students: All Level: All
19:00-20:00	Tai Chi & Qigong Students: All Level: All	Shaolin Kung Fu Students: Adults Level: All	Tai Chi & Qigong Students: All Level: All
20:00-21:00	Shaolin Kung Fu Students: Adults Level: All	Sanshou - Chinese Kickboxing Students: All Level: All	Shaolin Kung Fu Students: Adults Level: All

Weekend classes

All weekend classes are open to both Children and Adult students, some restrictions on experience level may apply. See the following table for the full weekend schedule and restrictions.

Class Description

Shaolin Kung Fu

Shaolin kung fu is a style of Chinese martial arts that originated from the Shaolin Temple in Henan province. It is one of the oldest, largest, and most famous styles of kung fu in the world.

Students will progressively learn several forms used to practice important Kung Fu moves and stances. Classes include learning the Chinese words associated with Kung Fu such as the names of forms, kicks, stances and hand poses.

There is a focus on fitness, speed, flexibility and agility which are all important components of Kung Fu training.

Come and learn authentic Kung Fu, join one of our London Kung Fu classes today.

Weapons & Acrobatics

The Weapons and Acrobatics class combines these two fundamental components of Shaolin Kung Fu, dedicating 30 minutes to each per class. Classes run five times a week and are open to students of any age and ability. The class should be an integral part of every student's training schedule should they wish to progress through and past the intermediate-level grading.

Acrobatics

Students begin learning the basic foundations of acrobatics, starting with simple moves such as the forward roll, backward roll, headstand and handstand. As you progress and demonstrate your ability, you will gradually learn more advanced acrobatics. The acrobatics taught in this class form part of the weapon forms so must be mastered to pass these forms.

Weapons

Weapons are a cornerstone of Kung Fu training. This part of the class assumes you have passed your Beginner 1 grading. If you are at the Beginner 1 level (White T-shirt level) you will not be taught a weapon just yet, instead, you will continue to learn and practise the first and second forms, which will be key to passing your first grading.

Students begin weapon training by first learning the Stick (Gun) and the first Stick form. After they pass the first Stick form, they can progress to the second Stick form, or move to a different weapon. Shifu will help and advise students in choosing their next weapon, considering the student's strengths and taking into account their size, age, agility and speed. Some of the weapons available include:

• Staff (gun)
• Halbert (da-dao)
• Sward (jian)
• Scimitar (dao)
• Nine Section Whip (jiu jie bian)
• Spear (qiang)
• Nunchuck

Tai Chi & Qigong

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that promotes health and longevity. It contains slow and graceful movements which foster a calm and tranquil mind, focused on the precise execution of each exercise.

Students learn the Chen-style Tai Chi which is the oldest form of the five main Tai Chi Chuan styles and distinguishes itself from other styles using its lower stances, alternating fast and slow motions, and bursts of power.

It may appear as a slow and gentle art, but Chen-style Tai Chi can also be used for self-defence.

There is a strong focus on breathing and cultivating Qi ('Chi') - the life force energy, which provides a way to attune one's body to balance, rhythm and precision of movement. Tai Chi aligns the body's vital centre so that practising this discipline with consistency over time improves posture and the circulation of energy through the body. This promotes, among other things, a healthy central nervous and vascular system.

Come and learn authentic Tai Chi, join one of our London Tai Chi and Qigong classes today.

Sanshou - Sanda - Chinese Kickboxing

Sanshou, also known as Sanda, is a Chinese martial art that combines striking and grappling techniques. It is derived from traditional Chinese martial arts and modern combat sports and is practised for self-defense, fitness, and competition. Sanshou is also the official fighting form of Wushu, the Chinese national sport.

Students will learn the core offensive and defensive Sanshou moves including punches and kicks, as well as improve their stamina and flexibility. Classes include a combination of drills, stretching, bag work, sparring and circuit training. Classes focus on learning the practical application of self-defence.

Come and learn authentic Sanshou, Sanda, Chinese Kickboxing, join one of our London classes today.

Grading

The school uses a grading system to assess a student's progress as they learn one or more of three disciplines:

• Shaolin Kung Fu
• Tai Chi & Qi Gong
• San Shou (Chinese Kick Boxing)

Grading exams take place approximately once every four months and are subject to a grading fee. Students who pass their grading exam will receive an official stamp in their grading book and the next grade T-shirt.

Students also have the opportunity to compete against other clubs and nationally as part of BCCMA (British Council for Chinese Martial Arts) competitions.

For details of what is required to achieve your next grade, please see Shifu for specific information.

Grade T-shirts

Each discipline uses the same 5 grade levels, but all have different criteria to achieve each grade

The five grade levels are as follows:

Beginner 1: White T-shirt

All new students start at the level Beginner 1 and receive a White T-shirt when they join as a member. The focus at this level is to develop a strong foundation of the discipline on which to build. Children at this grade should attend classes marked for Children Beginners or All students. Adults can attend any discipline classes marked for Adults or All students. Please note: Weapons are not taught at this grade level.

Beginner 2: Black T-shirt

After students pass the first grading, they progress to the Beginner 2 level (Black T-shirt) where they are able to start learning a Weapon, for Kung Fu this starts with the Stick (Gun Shu). This is to ensure students have a strong foundation of the discipline, show dedication and the required fitness, before starting weapon training. Students at this grade and beyond are eligible to attend any classes marked as Advanced.

Advanced 1: Orange T-shirt

Advanced 2: Red T-shirt

Advanced 3: Grey T-shirt