“The best thing I ever did for my kids was start them in martial arts classes.”

A Message From Master Paul Hawkes, Director and Chief Instructor

Dear Parent,

Would you like your child to develop, a positive attitude, amazing self-discipline, total respect and an unstoppable "can-do" level of confidence?

With martial arts classes at the Kung Fu School it can happen!

Many experts agree that martial arts is one of the very best ways to help children gain confidence, self-discipline and respect - essential traits for success at home, in school and in life.  At The Kung Fu School your child will achieve these traits plus:

• Anti-Bullying Strategies
• Real self-defence
• More self confidence• Improved Health and Fitness
• Advanced Athletic Skills
• Better Grades and Study Habits• Better Focus
• Greater Respect for Others
• Higher Self-Esteem
• Improved Concentration
• Greater strength and flexibility
• Tons of Fun!!

I’ve seen lots of children join who were so stressed they had trouble sleeping, headaches, stomach aches, grumpy attitudes, even scared of going to school. The great lifestyle lessons and great workouts have made tremendous improvements to their lives – plus made their parents lives happier too.

We wanted Ross to gain more confidence, discipline and more social and body awareness skills before starting school. He enjoys the variety of the classes and the easy repetitive way that he can learn at his own pace. The instructors show patience and understanding and Ross feels a valued member of the WT Kung Fu School. Paula Wadey Mum of Ross age 4

Click Here to Apply for Membership in our Children's Martial Arts Program

See for yourself why The Kung Fu Schools are chosen by so many parents as their martial arts school of choice!

Celebrating our eighteenth anniversary in Crawley, The Kung Fu School has developed into one of the top martial arts schools in the country. We're home to many children and adults who enjoy our traditional, authentic classes in Kung Fu.

Our students achieve life-changing positive results because we focus on the traditional inner teachings of martial arts: the development of a strong mind, body and spirit.

In keeping with the ancient traditions of Chinese Kung Fu—the same style that Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan made famous—our school emphasizes the cultivation of:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Modesty
• Perseverance
• Courtesy
• Self Discipline
• Self Control
• Indomitable Spirit

Of course our Martial Arts Program also teaches children great self-defence and awareness skills.  However at The Kung Fu School fighting skills are never regarded as more important than the cultivation and improvement of one's character. We teach our students never to use or display their skills unnecessarily.

As the chief instructor I'm often asked if I've ever had to use my martial arts skills. My answer?  I use my martial arts skills every day! No, not the fighting part. I have had a number confrontations but of much more importance to me is that each day I enjoy better tolerance and understanding, a more positive and generous spirit, reduced stress, greater relaxation, improved physical fitness, , and so much more. These skills and attitude are a purely down to my martial arts training.

We teach our students many stories like this one because the children love them—and they learn valuable lessons that stay with them for life.

“Bobby benefits from training at the Kung Fu Schools with  better focus, balance & fitness - improved self esteem, better control & concentration
Bobby has loved coming to Kung Fu much more than any other clubs he has attended.  He has better self control, concentration & self esteem since coming.  It's somewhere he feels he belongs.  The instructors are fantastic with all the children and teach self discipline & respect within the class!

—Kerry, mum of Bobby, 8, Charlwood
 

 "Thomas has some learning delays & almost complete lack of co-ordination & balance. Since coming to kung Fu, not only has he grown in confidence, his balance & co-ordination are vastly improved.  He looks forward to every lesson & the reward system has inspired him to do extra work reading and writing out of school time.."

— Jo Grainger, mum of Thomas,6, East Grinstead

Click Here to Apply for Membership in our Children's Martial Arts Program
One of the top martial arts programs in the United Kingdom

How every you would like to measure  - curriculum, facilities, number and quality of students, success of our students - The Kung Fu School ranks among the top martial arts schools in the country.

Our Teaching Approach

Though all martial arts schools teach kids how to kick, punch, block and grapple we focus on the inner teachings of martial arts: the development of a strong mind, body and spirit.
I’m sure that you will agree that your child's biggest challenge likely doesn't come from physical threats at school or in the neighborhood (although our martial arts classes will give your child the confidence and skills to cope with that).

The challenge comes, instead, from dealing with the forces within. Often your child's greatest enemy is his or her own lack of self-esteem and confidence.

I've watched so many student start out painfully shy and insecure, eyes glued to the floor, afraid to make a move. As they're guided and nurtured over the days, weeks and months, as they start to achieve real progress and feel their own strength, they can be who they would like to be and stop being restricted by their shyness.

As a parent there is nothing better than seeing your child smiling, brimming with confidence and pride as they stand at the front of the class demonstrating a technique.  If this sounds impossible, it couldn’t be your child – then come along as I guarantee that it will be!! 

Take a look at this list of just some of the important lessons that await you and your child with our program:

• The difference between discipline and self-discipline, and the secret to getting your child to WANT to do what you want her to do
• Key actions that every child must know to protect against predators and strangers
• Our proven steps for shy and timid children to turn into brave and confident go-getters
• Why it never works to tell your child to ignore bullies—and the strategies that do work most often
• The Essential Principles for becoming a successful leader in school and in life
• The behavioural habits that nearly all top athletes share, and how they can become your child's habits
• The common strategic errors that even many martial artists make in a real self-defense
• situation—putting their lives or the lives of loved ones at serious risk
• The Shaolin path to cultivation of greater wisdom and compassion that has been practiced by Kung
• Fu masters for centuries
• How to turn a disrespectful child into an angel—well, at least into a respectful child—in 60 days or less

Optimal Class Structure

Our children's classes are divided by age groups and by level of experience to ensure that each child progresses at an optimum pace: Little Dragons for 4-7 year olds; and Juniors for 8-12 year olds.
We have a number of martial arts classes a week plus the weekend for you to choose from for your convenience..

A Top Martial Arts Style

The style we teach is one of the ancient Shaolin temple’s Kung fu systems – Wing Chun Kung Fu. Martial arts action movie star Bruce Lee trained & studied Wing Chun and if you’ve  seen other martial arts movies with  Jackie Chan, Jet Li etc the you are already familiar with the grace and power of Kung Fu. If you haven’t seen the movie Ip Mann yet, then I would strongly recommend it – you will see some beautiful Wing Chun Kung Fu.

A recent Discovery Channel documentary on martial arts styles chose Shaolin Kung Fu as the Number One style in existence!

Today every town and village a Tae Kwon Do or Karate school, but it remains difficult to find authentic and traditional Kung Fu training with its rich history and true mind, body and spirit emphasis. The Kung Fu School is one of the few schools in the Sussex to offer such genuine Kung Fu.

"My son just loves."

—Clint Moody, dad of Damion, 13 Charlotte

   " Rhianne Pain - 8 years old

“It gives good focus for helping with my school work and integrating with other people and treating them with respect also for discipline,, fitness & self defence.."

—Susan Hall, Nan of  Rhianne, 8, Crawley

Click Here to Apply for Membership in our Children's Martial Arts Program

What's included when your child joins our classes?

Your child will enjoy a number of benefits and special services that go far beyond just the great classes we teach.

Weekly and Monthly Interactive Take-Home Lessons

Your child will receive Character Building Take-Home lessons that encourage active parental involvement in your child's development. Lesson topics include:

• Showing Respect
• Random Acts of Kindness
• Personal Safety• Personal Hygiene
• Making and Keeping Good Friends
• And much more.

A Carefully Developed Curriculum

Your child will follow a carefully thought out curriculum that leads all the way to the Black Belt. We'd be delighted to show you exactly how we will help your child develop the mental, physical and emotional skills needed to advance all the way from novice White Belt up to advanced Black Belt!  A Black Belt is a White Belt that never gave up.

Boys and girls who earn their Black Belt stand head and shoulders above their peers when it comes to confidence, self-esteem, success skills, leadership skills and a positive view of themselves and the world around them.

Think how important that confidence and positive self-image are for children to be able to Say No to the negative peer pressures they face every day, and Yes to the positive challenges that lead to success in life. Martial arts really can change your child's life forever!

Our Student Creed:

I will
Develop myself
In a positive manner

And avoid anything
That may reduce
My mental growth
Or physical health

I will
Develop self-discipline
In order
 to bring out the best
In myself
And others

I will
Use common sense
Before self defence
And never
Be abusive
Or offensive

We are dedicated
We are motivated
We are on a quest
To be the best
THIS IS A KUNG FU SCHOOL!

Students in our Children's Program enjoy all of the following:

• Exciting and fun classes with our skilled professional instructors
• Private tutoring classes available to give your child the extra attention he or she might need
• FREE regular newsletter
• Pro shop for any martial arts supplies and gifts you might need
• Special social activities
• 20% discount on fun martial arts birthday parties

As students progress we offer advanced Black Belt and Leadership programs where students enjoy additional intensive training in Leadership Skills, Success Principles and Strategies, weapons, advanced Kung Fu skills and much more.

Our training facilities are unsurpassed in Sussex

When you come in to visit us I think you'll agree that The Kung Fu School’s facilities are among the most beautiful and complete of any school in the Sussex - or in the nation for that matter.

Located just 1 minute from Crawley Town Centre, our 2,700-square-foot custom designed school has everything your child needs to excel in martial arts training. Clean and spacious studios with hardwood floors and mats ensure plenty of healthy and safe space for classes, including state-of-the-art equipment.

Students and parents alike appreciate our unique school. As a parent you are always welcome and encouraged to sit right inside the studios and participate in any class that your child is training in. Or you can relax and  watch your child's progress from our seating area. There are also refreshment’s available at the school.

How we compare to other schools:

• Size: The Kung Fu School is in the top 1% of martial arts schools in terms of physical size of the facility and property.
• Amenities: The Kung Fu School is in the top 2% of schools in terms of value of equipment and facilities.
• Experience: The Kung Fu School is in the top 2-5% in terms of the collective number of years of experience of the instructors.
• Longevity: We been teaching in West Sussex for 18 years so are the longest running Kung Fu School in the area with fewer than 5% of martial arts schools even make it past five-years.
• Stability: The Kung Fu School has been running for years and continues at the forefront of martial arts school with new students joining every week helping ensure that we will be here for many, many more years to come.
• Affordability: Even though we are in the top 5% of schools in each of the above important categories, we pride ourselves on offering tremendous value for money..
• Popularity: Our average annual retention rate is more than double (and closer to triple) the standard for martial arts schools, meaning our students are two to three times more satisfied training here than students at most schools.
• Results: Every week students tell us how much being a part of the Kung Fu Schools has helped them achieve their goals and how much it contributes to their life.
• True Value: The Kung Fu School  is one of  only a few schools that offer the life-changing benefits of authentic Shaolin Wing Chun Kung Fu.
• Lineage: The Kung Fu School can trace it’s lineage all the way back to the Shaolin Temple with Master Paul Hawkes having completed the whole Wing Chun Kung Fu system under 2 Grand Masters.

 "Daniel’s confidence and self belief have greatly improved, since joining The Kung Fu School. In the eighteen months of training, he has developed far greater control over his hand/eye co-ordination and as a result has become a more adventurous child.

"Daniel now has the confidence to stand in front of the school assembly and express hs feelings and beliefs without any fears, a lot of this is due to the encouragment and friendliness of the teaching staff at The Kung Fu School”

—Donald, father of Daniel, 7, Crawley

Click Here to Apply for Membership in our Children's Martial Arts Program

I understand that The Kung Fu School can't be the right school for everyone

It's possible that we are not the kind of martial arts school that some parents are seeking for their child. We're not a babysitting service, nor do we give away Black Belts to anyone who pays tuition. Your child will have to work hard at real martial arts training in our classes, and must develop the physical, mental and emotional qualities that a skilled martial artist is known for to be promoted to Black Beltl.
We are a top quality, full-time school offering authentic martial arts at great value. We are competitively priced with other quality full-time martial arts schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

I've been teaching martial arts for a long time, and I hear many of the same questions from parents. Here are the some of the most common:

Can martial arts turn my child into a bully?
No. Martial arts training will do just the opposite. Children are taught respect, tolerance, harmony and compassion. The use of physical force is always reserved as a last resort, and only for self-defence.
 

My child has special needs. Can your program help?
We have students with ADHD, mild autism, physical disabilities, and other challenges. Martial arts is one of the best activities for children with challenges.

My child has tried other activities like music and sports teams, but always quits after a short period. What happens if my child wants to quit martial arts?
We understand the psychology of children, and we use scientifically proven methods to motivate children that many educators and coaches are not aware of.

Usually children want to quit an activity because of one of four reasons:

1. They find it is too hard early on and they become discouraged and intimidated.
2. They find it is too easy and lacks challenges, leading to boredom.
3. Something negative happens with a classmate or the instructor and the student prefers to avoid the class rather than resolve the issue.
4. They fail to get encouragement and participation from both the instructor and the parent.

With our program, kids get tons of encouragement and feedback, and they really have a blast in the classes. In fact, while the average retention rate for sports teams and other activities is under 10%, almost 80% of our students choose to renew!

Is your school's emphasis on competition and winning trophies, or is it on the development of my child?
Your child's development always comes first. And unlike with most sports teams, there are no bench warmers sitting on the sidelines. Every student participates fully in every class.

How to apply NOW for membership in our Children's Martial Arts Program

We would love the opportunity to meet you and give your family a Free Introductory Tour of our facilities and give your child a Free Introductory Class. During the tour we will explain all of the features and benefits of our program, show you our facilities, and answer any questions you might have about our program.

The Kung Fu School accepts children who want to have fun and enjoy the life-changing benefits of martial arts, and who have strong family support for our program. We accept students with or without previous martial arts experience, regardless of race, religion or similar factors.

Currently, due to the tremendous demand for our programs, we are pre-screening all applicants before scheduling the Free Introductory Tour and Class.

To apply for your Tour and Class, simply fill out the Application Form below. We generally respond to on-line applications within 48 hours to inform you whether your pre-screening application has been accepted, and to confirm your reservation for your Free Introductory Tour and one month of training. Confirmation of your tour date, time, driving directions, etc. will be provided when we notify you of your application's preliminary approval.

Take advantage of a valuable discount on tuition.
Simply bring a copy of the source where you learned about The Peaceful Dragon (letter, flier, ad, etc.) to your Introductory Admissions and Enrolment Tour and we will give you a valuable money-saving discount on the tuition when your child is accepted into the program. If you learned about us online or saw a road sign, please just indicate on your application exactly where you saw it and we will give you the same discount.

Receive a great gift if you invite a friend or family member.
Training with a sincere and dedicated friend or family member can be supportive and extra-motivating for many children. If your child has a friend or family member whom you think might benefit as much as your child from our classes, have them also go online and fill out the application form. If both children are accepted then both families will receive a fantastic gift when you enroll—plus it can be great for car pooling!

I sincerely hope you've enjoyed reading about The Kung Fu School and learning about the many benefits of our Children's Martial Arts Program. I look forward to meeting you and your child!

Sincerely,
Paul Hawkes
Director and Chief Instructor
The Kung Fu School

P.S. Don't forget to inquire about our family discounts for two or more children in the program, or for our great classes for parents and teens in martial arts and more!

P.P.S. We often run special tour discounts—be sure to ask the instructor if one is currently running while at your tour!

P.P.P.S. I know there are many reasons to put off applying for your child, but please go ahead and apply now.  Without the confidence, self-discipline and positive attitude that a program like ours offers, your child potentially faces too many scary and unpleasant obstacles:  Poor health and fitness, susceptibility to negative peer pressure, a worsening of focus and concentration leading to poor performance in school, and lack of self-defence skills that could be vital to save your child's life some day.

Children's Martial Arts Program Application

Please fill out the application form completely to ensure consideration for admission to our Children's Martial Arts Program. Teens aged 13 and up should use the adult application.
If you are applying for more than one child, you must fill out a separate form for each child

.