Schools of Kung Fu

Lovely place with such a friendly and welcoming team! I’ve practised martial arts before and this is by far the most professional school I’ve been to, it’s great to be a part of this organisation. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience of this organisation. My daughter has progressed so well in her Kung Fu in the short time she has been there and loves it. The teachers are so focused and committed and care passionately about the kids they teach. There is also a strong emphasis on learning, and students are also rewarded for academic achievement and doing well at school. Their aim is to promote a well-rounded individual.

My family have been part of the schools of kung fu for many years and find it friendly and warm environment to learn in. For us it teaches our children discipline, self defence and great way to keep fit.There are amazing, friendly and highly skilled staff who are part of an international organisation, teaching 1700s Wing Chun under the guidance of Sifu Sergio.

In my early teenage years, I joined the school Judo club, affiliated to the then British Judo Association. In the early 70s, a diet of popular Kung Fu films led me to join a karate School; and then as a young adult, work and family life took over for the next forty years. I promised myself that one day I will try again and undertake a form of martial arts, and shortly after I retired I joined a Wing Chun Kung Fu School in London. The travelling was quite a distance, but as I had a Freedom Pass, travelling didn’t really matter, because it was free. I attended the London School for a number of years, until Covid changed the world and my normal visits to the school were interrupted. On line training became the norm, but it wasn’t the same; learning in isolation just wasn’t for me.Three years went quickly by and I decided that I ought to explore other Schools of Kung Fu, mostly because my previous experience of marital arts kept asking me what have I really learnt; and is my training path clearly indicated and am I really enjoying the journey of training and exercise. These questions were really easy to answer, because my original search for a good school of Kung Fu was based on the premise that Kung Fu is an Eastern Martial Art, and could only be taught by those who have a connection with the historical masters of Kung Fu. This premise did not take into account, there are many teachers of Kung Fu, and there are good teachers and not so good teachers.In July 2021, I saw an advert for Schools of Kung Fu, in Croydon and Sutton, and I decided to give them a call, the advert at the time said they offered free Kung Fu sessions; and I thought this would be a good way to see if I would enjoy this school. We are now approaching July 2023, and I am truly enjoying this journey. The school is friendly and accommodating of my needs as an older participant. My training path is clear and I don’t feel pressurised to perform, everything will come with patience and good teaching, from all the teachers at the school. I feel included and accommodated by the school. The gentle encouragement and tuition builds my confidence and self-esteem. Most of all, I feel healthier, fitter and perhaps, even a little younger than my years, and all of this is down to the Schools of Kung Fu.To all the teaching staff, thank you for your patience and guidance. To the advance students, thank you, for all the support you show to those at a different stage in their journey and in their learning.Ron

At the time of writing this review, I have been a member of the Croydon school for approximately 8 months.When I first started, I was unsure of my physical and mental capacity to learn Wing Chun, but after my 1st lesson all my fears were put to rest.The nurturing environment of the school is incredible, and you will experience it from the very moment you step through the doors.The Sifu and his teaching staff are very approachable and knowledgeable. Not just in the specific field of Wing Chun, but most aspects of physical condition and 'real-world' applications as well.Regardless of your own personal goal, you will find the support you need to get you to where you want to be.Be it testing your physical limits, learning a new skill, or just making new friends, Kung Fu Schools is an inspiring environment which will create memories and moments you will never forget.

daughter loves it, staff are professional, friendly and trained well on running kids classes, they make it interesting and fun whilst maintaining discipline and consistent learning, highly recommend.

My daughter and I train at the Schools of Kung Fu and we love every minute of it. We found it because we were looking for an after school club that was physical and would teach my daughter discipline and build her self-confidence, and that is exactly what we got. She has gone through both Dragon and Tiger programmes and I can really see an improvement in her ability to follow instructions and execute the technique for that week. The instructors Sifu Alex, Sifu Jo, Luca and Elise and the team of assistant instructors are fantastic with the kids making sure there is a good balance of both discipline and fun. Also with lots of different class times throughout the week there is rarely a chance that she doesn't get to train.I started training straight after I saw my daughters first class and thought if this is what the kids are doing, what must the adults do? I have never looked back. Working with Sifu Alan and his team I have seen my fitness, balance and reflexes improve. During this time I have met so many great training partners, and have had the opportunity to train with other members of the Schools of Kung Fu community across the UK. I have also been to several seminars led by the head of the IWKA, Sifu Sergio and been to his training facility as well in Madeira. I have also been given the chance to assist as an Instructor in both Kids and Adult classes as my goal is to open up a Schools of Kung Fu" in Sydney when I move back. Sifu Alan runs fantastic classes and provides excellent guidance on why we are doing/training what we are training and there is never a question that he does not have an answer for.The Schools of Kung Fu team are fantastic and Charlotte is always there on the other end of the phone to help you out with any queries. The "Schools of Kung Fu" is far more than just a martial arts club

My Journey at Schools of Kung Fu has been amazing I won't forget a minute even though I'm going to university and will be back as soon as I've finished. In the 14 years I trained with the Schools of Kung Fu, I progressed through all of the kids programme and have recently received my first technician grade (black belt) in the adults classes. Throughout the kids programme I was taught discipline and self control but also gained valuable social skills and knowledge on how to defend myself. During the Adult classes that knowledge only grew and all of my skills were refined with people who also held martial arts in high regard. The community here is amazing and everyone is always willing to help eachother if there is something their finding tricky. I will always remember the people I've met and friends I've made over the years as well as people who I could joke with every lesson. During my time as an adult student I was given the opportunity to attend seminars led by the Grandmaster Sifu Sergio these were such an incredible experience that helped me to understand more of the internal side and the philosophy's of Wing Chun. As I was progressing through the adult programme Sifu Alan (UK chief instructor) offered me a job as an assistant instructor for the kids classes. I took the offer and it was a great decision I was able to share all of the skills I had as well as understand things in more detail. I will always be grateful for Sifu Alan, Sifu Alex, Luca and Elise for teaching me during the adult classes and being experienced teachers, amazing friends an unbelievable helpful people. I would 1000% recommend joining the Schools of Kung Fu family for anyone at any age as either a form of self defense or even for something fun to do as a family after work or school.

I cannot recommend School of Kung Fu highly enough! My son (5 years old) is really shy and the instructors are absolutely fantastic in trying for all the children to become confident and learn valuable skills. I am extremely impressed with their professionalism, dedication and great attitude towards the children, ensuring that they remain focused during the class but also enjoy what they learn. If you are looking for your child to learn discipline but also how to protect themselves, this is the class to chose. Well done to the whole team of School of Kung Fu and thank you!

Schools of Kung Fu’s head office is in South Croydon with local branches in Sutton, Redhill, Kingston and Horsham. In total there are 16 locations in England. The owner and head instructor is Master Alan Paterson a very knowledgable teacher with a lifetimes experience. He teaches under the auspices of Sifu Sergio Iadarola, a renowned international master of internal Kung Fu styles and Kung Fu historian.Schools of Kung Fu teaches children from 4 years of age up to adults of any age. The school operates from a full time training venue which is well equipped with all manner of martial arts training aids. Classes are held 7 days a week, afternoons and evenings.In my opinion is is a superb school for kids, imbuing them with self-discipline and a desire to succeed. The team of instructors do an amazing job teaching young people and encouraging them to respect their elders and develop a purpose in life.The teaching for adults is progressive and also disciplined, but always an enjoyable environment.A typical class starts with paying respects to the Kung Fu Ancestors who developed the styles taught, to Sifu Sergio, and to the teacher and fellow students.Then stretching and warm up exercises, followed by stepping & punching drills, forms and finally tasks from the current syllabus for each student group. This pattern repeats every week.Some classes will focus on grading preparation, internal skill training or certified instructor training. Sifu Sergio gives seminars several times a year as well as holding camps for intensive training.Beginners can get a months free tuition to see if they enjoy the training.Personally I cannot recommend this school and it's teachers highly enough.