Street violence creating demand for self-defence classes

A RISING number of teenage girls are said to be joining self-defence classes following a spate of attacks in the borough.

The number of women attending the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class in Hammersmith has increased six fold, according to martial arts instructor Sarah Merriner.

Five teens were convicted of a bus station stabbing in early October and another teen was left fighting for his life in September after being stabbed near the Hammersmith Apollo.

Sarah, who started the lessons three weeks ago at Carlson Gracie gym in Kings Street, Hammersmith, said: "People want self-defence, we teach it as a sport, but Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the most effective martial art in defending yourself.

"Ground fighting eliminates the element of surprise. We look at positioning and blocking joints or choking. It can be seen as intimidating but we’re only grappling, it’s about knowing what you’re doing.

"There was a great demand for the women-only lessons, and we’re seeing a steady increase in the women coming along. They say they want to learn self-defence."

Sarah teaches the women-only groups including many Muslim women who want to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – known for being one of the best martial arts for self-defence.

She has trained in martial arts for 10 years and in Jiu Jitsu for three and a half years, and believes that the sport has the most appeal to teens and their parents.

But Sarah worries that more women are missing out of the valuable protection skills with the lack of instructors to meet the demand.

She said: "I’m strained trying to provide all the lessons people want. I’m always asked to do more. There are just not enough women instructors to meet the demand. I think there are only 20 in the whole country. Everyone wants these classes, but we just haven’t reached out to the women yet. It’s just beginning now."

Lessons are on Saturdays 11am, at Carols Gracie Gym, Kings Street, Hammersmith. 

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-and-hammersmith-news/local-fulham-and-hammersmith-news/2011/10/18/street-violence-creating-demand-for-self-defence-classes-82029-29617046/#ixzz1cxKWWyfq

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Posted in: hammersmith,hammersmith and fulham council,martial arts,teenagers,young people

Martial art expert says kung fu kids get better grades

Kung Fu kids practice their moves

A MARTIAL arts expert has said teaching children a type of Kung Fu, which involves mimicking animals, can improve school grades.

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.”

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.

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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Posted in: children,classes,community,fitness,hammersmith,kids,kung fu,martial arts,school,shepherd's bush