Classes

We currently offer group and private classes on the traditional Northern Shaolin martial arts system, located in the comfortable indoor studio space of Kelvingrove College. We incorporate traditional and modern teaching methods in our approach.

Our Approach

While we value tradition, our method of instruction is somewhat unconventional. We believe in live and playful training. “Live” means there is some level of resistance and adaptation, and “playful” refers to our belief that no means of learning is as effective as play. From the very beginning, students engage in fight games, trying to out-manoeuvre and out-think their opponents. This approach is fun at all levels, and students progress from very light contact to higher contact as they become ready and comfortable.

In addition to passing down the Northern Shaolin art, our priority is to improve students’ capacities in three key aspects of martial arts: movement quality, fight intelligence, and reactive self-defence. Our classes are designed to develop each of these aspects, with a particular emphasis on movement quality and fight intelligence.

Physical Development

Students are expected to push themselves physically to gain the flexibility, strength, and coordination required by the art. Our job is to make this process fun, rewarding, and well-guided.

Mindset and Discipline

We see the cultivation of mindset, discipline, and self-control as key aspects of fight intelligence, along with reactions and strategy. The journey of mastering self-discipline and acquiring fighting skills goes hand-in-hand with learning specific movements and techniques.

Class Structure

In addition to learning martial techniques and engaging in structured play, all classes include a warm-up, instruction in qigong breathing techniques, and physical conditioning. In respect for the traditional Chinese martial arts that we teach, our classes incorporate some use of Mandarin Chinese and explore traditional cultural concepts and philosophies.