START YOUR JOURNEY

Frequently Asked Questions 

• I am not not very fit or I am overweight, should I goto the gym first?

• No, you do not need to get fit to start kung fu—you start kung fu to get fit.

  It is a very common myth that you need to be in shape before joining a martial arts club, but everyone starts at step one. Here is why you should jump straight into the club rather than waiting:

  • A Supportive Environment: Everyone in the room—including the instructor—started as a beginner. Nobody expects you to be an athlete on Day 1, and there is zero judgment. 
  • We ask all members to leave their ego at the door!   Your here to work together, as a team. that's what make us Lau Gar.

    • Come along in comfortable clothes, take breaks whenever you need to, 

      • Training Builds Fitness Naturally: Our classes are structured so you can work at your own pace, the only person you are competing with is yourself!  As your stamina, flexibility, and strength improve, you’ll naturally be able to push yourself harder. We encourage this at your own pace, "ache is good", "pain is bad2, there is no rush, just press naturally.

      • Gym Fitness vs. Martial Arts Fitness: Going to a gym on a treadmill won't prepare you for movement, coordination, and pad work the way actual kung fu training does.

      • More Engaging Than the Gym: Many people struggle to stay motivated at a standard gym. In a martial arts class, you are learning skills, self-defence, and working with partners, which makes the workout fly by, you will naturally bond with your class mates and encourage each other it's about working together.

       

• Do I need prior martial arts experience?

• Not at all. Our classes cater to absolute beginners as well as experienced practitioners, you will be surprised how many people "used to do something but.... " Life gets in the way. It happens to us all. Don't worry techniques are taught step-by-step to match your current ability and we all have fun learning and adapting to individual strengths and weaknesses. We make sure you train in a safe environment and have fun doing it.

• See how your instructor works, look at how the class works and let the training answer your questions for you! Grandmaster Jeremy Yau specifially stated in his rare interviews stated " go watch an instructor, see how they work, watch the class respond and "if your happy" then join the club". We are more than happy for you to watch. any time your like. 

• What should I wear to my first class?

• Again, comfortable sportswear—such as a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms or leggings—along with clean trainers. Official Lau Gar uniforms can be purchased through the club once you decide to train regularly.

• What is the minimum age for kids' classes?

• Our children’s sessions are designed for ages 6 to 12 (around School year for younger adults), We take a judgement when they are ready to join adults (this is fully discussed with both student and parent to esnure a successful change we focus on the student and their progression. Any questions / concerns  just ask.

• Are your classes affiliated with an official body?

• Yes, we are fully affiliated with the British Kung Fu Association (BKFA). All gradings, syllabus content, and qualifications are nationally recognised, and the BKFA is fully respected around the global martials art arena, Our instructors are so experinced and renowned, they serve as World Association Kickboxing Organsiation WAKO) referees and judges. 

Ready to start? The hardest bit is booking your free sessions and turning up so contact us tnow to book. 

Ask any questions about our syllabus.

Your Instructor, BKFA Certified Simon Fenwick 3rd Degree Black Sash
Simon started training in 1984 and training at various clubs including Karate, Taekwondo and Judo, settled on Lau Gar Kungfu in 1990. With a strong tornament background, he really enjoys watching others progress through belts and competitions.

He attends almost every seminar and event the BKFA offer and trains regularly with Rob Francis at the club in Northampton, and on a Thusday with Rob and the masters in Birmingham. This ensure you get the best quality training possible.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

Leicester Lau Gar Kung Fu provides a safe, disciplined, and empowering environment where students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can train free from harm, abuse, neglect, or discrimination.

To uphold the highest operational standards:

• Enhanced DBS Checked Instructors: All active coaching staff undergo mandatory Enhanced DBS vetting.

• Dual-Association Compliance: We align our teaching practices with the formal safety standards of the BKFA alongside the independent safeguarding criteria of BMABA.

• Certified Safeguarding Lead: Our coaching staff hold recognized, sports-specific safeguarding qualifications.

• Hands-on Coaching Protocol: Physical corrections are strictly limited to necessary technical guidance, kept to an absolute minimum, and always communicated clearly to the student.

• Digital Boundaries & Media: We enforce strict communication protocols. No direct private messaging takes place between instructors and minors, and photos or videos are taken only with prior written parental consent.

• Independent Oversight: Through our BMABA Gold membership, our safeguarding protocols are independently reviewed and backed by BMABA’s National Safeguarding Lead.

Safeguarding & Welfare Contacts

We maintain an open-door policy for all students, parents, and guardians. If you have any welfare questions or need to report a concern:

• Club Safeguarding Lead: Simon Fenwick  07832 250437 simon@leicesterlaugarkungfu.co.uk 

  • • • •     Robert Francis 07365 387802 info@promartialarts.co.uk

• Style Governance (BKFA): Concerns regarding style integrity or official BKFA syllabus standards can be directed through the British Kung Fu Association framework.

• Independent Safeguarding Escalation (BMABA): As a BMABA Gold Member club, any party can raise welfare concerns directly with BMABA’s independent safeguarding unit at safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk.

• Immediate Danger: In any emergency where someone is at immediate risk, always dial 999. 

Sparring & Applied Fighting

At Leicester Lau Gar Kung Fu, sparring is where technique, timing, distance, and control meet.

Sparring is not about winning or hurting your training partner. It is a controlled, high-level educational tool designed to build real-world confidence, reflexes, and physical fitness in a safe and supportive environment.

Our Safety-First Approach

Sparring is introduced progressively. Beginners start with basic partner drills and contact-free movement before ever stepping into light contact.

Our sparring sessions are governed by strict safety regulations to protect every practitioner:

• Mandatory Protective Gear: All students must wear approved protective gear during contact drills (head guards, mouthguards, gloves, shin pads, and groin protection).

• Strict Light-Contact Protocol: We enforce controlled, technical contact. Heavy contact, uncontrolled wild striking, or intent to injure is strictly forbidden and results in immediate removal from the floor.

• Qualified Supervision: Every sparring session is directly supervised by BKFA-qualified, DBS-checked instructors certified in emergency first aid.

• Parental Transparency: Parents and guardians are always welcome to watch sparring sessions. Minors only participate in contact sparring with explicit written parental consent.

• Match-Up Integrity: Students are paired strictly by age, weight class, experience level, and physical size to ensure fair and safe training.

What Sparring Teaches You

• Real-Time Reflexes: Learn to read body language, manage distance, and react under pressure.

• Emotional Control: Maintain composure, control adrenaline, and build mental resilience.

• Authentic Application: Test traditional Lau Gar strikes, blocks, and footwork dynamic against moving targets.

• Mutual Respect: Build trust with training partners by prioritizing their safety alongside your own progress.

A Note for Parents & Beginners

Nobody is forced to spar on day one. Contact levels are introduced gradually as students demonstrate proper technique, self-discipline, and defensive awareness. Your safety and long-term development always come first.