UK Kung Fu School

04/10/2026

Our new beginners kung fu class starts on the 15th October - book your space now. https://www.ukkungfu.com/Beginners

29/09/2026

The UK Kung fu School has a new fresh web site - come and have a look here:

Neil is the Lead Safegaurding Officer and the UK Kung Fu School has been awared the Safe Gaurding Mark by the Sports Council England.

29/09/2026

Discover how long-term kung fu training transforms more than just fitness — it reshapes posture, breath, focus, resilience, and real self-defence ability. Read Neil McCarthy’s latest deep dive on how years of steady practice create lasting benefits for life, mind and body. Read the full article: https://www.ukkungfu.com/blog

25/08/2026

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/aug/24/largest-review-of-its-kind-confirms-benefits-of-tai-chi-and-other-chinese-exercises?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Analysis finds ‘high certainty evidence’ of their effectiveness for the 1.7bn people worldwide with musculoskeletal conditions

05/08/2026

I am starting a new Tai Chi class in September in Allington. A chance to learn, move, and connect with others locally in a calm, supportive environment. We’ll build the fundamentals step by step, making the practice accessible to everyone. If you’d like to be part of the first intake, send a message to register your interest. New web site and onling booking coming soon.

03/07/2026

Last night was a truly special evening at the school as we celebrated another Black Belt Grading.

I couldn't be prouder of everyone who stepped onto the floor. The standard was exceptional, but even more impressive was the commitment, perseverance, and martial spirit that each student demonstrated. These achievements have been forged over many years of hard work, consistency, and a willingness to keep showing up.

There is an old Chinese saying: "Dripping water wears through stone." Not through force, but through persistence. Last night was a beautiful reminder that kung fu is an acquired skill developed over time, and that patience and dedication always bear fruit.

A huge congratulations to all of our new Junior Black Belts and Black Belts. Watching students grow over 10 years and more, both as martial artists and as people, is one of the greatest privileges of teaching.

Thank you to our families, instructors, senior students, and everyone who supported the evening. The strength of a school is measured not only by individual achievement, but by the community that stands behind it.

An evening to remember. Well done, everyone.

17/03/2026

I remain fully committed to maintaining the highest possible standards in training, coaching, safeguarding, and professional development at the UK Kung fu School
I believe that wellbeing and safety must sit at the centre of everything we do. For this reason, the instructors continually invest time and effort into obtaining recognised training, certifications, and safeguarding standards that support a safe, professional, and supportive environment for all students.
It is important to emphasise that much of this work is undertaken voluntarily. However, we believe that holding ourselves to the highest standards is not optional when working with children, young people, and adults in a coaching environment.
Our commitment is clear: to remain proactive, responsible, and fully compliant with recognised coaching and safeguarding expectations, ensuring that every member of our school can train in a safe, respectful, and professionally managed environment.
These values guide everything we do and will continue to shape the standards we uphold at the UK Kung fu School

24/02/2026

I continue to invest in developing both my own training and the standards at the UK Kung Fu School. Much of this work isn’t compulsory, but I strongly believe that anyone teaching martial arts should hold themselves to the highest possible standards.
At present there is very little regulation around coaching martial arts. Personally, I believe there should be at least a basic level in place to protect students and maintain quality. Until that day comes, I’ll continue to make sure our school meets and exceeds the standards that should exist.

17/02/2026

Happy Lunar New Year to all our students and families at the UK Kung Fu School 🧧🐎

Today marks the beginning of the rare Year of the Fire Horse — a powerful combination that comes only once every 60 years. This is a year of intensity, momentum and transformation. In the martial arts, we speak often about balance: courage with restraint, power with control, speed with awareness. The Fire Horse embodies all of these lessons.

This year will amplify boldness, drive and determination. It rewards those who step forward with purpose, while reminding us that true strength comes from focus and discipline. If there is something you have been on the edge of — a goal, a challenge, a new level in your training, or something in life you have been waiting to begin — this is the year to move.

Plan with care. Train with intent. Then act with courage.

In kung fu, progress comes from consistent effort and the willingness to step beyond comfort. The Fire Horse encourages us to do exactly that: to trust our training, support one another, and move forward with clarity and confidence. Be bold in action, but measured in mind and spirit.

May this year bring growth in your practice, strength in your character, and success in your endeavours. Train hard, stay focused, and support your fellow students — together we make progress.

Wishing you all health, resilience and prosperity in the Year of the Fire Horse.

Kung Fu spirit, always.

25/01/2026

This weekend, our UK Kung Fu School instructors and junior coaching team completed their first aid training again.

Safety, professionalism, and care are at the heart of everything we do. While much of this compliance is voluntary, it includes DBS checks, safeguarding, trauma-aware practice, concussion awareness, policy and inclusion training.

We’re proud to uphold the highest coaching standards for all our students at the UK Kung Fu School.