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There is no better way of hearing about the quality of a school than hearing it from the students themselves. Sifu Alan Paterson and the Kung Fu Schools (Croydon) undertake many activities outside of the school including corporate event days, grading ceremonies for the younger students and high paced weekend classes for the more active and willing adult students.
Here are some comments from our pupils and customers.
Mick Beaumont - Parent and StudentI am a parent and a student of kung fu schools. My son who is 4.5 years old attends the little dragon classes and I myself am going for 3rd student grade in the adult class. I personally love the professional approach to teaching martial arts by the staff, who are dedicated to delivering a very high standard of teaching to the young and old alike. I have noticed a marked improvement in my sons behaviour since he has been coming to the kung fu schools and would recommend it to anyone interested who might want to come along and have a look for their self so to experience the friendliness in the school environment. Anyone enrolling in kung fu schools will have a lot to gain and nothing to lose! A happy parent and student.
JD - Experienced Martial ArtistI have been training in Wing Chun kung fu since September 2009. I've gained confidence in myself and look at my future in a new light. The school is great with an excellent friendly atmosphere and I thoroughly enjoy training in its brilliant training facilities. The instructors are very friendly and helpful and Sifu Alan is truly a great teacher who supports u in your training. I have studied many martial arts and this by far is the most effective. I fully recommend the school and its martial art highly. Great for discipline, good for health and good mottos to live by.
Robert and Conor - StudentsMy experience of Kung Fu Schools began when my son, Conor, started taking classes in September 2006. Within a short amount of time I noticed the positive effect these classes were having on his physical well being, self control and in particular his self confidence. In addition to improving the confidence of a 15 year old school boy approaching his GCSE exams these achievements also prompted me to move from spectator to student and within a month I had enrolled in my first class.
Although Conor’s achievements were evident and this positivity was reflected in his improved school work I did have some reservations as to what I could achieve as a 43 year father who had not participated in any form of sporting activity for over ten years. I was also concerned that I would not be able to keep up with the stereotypical young kung fu student with high levels of fitness and aggression! However, my fears were completely unfounded as the class is actually made up of a variety of age groups (in which I am not oldest!), levels of fitness and instructed within an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Within a short period of time I was amazed to find that my fitness levels had greatly improved, although I am not put under any pressure to keep up physically with the more fitter students and can work at my own pace. Much like Conor my self-confidence had greatly increased and this has had a positive effect on my life in general. For example, my performance at work has improved and I have found my approach to the stresses of life have become far more relaxed.
I would highly recommend Kung Fu Schools to anyone regardless of age and level of fitness and would suggest they take advantage of the two free classes!
Parent of Student
Dear Instructors,
I am writing this because I am very proud of my son. I have recently been affected by an illness which has caused me
to become a lot less mobile and unable to do many of the things that my son and I often do together.
instead of complaining as many children of his age might, he has shown compassion and understanding, even offering to give
up his interests to stay and look after me. He is very dedicated to his kung fu and has the greatest respect for all his tutors
and their teachings. I feel that through his actions over the last few weeks he has shown not only love for his family but equally
respect and understanding for what you are teaching.
Andrew - Student
I first joined Kung Fu Schools in 2006. I found out about the school on my commute to and from work as the train passes the school.
I looked up the website and found it full of very useful information, then I decided to drive down to the school and have a look around. I wanted to get involved in martial arts to help boost my confidence, co-ordination, and my self-esteem as well as relaxation.
Sifu Alan Paterson (head instructor) greeted me warmly and friendly, the he gave me a tour of the school and found out what I was looking for in a martial arts programme!! He then booked me in for my 1st free class.
On my 1st free class I found the instructors and students all very friendly and inviting. I joined the school after my 4 free classes; now I am at my 12th student grade and currently working hard towards getting my 1st degree (black belt) and I am still enjoying my experience in learning new skills, co-ordination and new ways of thinking plus I have made lots of new friends.
I really enjoy my time here and cannot recommend highly enough to anyone who wishes to start a martial art to come to Kung Fu Schools and learn Wing Chun.
I've always wanted to learn martial arts and having tried various schools I had always lost interest within a few months...if not sooner. I've now been with Kung Fu Schools for 3 1/2 years and can't imagine ever stopping! The standard of teaching is fantastic, the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming and the facilities and training programmes are brilliant. Not only is it exciting to learn a great style of kung fu but it also really good for self discipline, confidence and knowing how to protect yourself. I can only thank everyone at kung fu schools for helping me find my passion for kung fu and would highly recommend the school to anyone interested in martial arts.
Stephen - StudentAfter training in other martial arts for many years I attended my first Wing chun class about 3 1/2 years ago & have been hooked ever since! Kung fu schools teach Wing Chun in a practical well structured way. The classes are enjoyable & are conducted in a friendly environment. Sifu Alan has proven to be an excellent teacher & has also been very supportive in personal matters. I've also had several private lessons with Sifu Alan which were enjoyable & very beneficial!
Mr J Patel - ParentI have been bringing both my children to your school for nearly a couple of years now. I have found a marked improvement in their confidence directly as a result of your weekly training.
The classes are run in a very well structured and supportive way always encouraging to bring out the best in the children, which is very important for young children embarking on a new form of �out of school� learning. The children have now got to know your staff and instructors and feel very comfortable being taught with such professionalism and in a fun and enjoyable way.
In addition to the gentle form of martial
arts movements, I have found the concepts being taught such as
self respect; self control & increased confidence, very
invaluable. This is evidenced every week, when I see the look on
the children�s faces, as they are presented with awards, rewards
and badges in recognition for producing a good piece of work,
whether it was achieved at their school or in some other part of
their lives. This continuous self-belief in your own abilities
is second to none and is a must for children in today fast
changing world.
Thank you for bringing this new style of
learning to Croydon!
J.C.Patel
My 9 year old son has been attending the Kung Fu School for close to a year now and has just recently achieved his Red belt.
He has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, making his achievement so much more special, as I never would have believed this to be possible.
The reason I think that he has been able to obtain this accolade is due to the never ending hard work of Si Fu Alan and his team of fantastic staff. Their �I can� attitude has certainly rubbed off, as my son has received his best ever school report. He has gone up two levels in his reading, his writing skills have improved, likewise his maths and his literacy. His behaviour has �calmed down� and he can focus and concentrate for much longer periods of time now than he ever did before he started at the Kung Fu School.
We both owe a lot everyone at the school and can not thank them enough for all the effort they put in, especially for the children who need a bit more help.
We are looking forward to continuing with his training and know that he too can achieve black belt excellent with the ongoing support of Si Fu Alan and his team.
Many thanks to you all.
Michela - Studenthave been attending the Kung fu school since may 2008 and I must admit that there has not been a day I have not enjoyed it! The teachers ensure the highest standard of training is delivered at all the time enabling the student to gain expertise and self confidence. They focus on delivering their knowledge in the most accurate way maintaining a strong sense of humour and patiently accommodating each individual's needs. I specifically recall a situation when I was emotionally very low and "Sifu", the head instructor, so sweetly and respectfully addressed by his students, did not delay in noticing my need for reassurance and support: that meant a lot to me, I felt that this was not only a school but it was becoming a way of life.
The focus of the teaching is based most of all, apart from the technical aspect of the martial arts and the application in real life situation, on the importance of value such as respect and determination. It enables the student to become a lot stronger and to develop a certain level of sensitivity and logic which can be applied in both art and life.
The school offers a wide variety of programmes according to the student requirements and aims.... from a single class a week to a most intensive training programme, which may include 'one to one' lessons, where each individual can, according to his own wish, achieve a very high level of understanding of the art till becoming an instructor.
I personally have got a very clear vision about what I wish to achieve and I have all the confidence in the world that Sifu will take me there, accompanying me through my high's and low's providing all the necessary technical support and encouragement. Wing Chun is a beautiful discipline and great fun, a way to strengthen the self meeting lots wonderful people. Kung fu school has now become my second home! I could not recommend it highly enough.
Chris Wheeler- Director of Total Care Security (www.totalcaresecurity.com)
Total Care Security has used the services of Head Instructor Alan Paterson for over two years. We have always found Mr. Paterson to be approachable, professional and attentive to all the students we have sent to him.
Total Care Security have utilised the skills of Mr. Paterson during our induction training where we have bought Kung-Fu into our communication and conflict management training. We have always found the techniques taught by Mr. Paterson to be extremely efficient but most of all simple to learn.
Total Care Security would have no hesitation in recommending to any company or individual alike. On a personal note Mr. Paterson has had my son at his school for over two years where he has achieved his Little Dragons Black Belt, and much to my surprise Mr. Paterson has managed to keep his attention by making no two classes the same, my son is now working towards his Black Belt in the juniors also.
Students & Their ParentsMr Dickenson - Parent of a Juniors Student
Sifu Alan and team thank you for helping me stay calm at school
YOU ROCK!!
I began training in Wing Chun to improve my coordination, increase my fitness levels and to just try something different. In addition to these benefits I've become more assertive and better at handling confrontational situations.
I was not particularly fit and had no experience in Martial Arts but this was no barrier as the classes are friendly and the Instructors patient, recognizing that everybody learns at a different rate. Within a few months I noticed that my concentration and focus improved which had a positive effect outside of the Kung Fu class.
Chirag Trivedi
As a student of Kung Fu Schools I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Sifu Alan and the other instructors and staff are not only helpful and friendly but also very down to earth and make the serious business of learning Kung Fu a lot of fun!
The facilities are great with a large studio, training room, and lockers - everything you would expect from a professional sports school. It is not like other places which have a makeshift venue such as a village or school hall.
But for me the thing it offers that very few other martial arts school do is flexibility. As it is a full-time school it provides a number of classes throughout the week, which helps me because as I work shifts I cannot always make the same class every week.
And whether you want to do just one day a week or if you want to be black belt in two years, Kung Fu Schools is able to cater to your needs all at a reasonable price.
Other extras offered include intensive classes at the weekends, seminars, guest speakers such as Wing Chun grand masters, training camps and private lessons, to name but a few.
I have been a student for less than a year and I have already begun to feel the benefits of Wing Chun. I feel stronger and more flexible but also more confident - and with those of us with hectic lives it is also a great stress-buster!
Mrs Sharkie � CroydonMy 7 year old son has been attending the Kung Fu School for 2 years now and has recently passed his blackbelt.
Since attending his concentration, behaviour and focus has improved a great deal at home and school. I would like to thank all concerned for their continued dedication and support.
Mrs Adams - Warlingham"I would like to take this opportunity in thanking Kung Fu Schools (Croydon) for there continued support and dedication in teaching my son who suffers from Verbal Dyspraxia which effects speech and co-ordination. Our son who has been attending the school for almost a year has grown in confidence and his co-ordination has improved beyond our wildest dreams. Even his teachers have noted these remarkable changes. I attribute this to Alan Paterson and staff who have shown tremendous patience and consideration and would highly recommend this Martial Art School to others who could benefit from such expertise."
Mother of a student on the Black Belt training Course"Having attended her Black Belt Training Course for the last 9 months, I have found that my daughter's behaviour has calmed down and she has become more focussed on her schoolwork. Her concentration levels have increased and she is much more self controlled and disciplined in her other activities, plus she loves her WingChun"
Parent of a student on the Black Belt training Course"My 10-year-old son joined the Croydon WingChun School in February. He suffers from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder). Basically this means that he is very impulsive, hyperactive and has problems concentration on anything for any length of time.
I am very impressed by how the Wing Chun School encourage the students to relay the positive mental attitude that they learn for the martial arts to their schoolwork.
I have just received my sons best ever school report. In it are all the key attributes that the Wing Chun School teach the students to assist them on their journey to black belt excellence and also on their journey in life. They include respect, self-discipline, humility, perseverance, and concentration to name but a few.
WingChun has helped my son to be more positive in both his work and behaviour at school. This has led to praise from his teachers, which in turn has raised his self-confidence and enabled him to stand just that little bit taller."
Phizer Limited - Team Building EventDr Zubair Hussain, Head of UK and Ireland Regulatory Affairs, Pfizer Limited
"A very energetic and fun packed morning that delivered useful contact self defence in a pragmatic manner"
Staff member, Pfizer Limited"I found it fun as promised, and a surprise as promised. It was different to the types of event we've generally had and it certainly took my mind off work for a while."
Kung Fu Schools (Croydon) is one of a network of Kung Fu schools throughout the South East of England.
For further information please contact us on 0800 197 4660 (0208 916 2102) or
school@kungfuschools.co.uk
The Confucius institute which stands for Chinese culture, wellbeing and medicine