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In this section you can find out about some of the students that train at the school. They will comment on how that training at the school has benefited them, and also what their aims and goals are for the future.
Hopefully this will give you a small insight about how the school operates and how it could benefit you too. We have a very friendly relaxed atmosphere during our sessions and everyone is encouraged to help each other and bond as a family.
Of course the best insight into the school is to come and participate in one the lessons and see for yourself, whether you a Martial Artist in another discipline, adult with no experience or are just a beginner in Martial Arts you are all more than welcome. We have an open door policy. Anyone is welcome to train, all you need is the commitment and the eagerness to learn, and we’ll help you with the rest.
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As a relative newcomer to “Kung Fu” I have been most impressed with Mak’s varied and enthusiastic teaching style in which he delivers solid techniques in a hardworking but rewarding atmosphere.
Although I have been studying Tae Kwon Do for three years I am finding it very challenging to learn the vast array of hand and foot techniques that will complement my existing “style”. Mak’s classes have enabled me to identify the areas that I am weaker in, particularly my hand strikes and blocks, whilst learning the new techniques and styles that “Praying Mantis ” Kung Fu offers.
Mak’s classes are very “Hands on and practical”, you always come out feeling totally worked-out.. Lessons cover the essential foundations, with practice of stances and techniques, but quickly progress onto practicing on pads and with partners allowing you to test and experiment with techniques in a safe environment..
I would recommend Mak’s classes to even the most seasoned of martial artists, despite training with 6th dan grades I always take many new ideas and lessons away with me from Mak’s classes. One of the earliest things I realised was that you should not limit yourself to one style, as there are always more concepts than you realise that will allow you to progress and become a more well rounded martial artist..
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I am writing to this to let you know how much I enjoy attending Kung Fu. It had been one of my ambitions for may years but for various reasons I did not look for a club to join.
I had a baby in August 1998 which left me with a rather a fuller figure and something that controlled my life. I decided that I would benefit from some exercises and time away from home.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first lesson. I was in hysterics and fits and giggles as I had trouble believing I was learning Kung Fu. It was something I has admired and held sacred for many years. It was also a sport I could not imagine carrying out successfully.
At times I have lacked confidence and motivation, however, I have always received help by various members of the class. Mak has provided encouragement and got me to focus on my ability and confidence.
Holding the pads for other people to hit, has been most difficult for me, I am learning to overcome this fear. I am tackling this by watching the punch or kick come and not resisting, the impact is less this way.
The class has provided many benefits. I have muscles in my arms and legs that I didn’t know I had!
I am working towards a healthier and fitter body and I know when I have achieved this when I look in the mirror and my reflection resembles Pamela Anderson!!!
Thanks to all at the Orpington School Of Martial Arts
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I started training Praying Mantis Kungfu at Mak’s classes five years ago. After having read about the effectiveness of the system. I was interested in it because as well as offering a chance to learn some familiar Martial Arts techniques common to many styles, it also included some training methods which were much more specialised. The system uses close, medium and long range striking techniques and the body is conditioned and strengthened with external chi kung exercises.
Over the years I’ve trained at other clubs and tried different Martial Arts such as Kickboxing and Free style fighting, and sparred with opponents who’ve used different styles. I’ve found that Praying Mantis system’s emphasis on basic stance training has improved my footwork in other styles and in sparing the variety of fast hand strikes have sometimes been the only thing that’s worked against a skilled opponent when all else has failed. The club is run with an informal atmosphere and although the traditional techniques are emphasised, some modern training methods are also used such as boxers focus mitts etc, which gives new students the enjoyment of actually hitting something rather than just air. I personally find training against pads invaluable for developing genuine power and accuracy but find many traditional classes do not use these tools enough.
By having compared this system with others I’m beginning to get the sense of what is working for me and what isn’t. I plan to continue training and combining what I’ve learned into a personal version of Kungfu, fortunately I’ve always been able to train in a atmosphere that encourages this.
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I’ve trained with the Orpington School of Martial Arts for 8 years. I had previously trained in Tae Kwon Do, and found Praying Mantis to be a far more practical and realistic style. Over the years, I have had a few long breaks from training, and I have trained in Wing Chun and Wu Shu Kwan, but I have always returned to Praying Mantis, as I found this system has been the best for me. The class is a mixture of traditional Chinese techniques based on the short-range Southern Mantis system, along with longer range punches and kicks, and sessions of pad and mitt work to train power and stamina. I still learn something new almost every lesson, whilst still improving my (sometimes pretty poor) technique, and the sessions also provide a complete workout for the arms, legs and general endurance. Although rules are followed in the classes, the atmosphere is pretty informal and friendly, but little time is wasted, with the focus being on constant training. I very much enjoy training, and I aim to continue with the school for as long as I can. I’d like to thank Mak for keeping the club running all these years through thick and thin, and I hope it grows in the future.