Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why train in Martial Arts?
There are as many reasons to train as there are people training. However, many members of SAS Academy seek through training to:

  • Improve physical ability and health. Many members work in offices or other sedentary occupations for most of the day. Work involving little physical activity leaves people out of touch with their bodies, and a resolution to exercise regularly on your own often fades after a few weeks. Organised physical activity in a group provides enough structure to sustain a steady programme of physical activity and development.
  • Become more confident, assertive, and mentally strong. Learning a martial art is as much about tuning your mind as it is about learning physical skills.
  • Feel safe on streets and be unafraid, even while walking alone at night. SAS Academy offers regular seminars about self-defence and personal safety. No one in SAS Academy is interested in participating in a pub brawl; rather, it is about getting home safely.
  • Recover from and overcome the psychological difficulties that stem from suffering trauma or being the victim of violence. Martial arts are an excellent way to come to terms with violence, and SAS Academy is a safe place to learn not only to cope but to transform yourself.
  • Enlighten themselves philosophically and spiritually. The martial arts taught at SAS Academy are rooted in Taoist and Buddhist thought, which we experience in action in our training.

Where do Martial Arts come from?
All of the martial arts originated in the Shaolin Temple, a Buddhist shrine located in the mountains of southern china. In a relatively lawless society many centuries ago, the monks of the temple developed ways of defending themselves. From that common root in the Shaolin Temple, many branches have developed. In SAS Academy, we focus mainly on Wing Chun Kung Fu, a martial art developed by a nun of the Shaolin Temple, and Tai Chi, developed by a monk of the Temple.

Chi Kung, the ancient meditative art also practised in SAS Academy, probably pre-dated the Shaolin Temple, and appears to have been part of the Chinese Taoist tradition for many centuries.

Which Martial Arts do you teach at the SAS?
In SAS Academy, we focus mainly on:

  • Wing Chun Kung Fu, a quick, effective, and intuitive discipline
  • Tai Chi Chu’an, a gentle, powerful, and inwardly focused discipline

Both the Wing Chun and especially the Tai Chi disciplines incorporate meditative Chi Kung (Qi Gong) exercises for health and well being. Success depends as much on inner as outer factors, and simple physical strength is quite unimportant.

Which of the martial arts taught at SAS Academy is right for me?
Only you can discover the answer to that question. Sample each to find out which you prefer, or pursue both. Members of SAS Academy are welcome to train in both Wing Chun and Tai Chi, or in either. You can’t really know what a martial art is like without trying it. Simply looking on often gives an erroneous impression, in part because much of what happens is within the person. You cannot get an accurate perception without experiencing it yourself. SAS Academy offers a two-session trial for £7 so that you can discover for yourself.

How fit do I need to be?
With the exception of the advanced classes, all classes are suitable for both beginners and the more experienced participants, but if you are new to exercise it is always best to check with your GP before starting any new activity/exercise regime. Similarly if you have any medical conditions, recent injuries, or if you are pregnant please inform the instructor before the class starts. This will enable the instructor to offer alternative exercises appropriate to your activity level.

Can I watch a class first?
Of course you can. We would always recommend that you take part as there is no better judge than yourself, but if you would feel more comfortable watching a class first, you may.

When can I start?
You may start at any time. We have ample staff to work students of all levels of ability. We train in a professional martial arts studio in a friendly atmosphere. turn up a little earlier than the class start time so that the instructor can register you. You will need to complete a short membership form so that we have important information on file should the need arise.  This includes, but is not limited to emergency contact details and/or medical conditions that could be affected by training. As mentioned earlier, if you are in any doubt about your current medical fitness, please consult your GP first.

What do I need to bring to my trial class?
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing to your class. T-shirt and long bottoms are best: no shorts, in most cases we will ask that you roll up long sleeves as not to impede sensitivity when training. Also with regard to footwear; lightweight, flat-soled footwear is recommended. Also, it’s a good idea to bring a small towel and possibly a drink. We do have kitchen facilities for water, etc.

Also, for your first lesson, please try to arrive a little earlier if possible so that we may register you, give you a quick tour of the studio and answer any questions you may have before the official class start time.

What do I pay for my first class?
You will normally need to pay a one off charge for two lessons with no obligation, however sign up on line for two FREE Trial lessons.
Adults Trial Class- £10, Juniors £8 and Children’s Trial Class- £7

When you join, you will need to register with us and pay an annual membership, your monthly fee and get yourself an SAS T-Shirt as part of your uniform.
You will also need a pair of dark jogging or tracksuit bottoms (preferably black) and some kung fu slippers which can be purchased from Reception.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with us here

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