7:17 AM
Jo-Anne Rowney
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| Kung Fu kids practice their moves |
Przemek Czajkowski, 28, of Midland Terrace, Ealing, a martial arts
instructor, teaches children to imitate animals like tigers, snakes, eagles,
dragons and cranes. The copy-cat technique is part of Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu
– a traditional art form created by monks in China.
Mr Czajkowski has been teaching this branch of the art, along with
White Crane Kung Fu, for three years in Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith open
group classes and says the benefits to children are endless.
He said: “Martial arts gives children the ability to focus their
attention, it gives them an inner calm. The kids that take part in our lessons
show more focus and discipline at school too and get better grades.”
The children are taught the philosophy of Kung Fu through Chinese
fables and poems. School classes also include Chinese calligraphy and learning
Mandarin greetings, conversation and counting.
Mr Czajkowski said: “The extra benefits of the classes are the
chance to experience another culture. They enjoy learning the Mandarin. ‘Repetition is
a mother of science’ so we repeat words along with punches
and kicks so kids can learn so much. It helps to improve cultural
awareness.”
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| Mr Czajkowski with the kids |
The Polish martial arts teacher believes that these skills taught
in breakfast, lunchtime and after school clubs, as well as to community groups,
have the ability to solve issues with problem children too.
He said: “We apply the ethos of Kung Fu in the sessions so
children can increase their self-awareness, focus on determination, build up
courage and learn to respect themselves and others.
“These are valuable skills for any child but especially those who lack
a goal and focus. We are often told by their teachers they see the difference
in them. They gain an inner calm and have something to take pride in.”
Other classes are based on Opera House Kung Fu. A branch of the
art form based on stringing together martial art movements to music to create a
performance at the end of term.
He said: “Making movements and copying the characteristics of
these animals helps them move to the music – they’re creating a fun
performance. Any child with a training attitude can learn Kung Fu. Soon the
body just reacts automatically and muscles just respond.”
Having trained for seven years in London with the Yang’s Martial Arts
Association, Mr Czajkowski was given the opportunity three years ago to teach
alongside his master Zibi Panasewicz.
He said: “When I first came to London I worked at a gym. A
colleague was part of the YMAA so I joined his class and it evolved from there
to become a full-time calling.
“I met Mr Panasewicz, who, with his 20 years of experience and
mission to pass on the positive message of Kung Fu inspired me. I started for
fun but now I want to pass on the spirit of Kung Fu.”
The classes taught in St Stephen’s Community Hall, Gayford Road,
Hammersmith instruct children six years and older. They also teach reception
classes with pupils as young as four years old, but Shem warns that Kung Fu is
not for quitters.
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| Mr Czajkowski gets in position |
He said: “When most people hear Kung Fu, they think fighting and
Jackie Chan movies but it’s actually a learning process. The term Kung Fu
translates to hard work. Kung Fu could be anything we do, like playing piano,
studying maths or martial arts. What we teach takes dedication and time”.
“The children can’t just come and go. They know that there is no
point starting if they plan to leave, but if they invest time it will serve
them well.”
Mr Czajkowski currently teaches Kung Fu Kids in primary schools and
community groups across West London but says he hopes to expand to other
schools in the area.
He said: “It can be used in PE lessons as well as being a great
way to start the school day. Every lesson starts with children learning the Sun
and Moon greeting representing we are all together to help each other. It’s a
strong message – the best message - to begin the school day with.”
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