Information for Beginners

Uniform

The wearing of a uniform identifies the student with the group of which they are a member, and traditionally also removes the identity of the individual student.

Uniform is practical, loose trousers and a top, which are provided when you make your initial membership payment. You should train in bare feet, or in martial arts shoes or similar flat, thin-soled shoes. Thick-soled trainers are not suitable. For your own, and your training partners’ protection, watches and all jewellery must be removed.

Available to purchase is a range of training trousers, T-shirts, sweatshirts etc. Your instructor can provide information on these.

Language

The traditional language of Kung Fu is, of course, Chinese. More specifically, Northern styles such as Shaolin traditionally use Mandarin, and Southern styles use Cantonese. Your instructors will use a mixture of English and Cantonese, gradually increasing the amount of Cantonese as you progress.

Since Cantonese is a character, or symbol, based language, translations are phonetic. A number of the sounds in Cantonese do not have direct equivalents in English so will vary a little between instructors; for example the Cantonese for a front kick may vary from ‘tsin tak’ to ‘tyin tak’ A list of the commonly used terms can be seen here.

Etiquette

Since kung fu is an ancient art, it is customary to observe traditional practice in relation to showing respect, and for this a bow is used. The bow is made with the right hand clenched in a fist. The left palm is placed over the fist with the fingers kept straight. Both elbows are bent to form a circle at about chest height, and with the feet together and knees straight a small bow is made. You should always keep your eyes on the person to whom you are bowing. In this context, the fist is considered to be your weapon, and by covering it with your open palm you are indicating friendly intentions.

You should bow when you enter and leave the training hall to honour the space and traditions and to indicate that your focus while there is on training to develop your skill. Bow to your instructor at the beginning and end of your lesson to show respect for the challenges they have overcome to progress from beginner to instructor. Bow to your training partners to indicate that you will work together and help each other.

Semi-contact fighting

This is the sporting side of martial arts, an optional addition to your training. The object here is to score points in the target areas of the front body and sides of the head. If you wish to participate in semi-contact fighting then you should wear the appropriate safety equipment such as gloves, footpads, shin guard, head guard and gum shield. This equipment can be obtained through your instructor. Competitions are arranged by various martial arts organisations and are generally open to all.