Hong Kong has a strong connection to martial arts, so it's no surprise that there are a number of studios across the city teaching a wide range of disciplines. Here we introduce some of the types of studios you can find.
1. PCMA Kung Fu Hong Kong
Founder Patrick Shue says it's also important to develop students' self-control and moral character.
Exercises such as “standing meditation” can improve posture and open the mind, he says. “This pose helped me understand how the tendons and ligaments work together to punch and kick, generating force throughout the body,” he says.
Many people think that to get stronger you need to build muscle, but Su sees it differently: “It's also about understanding the structure of the body, what the balance of different muscles is, and how to use your body efficiently and effectively.”
Room 2B Kam Hong Building, 285 Des Voeux Rd Central, Sheung Wan, Tel: 6020 3092, home page
2. Cheon Do Kwang Taekwondo
“At Changdokan, we not only focus on improving students' health, strength and flexibility through stretching and strength training, but also on nurturing their mental strength by providing self-discipline training, meditation time and self-confidence training. This is our motto: 'strong mind, strong body,'” says Billy Tae Kwon-woo, director of Changdokan Taekwon-do.
“Through their taekwondo classes, we hope that students will apply these values outside of martial arts school and bring more positivity and confidence into their lives.”
Chang Do Kwan Taekwondo has programs for children as young as three years old and offers free trial lessons to new students. It has five branches across Hong Kong.
For more information about the location, https://www.hongkongtaekwondo.com/locations/
3. Kowloon Jiu-Jitsu
“Jiu-jitsu allows you to subdue your opponent without injuring him. It is probably the most peaceful martial art and the most powerful. [differences between [it and] “What sets it apart from other martial arts is the sheer power of combat,” says head instructor Takizawa Keisuke.
“Some people say that jiu-jitsu is 'chess on the mat' or 'chess with the human body'. Smart people tend to get into the sport because you need the right knowledge to apply the techniques,” he said, adding that stamina, strength, flexibility, speed and mental preparation are necessary to be competitive.
“To become a black belt in jiu-jitsu, you probably need to learn 2,000 to 3,000 techniques,” adds Keisuke, who holds black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo.
Pacific Mansion, 2nd Floor, 172-174 Nai Than Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tel: 2668 8601
4. Heng Yue Yen Long Kwong
This ancient martial art has been modernized as HYYLK, a modern Chinese martial art based on traditional Chinese Kung Fu. The art was founded in 1981 by Master Au Yueh-Hsin, who achieved the coveted 10th degree black belt in Kung Fu that same year.
The health benefits are many: “You become more flexible, your coordination, stamina and flexibility improve, and your focus improves significantly,” says Connie Tse, the martial arts association's chief executive and a 9th-degree black belt. “We prepare our students for the challenges of everyday life and give them the confidence to handle any situation.”
10th Floor, Morrison Plaza, 9 Morrison Hill Road, Wanchai, Tel: 2511 8787. 1A, 37 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Tel: 2803 4603
5. Mindful Wing Chun
Wing Chun is not just a form of self-defense: it also helps balance the mind and body by cultivating mindfulness and deep relaxation.
11-15 On Lan St, 8/F On Lan Centre, Central, Tel: 6620 7050
