Author Archives: andrewking

Ewell Fun Day

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We’re officially on Summer Break, but after a week without training we all start to get a bit twitchy! So get back into it a little earlier with a day of free Kung-Fu & Escrima (bring your sticks) this coming Saturday 23rd June 2012.

Ewell FC are holding a Family Fun Day and football tournament, and as we run a martial arts school locally in Ewell, they have asked the UKKFF to get involved. We’ll be running some workshops throughout the day, so if you fancy doing a spot of training before the new term starts, just come along – partners, kids and friends are all welcome. The event takes place at:

Ewell FC @ Surbiton Town Sports Club
Worcester Park Road
Surrey KT4 7QB
(opposite the Hogsmill Tavern)

Not only can you get some extra training before term officially starts, it’ll also be a chance for you to show your partners & family what you do each week!

The day also has plenty of things for the whole family to do:

  • Fastest penalty shoot out (using a speed camera)
  • Bouncy castle obstacle course
  • BBQ
  • Outdoor & indoor bar area serving hot & cold drinks
  • Rowing machine challenge - and LOTS more!

The event starts at 12 noon. Arrival and departure times are entirely at your leisure. There is ample free parking onsite or on the surrounding roads too.

It’ll be great to see as many of our members and their families there as possible. Any questions contact Andy King directly by phone, text or email.

UKKFF Student Writes West-End Production

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Toxic Bankers

Toxic Bankers, a play penned by UKKFF member Andy Taylor, opens in London's West End on 7th March 2012.

Breaking news from the West End! UKKFF member Andy Taylor (who trains at our Wimbledon & Hinchley Wood venues) is known to many of you as an English teacher. However he is also an award-winning playwright, and his brand new comedy Toxic Bankers opens next week at the Leicester Square Theatre, London.

Toxic Bankers takes a satirical look at the secretive world of London’s super-rich hedge funds. What are these fund managers really up to? How are they coping with the credit crunch? And did the country’s money really vanish or is it holed up somewhere in cavernous Swiss bank vaults?

Go along and be entertained by this highly topical look at the mess the bankers have got us into. (Oh, and there’s a little love story thrown in too, just for good measure!)

The play opens on Wed 7th March at 7pm. Tickets for the opening two shows are just £10, so get them while you can, as once they’re gone they’re gone. For more details visit www.toxicbankers.com or search for ‘Toxic Bankers’ on Facebook to find exclusive behind-the-scenes rehearsal videos & photos.

Good luck Andy from all your colleagues & training partners at the UKKFF.

Multiple Attackers Workshop

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On Saturday 22nd January the UK Kung-Fu Federation held another special event, this time hosted by instructor & school owner Andy King. This workshop involved using particular strategies & tactics to dramatically improve the chance of success when confronted with more than one attacker.

Multiple Opponents Workshop, Jan 2011

The participants of the Multiple Opponents Workshop, January 2011, with Instructor Andrew King.

The workshop began with our usual warm up and joint loosening exercises, which are familiar to all from General Classes.

Everyone was split into their pre-arranged groups which related to their grade and experience. All groups began by practicing striking drills against 2 targets at different positions. We began with the idea of using a Balance-Breaker against one target to create distance, and then striking the other target using correct point footwork. The familiar tools Fook-Sao and Pak-Sao were then added to train coordination.

Multiple Opponents Workshop, Jan 2011

Maintaining awareness of Threat Centre, regardless of how many opponents there are.

Next, each group of three chose their victim. The two attackers constantly moved around the defender, seeking the optimum position from which to launch a successful attack. The defenders job was to maintain focus at the centre of the threat using the Mobile Pre-Fight position.

Students then employed the strategy of Evasion, but purposely moving the wrong way. This demonstrated what could happen if a wrong tactical choice is made: Evading the wrong way would make the situation a lot worse, the other attacker promptly rushing in to strike or take-down.

Everyone very quickly discovered using the correct Tactics can seriously improve their chances of success. They applied Direct Counter-Attacks and Balance-Breaks to the first attacker which sent him into the other, allowing the defender time & space to escape.

Multiple Opponents Workshop, Jan 2011

Controlling one opponent to use as a shield against the next.

Next we allowed either attacker the chance to strike. The defender evaded using correct tactics, then countered before Balance-Breaking him into his partner. This created the time & space necessary to disengage, preventing the other attacker getting close. Senior students employed other strategic choices, assuming they could be carried out without compromising their position. These included the possibilities of Bridging-Attacks into control positions, using the first attacker as a shield, or perhaps Strafing to disengage.

The workshop was well received by all, regardless of grade or experience. Everyone gained a greater understanding of correct tactics and positioning when evading more than one opponent.

Thanks to everyone who took part, and we look forward to organising another special training event soon.