Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting (1/2) By Cilla Photographs by Roland Standaert and Mo

(1/2), (2/2).

Photograph Gallery     Gallery.

The world of martial arts has always been a mystery to me. I wouldn't know the difference between a leg block and a karate chop. When I was presented with the opportunity to go a long to see what happens at a Kung Fu class, I thought it would be a good idea - it might help to de-mystify the sport.

So one chilly Wednesday evening a couple of weeks ago I went along to the Hull Collegiate School where I met Mike Mitchell and his wife, Odette who run the Hull Shaolin Chuan Fa Kung Fu Club. A Telecomms Engineer as his regular job, Mike has a passion to spread the word about Kung Fu - to explain to everyone what it is and how much it can benefit a person. Mike's been studying Kung Fu for 16 years. He used to teach classes at Hull Grammar School, but the venue has since changed and now the classes are run at the Collegiate School in Anlaby. When he started the Kung Fu club 4 years ago he had 4 members.

These days there are 70 students aging from 7 up - age is no barrier. Each session starts with forms, techniques, weaponry and sword work. And it's not just a once a week thing - all the students study anatomy and biology, learning about such things as pressure points; where they are and how to use them.

The evening starts at 7pm and continues until till 9.30pm. Half of the evening is spent doing kung fu and the rest practicing skills with the staff (6ft wooden pole) or learning about the healing system, Zen Shin Katsu. Mike and Odette are both traditional Chinese medicine practitioners

I spoke at length with Mike, in between him teaching his class various moves and combat positions. As he demonstrated each move, he explained what that particular move was called and how it worked. Then the class divided into pairs and they would practice for a few minutes before moving onto the next. There were a couple of students who were visiting the class to brush up on specific areas of skill.

Mike wants to change the perception of martial arts training. It's an educational sport providing far more knowledge than simply how to make some moves. Some of his students have gone on to take degrees in Sport and Chinese Studies. He also feels that some clubs charge too much - and that puts people off. Costs for the classes run by Mike and his team are kept to an absolute minimum.

Continued ...Next Page (2/2)

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