One, two, do the kung fu!

Maybe you’ve watched too many kung fu movies, maybe you’ve always wanted to try a martial art, or maybe you want to increase you flexibility and stamina. Whatever the reason, now is your chance to try it for free!

The Kung Fu School Nam Pai Chuan are giving away passes for a free trial session during Push Play Month (October), at various Sport Manawatu activities. The club will be doing some live demonstrations on Broadway Avenue outside Farmers during the week of October 5 – 11, so if you’re passing by you may catch their talented students showcasing their skills and maybe even see their Lion Dance.

Down at the club you may run into Mike West from More FM who is learning Kung Fu in preparation for a live battle (on Push Play Day, November 7) with AJ Funnell who is learning kickboxing. His first session will be on Monday October 6, after which you can follow his story online at www.sportmanawatu.org.nz.

The first Shaolin Kung Fu School for New Zealand was established right here in Palmerston North and there are satellite clubs around New Zealand which grew from this main base. The club now has venues in Palmerston North, Levin, Pahiatua and Feilding. Some club members have recently visited Japan where a school has been established by a former member of the Palmerston North club.

Not only does the Kung Fu School teach martial arts but, in line with the Shaolin beliefs, they take a holistic approach. This means that everyone in the club is well supported, and there is an atmosphere of family amongst the club members. In keeping with this, the Kung Fu School are also very supportive of their volunteers, and ensure that they get adequate training and the support that they require. The club won an Excellence Award in the Volunteer Management Category at the 2008 Sports Clubs of the Year Awards run by Sport Manawatu. As a club that does many great things within our local community and is more than wiling to give back, but generally keeps quiet on their successes, it was great that the club could be recognised through these awards.

Visit www.shoalinkungfu.co.nz for more information on these groups, contact people, and training times.