How to join

Joining a Martial Arts club couldn’t be easier!

 We make every effort to provide our prospective students with as much information as they need. You will be joining the UK’s largest Chinese Martial Arts Style Lau Gar Kung Fu. We have  clubs in the UK and Eire.

Training in one of the fastest growing styles with an awesome reputation in modern competition and an authentic Kung Fu for self defence.

•  Lau Gar has been taught here in Bristol for over 30 years

• One of Bristol’s most established Martial art styles, with many clubs throughout the city.

•  5th Degree Black sash/ Guardian  Instructor, we also have other senior graded instructors who help out with the class. 

•  This club is a well established Now in it's 11th year at the same address.     

Most feel a little unsure when visiting a class for the first time. This is only natural; this initial meeting is the hardest thing that you will do! You will soon get into the ‘swing of things’. You will discover our friendly and informative atmosphere and relaxed nature. You will be encouraged to participate in the class and this will enable you to ask as many questions as you need, with the Instructor taking time out to discuss your needs.

What to do now?

You should bring with you comfortable loose clothing for participation such as a tracksuit, and a drink as you will get a bit thirsty.  We look forward to seeing you soon.

How much will it cost me to join?
We don't currently charge a joining fee.

How much will it cost me to train?
Adults £4.00 per session Payable on the night. 

Juniors  £3.00 per session  Juniors are from 11 to 18  years old.

How many times a week can I train?
Wednesday eve 7pm to 9pm

Is there an additional cost for gradings,

Yes. White to Purple is £25 

Brown is £30 { Gradings will be taken here at St.George }

 Black P.O.A  { All Black Sash grades are taken in Birmingham with Master Yau.}

Will I have to travel to a regional grading ?

 All  Gradings will be taken here at St.George except Black sash as only the Master of the style can award this grade to a student in Lau gar.

How long does it take to become a Black sash?
This question has different answers for different people. It depends on 

1. How quickly a student can take on and retain information (i.e.) The syllabus of technical movements required for the next grade. 

2. How well a student can apply the above for sparring, Self defence, and gradings, some students have natural ability and can really pick it up quickly.  

Some students can attain Black Sash in as little as 4 ½ years for others it could take Longer, but here’s the thing:- 

It’s not the end result …………A Black sash once passed won’t give invincibility forever !!! it’s only a bit of material that shows where an individual student has followed the SYLLABUS and passed the grading at some point in the past, and like all mortal beings if they stop putting in the correct training their Martial skill and physical fitness will leave them quicker than it came.   A good martial artist will be training harder as they rise up through the ranks to improve the quality of their own art.  

Do I need a licence? 

Yes you will need to purchase a licence from our Association The BKFA once a year.

What do I need to wear when I first start?

 We recommend some light comfortable clothing such as jogging bottoms and a t-shirt / sweat shirt. Training shoes can also be worn if desired however, these must be clean.  

How fit do I need to be?   

You don't need to be Olympic standard before you come down. We are not a keep fit class, personal fitness is very much down to how active you are during the day, we do a short warm up and some other exercises, and if you need to stop and have a rest that's fine, the more you get involved the easier it gets .However if you are injured or unwell we would ask you to fully  recover before attending the class as training when injured will only make it worst.

Am I too old / young to join a Martial Art School?

We currently welcome new Students from 11 and above.  There is no real age limit to Martial Art training as students are encouraged to work to their own comfortable level of ability. It is our recommendation that you speak to your doctor prior to starting any fitness program if you have any concerns.

What will I learn?

As a beginner we will teach you Basic technique for self defence and also the correct way to increase your power when striking, where to strike, and some exercises that you should practice in-between classes to help with core strength,  balance, flexibility.

What is 'Sparring'?

Sparring involves the practice of kicking, punching, locks, throws, chokes and weapon techniques using a very controlled form of 'fighting'. We practice various different types of sparring, armed and unarmed, single attacker and multiply attackers protective equipment is used for safety. 

Do I have to purchase my equipment through the club?

No, additional Martial Art equipment can be purchased wherever students prefer, however, all equipment purchased 

must conform  to our regulations. It would be advisable to check this prior to purchasing any equipment as there are 

certain types that are not suitable.

Focus pads & Kick shields are regularly available for use at the club, though most students purchase their own in order to benefit from home practice.