Testimonials from Students
I had studied several martial arts whilst at school and university from the age of 15 to about 22 and was looking to get back into it after a break of about 5 or 6 years. I investigated several different classes in Cheltenham until I finally found Chi Wai and managed to make it to an introductory session (which was free, unlike some of the other classes I had been to). I was instantly put at ease as the instructors are friendly and approachable, and so are the other students. It wasn't long before I was hooked and going three times every week. Since joining I have found my self confidence returning greatly and the regular physical exercise is pretty beneficial as well. I can honestly say that the Chi Wai system is the best I have studied and cannot recommend this club highly enough for people of any age, size or build but don?t just take my word for it, come and give it a go if you?re interested, you won?t be disappointed :)
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Chi Wai has given me a confidence that I didn?t know I needed. This confidence has allowed me to face up to unpleasantness on a number of occasions - without even having to use my new self-defence skills. It seems that bullies can sense weakness and will exploit this where they detect it. I have eyeballed some of these bullies while maintaining a quiet, but firm tone and they have backed down. Even more interesting has been an increase in my sense of self-respect; something that I was unaware that I lacked. A Chinese proverb says "He who strikes the first blow admits he?s lost the argument." Well, I hope never to lose the argument, but if I do, I now come prepared.
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I always wanted to learn Martial Arts. Not only to be able to defend myself but to gain strength and confidence. After many years I finally decided to take matters into my own hands and to look for a good Self Defence school. I checked out many of them and read about the styles that they are teaching. Finally I found the website of Chi Wai. I emailed Sifu and arranged to come to one class. I didn't have to pay for the first few classes. Only after the first session I realised that I had found what I was looking for. Chi Wai is a system based on traditional Kung Fu but what I think makes it exceptional is that many techniques have been adopted from other fighting styles. You are thought to use your natural movements and adapt to the situation and the opponent, it doesn't matter if you're tall, short or even slim. You will be able to defend yourself and your loved ones. Besides, it's great fun and you can make many new friends.
P.S. The biggest change I noticed is when I walk down the street and notice the way girls are looking at me ;)
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I have been into martial arts for as long as I can remember, so when my son said he would like to learn I thought I would start to look for a good school. As I looked I realised things had changed and I couldn't find the right attitude from the instructors - the word robots springs to mind. When Sifu Lee Kent came to my son's school my son, who is quite a shy and reserved boy, loved every minute of the taster lessons. I looked into the Academy closer and decided that they were indeed so good, with very friendly instructors and students that I enrolled both myself and my son. My wife is looking into joining after Christmas! We highly recommend the Chi Wai Academy to anyone and everyone of all walks of life, any gender, any age and any fitness level. Come along and see for yourselves. Have fun while learning.
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Well Chi Wai... where should I start? From the beginning of what is me and Chi Wai I think :)
I started out 4 and half years ago, at the age of 12-13. Before that I studied in judo from the age of 5 up until I was 9 then quit foolishly. 2 weeks before Sifu was taking 'Kids' into his lessons I used to come up and watch the adults work. I liked the way Sifu and the other group (Si-ing Matt Paine, Dan who shortly after became Si-ing Dan Hobbs and Sifu) work. Watching them work with such determination made me want to be like them.
After that I begged my dad to sign me up so I could learn the respect and grasp the devotion they had. For 3 years I was in the 'Kids' lessons until I was moved at 15, I was 5ft 11 inches at 15 and most of the kids were ALOT shorter, so I moved into the adult lessons. This was a very big step for me and for Sifu as I was the first junior to be moved up to adult level. I already knew the people I would be training with as I had talked to them before and after lessons. As a junior student I want to train with such controlled power like the adults did as the other kids would work alot lighter than when I moved up into the adults.
After moving up to adults I still went back from time to time to help out teach the kids, this helped myself alot as I got to grips with how to teach small children.
Chi Wai also helped me with my GCSE's at the time knowing I had them Sifu knew I would not be able to come as much during revision ;), then the tests at the end of the year. I happily passed all my GCSE's and had the stress release of kung fu to help.
Just under 4 years after I started (by a week) I moved up one more stage to my goal and I got my black belt. This was a very happy day for me. 4 years worth of work coming up to a 3-4 hour grading made it the hardest yet.
With all parts of me I respect the team that work there and every student new and old, still there. I have made alot of new friends, improved my fitness and become more flexible as well as learning to defend myself. I recommend this club to EVERYONE, as it's a good laugh. We have fun as well as learning to protect ourselves.
I still remember training at the halls that we used to work at. Now Sifu has his own place and everything is the club's - no one uses it but us :) It's really nice to know we are training in a safe environment instead of those old gritty halls.
Who could want more?.... a very greedy man? Well I know I'm proud to be a student under the instructors, proud to be the 1st junior to move up, proud to be a Chi Wai Student.
Mike
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My son and myself have been learning Chi Wai for about 18 months and haven't looked back. The instructors are top notch and nothing is too much trouble for them. Martial Arts has been my passion for more years than I care to remember but I must admit with all the styles I have tried Chi Wai is without a doubt the best and most versatile, keep up the good work Sifu. I would recommend anyone to come along and find out for themselves just how much fun you can have learning this wonderful style.
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Having done Shotokan Karate nearly 30 years ago, I was looking to take up Martial Arts again. I popped into the Chi Wai Academy and, like many others, took up the offer of a couple of free lessons to see if it suited me. I have thoroughly enjoyed the training and the instruction is second to none, both from Sifu Lee Kent and his team of experienced instructors. Not only did I sign up, but I have now signed up to the Black Belt Academy for three years, giving a commitment to the Academy and receiving a commitment in return from the Academy to help and coach me through my journey over the next few years. The benefits are enormous, both in fitness, self-confidence and energy as well as the friendships struck up at the Academy. Come along and give it a try - you have everything to gain!
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The Chi Wai Black Belt Academy has been running for a number of years now but they opened a new full time academy in January 2008. It is a fantastic venue and compliments the professionalism of the the instructors nicely. I have seen many students join the academy and without exception they have all increased in their levels of fitness, skills, confidence, flexibility and lots more.
Chi Wai Kung Fu for me is the most dynamic self defence system I have ever seen in my 20 plus years of training.
If you are willing to commit to Chi Wai then Chi Wai will commit to you.
Come along and have a go! The only regret you will have is that you didn't join years ago