Harrogate Lau Gar Kung Fu Club

Successful Brown Belt Grading at the NCCMA

2011-12-09T21:49:00.000Z

Chris recently took his Brown Sash grading at the National Centre for Chinese Martial Arts in Harrogate and passed.
The grading was done in front of Lau Gar Guardian, 5th Degree/4th Dan Wei Chinese Wu Shu Association, Stuart Agars.
Chris is now working towards taking his Black Sash grading, so we wish him well.

Another crowd pleasing Lion Dance performance - Darlington

2011-02-13T22:19:00.004Z

The Northern Lions; Lion Dance team were in Darlington, North Yorkshire this week to put on a show for the town, to celebrate Chinese New Year.

The outdoor performance was enjoyed by all, in the brisk, windy but otherwise sunny day.

The Northern Lions and NCCMA have been performing all over the region these last two weeks, entertaining and introducing people to this Chinese cultural event, educating many hundreds of school children as they celebrate multi culturally the New Year and of course providing displays and blessings to the Chinese communities around the area and in restaurants and halls.

The Northern lions are available to be booked for your event - whatever the time of year, and love to help make weddings, parties, school events, business events and more - lets then provide a splash of culture, colour originality and bless your event!
For more information:

Tel: 01423 545 662
Mobile: 07932 305 498
mail@nccma.co.uk

Pictures here by kind permission of Steve Dixon, Clixon Photography. www.clixonphotography.co.uk

Chinese New Year 2011

2011-02-05T16:36:00.006Z

This week was Chinese New Year and the NCCMA along with the Northern Lions, Lion Dance team, performed at many different locations around the area in this special time of the year in the Chinese Calendar.

Along with numerous performances at Schools in the Harrogate area, Stuart and his team have been explaining to the Children, what the Lion dance involves, means and of course letting them have a go themselves.

On the evenings of 2nd February and 3rd, there were some very special performances at the Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant in Harrogate. This prestigious Chinese Restaurant located in the Royal Baths is a spectacular venue. The Restaurant were so pleased with the event of last year, they asked us to perform two dates!

Below are a selection of pictures kindly taken by Tim Hardy (http://www.timhardy.co.uk) of the first night. The team consisted of 2 main lions, 1 medium lion, 2 little lions, a Buddha, a drummer and 3 musicians.

If you would like the Lion Team to appear at an event either during the New Year celebrations or in fact at any event (weddings, shops openings, restaurants - whatever!), then please get in touch with us. New Year is always busy, so book early!

Til next time, have a great year - of the Rabbit!

All Pictures Copyright Tim Hardy (http://www.timhardy.co.uk)

2010-12-14T19:31:00.003Z

Harrogate Kung Fu and the National Centre for Combat Martial Arts (NCCMA) would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Thank you for your support this year and we look forward to seeing you after the Holidays.

6 Harmonies, 8 Methods Boxing - Water Boxing

2010-09-28T16:18:00.012Z

Hi All,

See below the following links for the recent seminars with Master Hui.

PART ONE:

PART TWO:

PART THREE:

Regards

Sifu

2010-09-26T21:13:00.001Z

Andy Norman recieving his Yellow Sash Sash and Certificate after passing his recent grading. Andy has been training for some time and helps in the Little Dragons class with Sifu Stuart Agars.

Daren and Michiel - Blue Sash

2010-09-26T21:05:00.002Z

Michiel and Daren collect their Blue Sash and certificates after a succesful grading. Well done!

2010-06-20T21:45:00.003Z

Bradley joined by some of the The Warrior Dragons class (Monday nights 6.30-8pm). Bradley, who received his Little Dragons, Black Sash for Kickboxing award and White, Blue and Orange Lau Gar Certificates (held by some of the other students).

Bradley has been a long time student to the Thursdays nights Little Dragons and has now progressed to the Warrior Dragons where his knowledge and training so far means he joins the class with a provisional Green Sash.

Bradley as a dedicated student who loves the kickboxing aspect of the Art and has taken part in club tournaments.

Well done Bradley, keep up the good work.

Russ gets his Yellow Sash

2010-06-20T21:40:00.001Z

Russ recently took his latest grading and passed with flying colours, and those colours are now Yellow!.

Russ now moves onto more complex work including the wonderful knife set, which teaches the student both the attack and defence for 6 techniques. This new piece teaches a number of locks, throws and blocks to deal with a knife or dagger type attack.

Well done Russ

Tracy grades to Blue Sash

2010-06-20T21:39:00.004Z

Tracy recently graded for her Blue Sash and successfully passed.
This new grade includes a new set of hand and kick blocks and well as the basic set. Tracey is a dedicated student who never misses a class.

Well done Tracey – keep up the hard work!

Three Successful Gradings

2010-05-02T10:26:00.004Z

This month saw 3 gradings take place with very good results.

Alistair Beer has passed his Purple Sash. Seen here collecting his sash and Certificate from Sifu Agars, who took the Grading and Sifu Beer (his brother) who teaches Alistair in the Thursdays kung Fu class.

Jonathan Cooke also passed his recent grading and is now a Orange Sash. At Orange sash the syllabus really starts to get interesting with the hand and kick blocks increase in complexity to reflect how your skills are growing and the new set piece (Charp Choi) is the first of the moving sets, meaning for the first time it is not performed on the same spot. This challenges the students’ abilities in many more ways than in previous grades.

Last, but by no means least, Tom Davies continued to show that he has a very good understanding of what is required and performed again and very confident grading. Tom is a driven student, who practices not just in the class but as home too, this is important if you wish to pass through the gradings both quickly and with consistently high grades. Although we have two Kung Fu classes a week, most students only attend one, meaning that without further practice at home, you are only training about 2 - 2.5hrs a week, the dedicated student will be working or at least thinking through their syllabus daily - the results are often very clear when you come to grade for Black sash!

Well done to all those above who graded and keep up the hard work and dedication - one day you could all be wearing a Black Sash with pride!

This blog has moved

2010-04-28T17:47:00.001Z

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The New N.C.C.M.A Promo Video

2010-02-07T13:59:00.004Z

This is the new Promotional video. It has been produced with the help of many, many people who have given their time and effort to enable us to have a video available on the www.nccma.co.uk website, YouTube and many other places, to let people see what great classes we have at the gym (including Kung Fu) and hopefully inspire a few of them to come along and give it a try.

The gym has classes for all ages and abilities, whether you want to do Traditional Lau Gar Kung Fu Kickboxing, children’s classes (5-10yrs) and 10-15yrs), Ladies Fit to Kick class, where your fitness is developed in a female only class combining aspects of Kao Loi with more traditional fitness work. The gym also have fight club on a Sunday, where any style can come along and try out their skills with others. The NCCMA also hold classes around Harrogate a Knaresborough for Tai Chinese classes are especially good for people with joint mobility problems like arthritis.

The gym also hold special seminars in Tai Chi, Chi Na and even Kettlebells with World class teachers coming along to share their knowledge.

Remember, everyone had a first day once, the hardest part is to come along for first time... don’t be afraid, come along - even just to watch!

More grading success

2009-10-25T15:55:00.002Z

This week, Paul, James and Daren received their Certificates and Sashes after successful Gradings from Sifus Stuart Agars and Nathan Beer.

Paul and James passed their Blue Sash grading whilst Daren is now a whites sash. We wish them well and success on their way to their next grading - keep up the good work!

James flew off shortly after this class to join Master Yau, and Sifu Stuart Agars and others on a tour of China with the Association.

Alistair passes his Yellow sash Kung Fu grading

2009-08-07T20:39:00.002Z

Alistair getting his Yellow sash and certificate from Sifu Stuart Agars after a successful grading. Alistair now moves onto his next syllabus which includes knife attack and defence.
Well done Alistair, keep up the good work.

Whites Sash Grading - With Distinction!

2009-07-20T20:51:00.004Z

Sifu Hunt; Lau Gar Guardian (second right) was very proud to be able to hand Tom Davies (second left) his White Sash certificate and Sash. Tom achieved a pass with distinction in his recent grading, thanks to dedication and hard work. He had recently taken a two week break from classes, but was able to maintain his practicing at home, so that on his return, he was ready to grade without further dely. Sifu Stuart Agars (left) took Tom through his grading at the recent new Saturday grading class and was very, very pleased to see a beginner show such a remarkable level of speed, power and focus, along with his recall of techniques.

Sifu Nathan Beer (right); his regular weekly teacher, wishes him well in future grading’s, and hopes his level of skill and determination continue - he will be one to watch!

Joining them are Paul and James, who received their Sashes to go with their certificates for also passing their white sash grading.

June 2009 Gradings...

2009-07-07T20:19:00.005Z

Well, June was a busy time for Gradings at Harrogate Kung Fu (N.C.C.M.A. Gym) and we are pleased to say that everyone who took a grading passed - so well done to everyone!

Stuart successfully graded to Blue sash.

Chris has practiced Lau Gar Kung Fu previously at another club, but never got an opportunity to grade. She has now passed her grading to Blue sash, with a conditional grade to Orange as soon as she can master a few techniques.

James and Paul have been training together from their first session and have both graded up to White, we wish them well in the future.

Jon has been very dedicated in his training and graded to Blue Sash.

Andy passed his Orange sash grading. He also recently took part in the Guardian Challenge, which involved a number of challenges; Archery and Mental agility. Andy raised quite a fair sum from sponsors, with all the mony going to the Guardian Trust - thanks to all who sponsored and double well done Andy!

Congratulations to all - and keep the hard work up!

The NCCMA Martial Arts Training Gym

2009-04-17T21:39:00.004Z

http://www.nccma.co.uk/gymtour/gymtour.html

Now's your chance to take a peek inside the gym without leaving your chair! We have created a Panorama of the gym, with handy info areas to show you some of the exiting aspects of the NCCMA Martial Arts gym.

The NCCMA website has lots of other great new stuff being added to it regularly and there are also some videos clips, teachers bios and information of other classes that are held weekly at the gym.

http://www.nccma.co.uk/

New Blue Sash awarded

2009-02-08T10:41:00.004Z

Andrew Norman recieving his Blue Sash in Lau Gar Kung Fu this week from Sifu Nathan Beer 4th Degree.

Andrew has been very dedicated in his training from the start, quickly becoming a regular at the gym twice a week and also finding time to help out with Sifu Stuart Agars with the Little Dragons on Thrusdays nights.

This one is slightly long overdue being posted...Jonathan Cooke recieving his White Sash from Sifu Suart Agars and Sifu Nathan Beer. Well done Jonathan!

Chinese New Year celebration at The Grand Opera House York

2009-02-01T16:50:00.003Z

The single most influential event to the Chinese people of York - the celebration of the Chinese New Year was on Friday 30th January. The night included award winning performances including acrobatics, Beijing Opera, Kung fu and the majestic lion dance showed the traditional way to celebrate the lunar New Year in China. The east-west mingling in music was be another shining point on the night. Presented by York Chinese Students and Scholars Association.

The Northern Lion Dance team - the four times champions, along with the runners up in 2008, got the night off to a colourful and traditional start. First starting on the stage with a traditional awakening of the Lions, followed by a trip into the audience to meet the crowd which included the Mayor of York and his Lady Wife. Then back onto the stage to fight and eat the lettuce, before distributing it to the audience.

Later in the evening the some of the Harrogate Lau Gar Kung Fu members, along with some from The Blackburn & Keighley Club put on a Kung Fu demonstration of weapon and open handed set work for the packed house:

Lau Gar Tiger Fork Form - Stuart Agars
Shaolin Dragon Sword & Chen Halberd – Dave Eccles
Bac Pye Jurn – Jason Hacking
Lau Gar Darn Dao Knife Form – Carl Syres
Lau Gar Luk Hap Kuen – Jose Williamson

A third appointment of the night between all the colourful and numerous other acts brought David Eccles and Stuart Agars on stage to demonstrate their Chi Gung skills by having two large pavement slabs broken on their stomachs with a Sledge Hammer, whilst resting only on their heads and feet across two chairs. The gasps from the audience and the massive round of applause showed the crowds loved the excitement and danger of the spectacle.

Love Without Boundaries

2009-01-24T14:54:00.003Z

Friday Night was the most eloquent of evenings at Rudding Park,

Lenny the 4 times Undisputed Lion Dance Champion of the British Kung Fu Association went along to the Love Without Boundaries Charity Meal to entertain everyone!

Mr & Mrs Hall Jones were the perfect hosts, and the National Centre for Combat Martial Arts were proud to support their most worthy cause.

Joseph Agars made a cheeky Buddha, leading Lenny the Lion around and played cymbals. Jose Williamson, kept the display in perfect time with his amazing drumming skills. David Eccles and Stuart Agars kept Lenny on his toes performing a number of acrobatic tricks to the appreciative crowd.

Jon Gill recieves his Kickboxing Black Belt

2008-10-26T22:28:00.003Z

Jon Gill receiving is certificate for successfully completing his Kick Boxing Black Belt from Sifu Stuart Hunt. Jon originally started training Lau Gar Kung Fu, but found he preferred the challenges of competition fighting and so started to follow the Lau Gar Kickboxing Syllabus.

Jon can be found most Sunday afternoons running the 'Fight Club' class at the NCCMA gym.. all ages and styles welcome.

Steve Cotter Course Write Up

2008-09-18T11:08:00.004Z

Wow! what a weekend, 8 hours each day learning technique and lifting kettlebells.

2 Great instructors, Steve Cotter and Ken Blackburn of the IKFF 18 excellent students and one great venue ;)

The NCCMA now hold an internationally recognised coaching certificate for Kettlebells, if you would like to learn more about Kettlebell training or take part in a class, please contact us at the gym.

Chen Style Tai Chi Course

2008-09-10T20:32:00.007Z

Saturday 6th & Sunday the 7th December 2008

11 am till 4 pm
Cost - £50 for 1 Day, £80 for 2 days

The National Centre for Combat Martial Arts
3rd Floor
Valley House
Hornbeam Park
Harrogate
HG2 8QT
enquiries@nccma.co.uk
t: 07932 305 498

Master Liming Yue
Master Liming Yue originally began the study of Shaolin martial arts as a child in China in 1972. Eleven years later, amazed by the skills of a young student from the famous village of Chenjiagou he began his journey to understand the internal arts by studying orthodox Chen Style Tai Chi under the 11th Generation Chen Masters in the village. Master Liming Yue has been accepted as an indoor student of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei in 1998 and achieved 7th Duan Wei Master officially awarded by China National Wushu Association in 2005.

Having learnt from the most skillful and experienced Tai Chi masters in China and having extensively studied Internal Qigong with masters from the monastery on Nanyue Mountain.

For more information and to confirm your place on this course: enquiries@nccma.co.uk

3 New Second Degree Black Sashes for Harrogate Lau Gar

2008-07-22T19:27:00.005Z

Jo Williamson receiving his Certificate and Sash from Sifu Stuart Hunt

James Chestnutt receiving his Certificate and Sash from Sifu Stuart Hunt

Carl Syres receiving his Certificate and Sash from Sifu Stuart Hunt

On the 8th June 2008, Jo, James and Carl took their Second Degree Black Sash grading in Birmingham and all passed with great scores.

It was a long day, up at 6am for a journey to the Temple Martial Arts Gym in the centre of Birmingham for the once a year opportunity to Grade up.

There were quite a lot of other candidates this year taking their 2nd, 3rd and 4th degrees. After having their Licence, and Certificates from necessary courses checked, paying the required Exam fee it was into the gym to find a few small feet of space to just limber up and prepare both physically and mentally for the challenge ahead.

Once Grading had started; each candidate with a number to indicate the order they would grade, it was time to sit and wait, try to keep calm and catch an odd glimpse of others as they graded until it was your moment.

The grading lasts about 10 minutes from the time you enter the room to leaving, with two grading at a time it soon got round to our turns.

Before you could get your bag down it was time to start. You need to know you stuff as there is no time to think - just do!

So within no time at all we were back on the long road home, several calls to people to tell them how it went, the mandatory burger and coke and back home to await the arrival of the envelope informing you of your result.

All three managed very good scores, that they are really proud of and they have certainly set a bench mark for their next grading!

Northern Dragons, Dragon Boat Race

2008-05-26T17:48:00.006Z

On a surprisingly sunny, if rather windy Bank Holiday the Northern Dragons made an appearance at the Martin House Hospice Dragon Boat Challenge. They competed alongside 29 other boat teams, alot in fancy dress (Super Heroes, Amy Winehouses, Hawiian etc.)

Each heat had three boats with the aim of setting their best two times from three races. In order to qualify for the semi finals a combined time of less than 121sec had to be achieved from your fastest runs. The Dragons first run gave them a 66sec time. With a slight re-jig of the crew and a Captain (the man steering at the back) who briefed us well, a 60sec second race was placed, meaning that a time of the same or less was required... the final run (see video link below) was a 58.72sec. Despite qualifying on time basis, only the fastest 6 boats went head to head in the semi finals, so the day was done for the Northern Dragons.

Much fun was had, much water splashed, and hopefully the good cause of Martins House raised loads of money!

Back from China

2008-05-10T21:57:00.006Z

Stu Agars flies back after his recent visit to China. Stu spend two weeks living in a monastery with Monks and Martial Arts practitioners from around the World. During his stay he learnt and practiced amongst other things; Buddhist chanting, Chi Kung and some Tai Chi. Each day started at 5am to join in with the Monks routine and lessons throughout the day were from some very special teachers.

We are glad to have Stu back and if he gets a chance over the next few weeks he may show you some of what he has learnt. (except the Top Secret stuff!)

Outdoor certificate presentation!

2007-11-11T14:29:00.000Z

Well, despite the fact the hall we use for Sunday Seniors Kung Fu was double booked; a playful joke from the old Caretaker or a mix-up with the new one? Who knows what the reason was, but Sifu Hunt did the honours in the Car park, presenting Jennifer Beer with her Brown Sash after many years of dedication and hard work, Big John with his purple Sash and Sifu Stuart Agars with a certificate for completing a course with Master Yau in Ireland recently.

A big well done to all, especially john for that bearing that t-shirt against a very cold wind!

The morning was not a complete loss however as those from Harrogate adjourned to the Hornbeam Park Gym back in Harrogate to put some training in, John and Jen learning some of their new Sets, Nathan and Stuart their Tiger Fork and myself, I practised my sword, that was after some Chi Gung (8 Brocades, and 5 elements).

Russ Receives his Orange Sash

2007-11-11T14:19:00.000Z

A BIG well done to Russ for successfully passing his recent grading to Orange Sash.

Class Timetable

2007-10-24T21:05:00.001Z

Monday: 6.30pm-8pm Warrior Dragons (Children 9-13yrs)

Monday: 8pm-9.30pm Senior Lau Gar Kung Fu (Green Sash and above only)

Tuesday: 7pm-8pm Kickboxing - All skill levels

Tuesday: 8pm-9pm Tai Chi - All skill levels

Wednesday: 6pm-7pm Yoga - All Skill levels

Thursday: 6pm-7pm Little Dragons (Children 6-9yrs)

Thursday: 7pm-9pm Beginners and up Lau Gar Kung Fu

New Official Association Site

2007-05-14T21:52:00.000Z

The All new BKFA Lau Gar website is now live. Take a few minutes or hours to check out the site as its packed full of stuff to help people of all grades.

www.laugar-kungfu.com

Lion Dance Champions AGAIN!

2007-05-07T22:16:00.000Z

The Northern Dragons Lion Dance Team won their third consecutive Championship this weekend. Well done to all in the team, and all those that took part.

Lenny the Lion Entertains the Easter crowds

2007-04-09T14:33:00.000Z

'Lenny' from the Northern Lions Chinese Lion Dance Team made a special Easter Sunday appearance at the Newby Hall fun day, 8th April 2007. Lenny entertained the record turn out crowds as they enjoyed the glorious sunshine in the fabulous ground of Newby Hall. The event, which featured Arts covering, dance, music, face painting and more also featured a woodland walk treasure hunt packed with children's characters offering helpful clues to hidden treasure. Lenny bounced his way around the crowd accompanied by members of the audience on percussion and Brandon as Buddha before making his way around the woodland walk to tease, and entertain the treasure hunters and characters!

Lenny then enjoyed a refreshing Ice Cream and relaxed in the sun - a fitting end to a great day!

April Gradings at Harrogate Lau Gar Kung Fu Club

2007-04-09T14:24:00.000Z

Four new 2nd Kup Students and one 3rd Kup as grading fever strikes at the NCCMA! Well done to Dan, Sarah, Russ, David and Steve seen here with Sifu Nathan Beer and Sifu Carl Syres.

Steve Cotter's Kettlebell Workshop

2007-04-05T08:07:00.000Z

2 Days, 8 hours per day intensive Kettlebell training and still smiling.

Charanjit Mavji, Brian Ashley, Henry Hopper, Colin Marshall, Phill Ireland, Yousef Elfakhri, Paula Wells, James Walker, Tony Hiley, Mike Judd, Michael DeAcevedo, Helen Walsh, Carl Hopson, Edouard Imper, Natalia Marquez, Simon Ward, Fiona Hoare, Dave Foster, Jon Gill, Stuart Agars, John Lewis, Jason Dean and Steve Cotter.

Words cannot describe how fantastic this weekends course was. Attendees ranged from the world of Martial Artist; Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Tai Boxing, Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Kickboxing and Senior Personal Trainers. It was quite an honour for the Harrogate Lau Gar Kung Fu Club to host such an event in the National Centre for Combat Martial Arts gym. Many thanks go to Jason Dean of Better Body for arranging this event and bringing so many great people into the gym.

Chris and Peter receive their Awards from Sifi Hunt

2007-02-14T20:12:00.000Z

Chris received his Orange Sash (3rd Kup) and Certificate from Sifu Hunt, whilst Peter received his certificate having been presented with his sash previously.

Well done to both, and may they continue to practice hard!

Authentic Tai-Qi Quan and Qigong Seminar Workshop

2007-01-24T13:15:00.000Z

Presented by Shifu Shi Delon (PhD Reasearch Fellow) 31st Generation Shaolin Laymonk, 12th Generation ChenJaiGou Tai Qi Quan.

Authentic Shaolin Training for Longevity and Self Defence

Martial and self-healing energy techniques

Potent Self-Healing and Martial Applications

Fundamental Analysis of movements from Authentic Chen's TaiQi

Boost your life-force for increased Energy and Power!

Strengthen immune system

Enhance Flexibility

Increased awareness of your body's needs

Instant Visible Results!

Experienced in QiGong / TaiQiQuan / Healing / Martial Arts?

Exchange techniques with those of the Shaolin Ancestors!

Boost energy, strength and power using simple exercises

Move with energy, spirit and purpose

Saturday 3rd February 2007
1pm - 5pm
£10 per hour

The National Centre for Combat Martial Arts
Unit 17, 3rd Floor, Valley House,
Hornbeam Park Avenue, Hornbeam Park,
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
HG2 8QT

Tel: 07788 634 057 (call direct for reservations)

Jason: 07788 634 057 Email: jason@better-body.co.uk

Two new White Sashes

2007-01-19T09:06:00.000Z

Congratulations to Russ Thorne and Peter Marston, who this week recieved their White Sashes after sucessful Gradings. Well done to both!

Russian Kettlebells

2007-01-12T12:24:00.000Z

This is your chance to take part in a 2 day course with Steve Cotter (2 time US Full Contact Champion). The course is open to anyone (over 16) and there are kettlebells to suit all.

31st March and 1st April 2007

Venue: NCCMA, Unit 17, 3rd Floor, Valley House, Hornbeam Park Avenue, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG2 8QT

PRICE: £235 (£175 for early bird bookings for NCCMA Members/Friends booking before 1st March 2007)

Click here more information on the course, and information about Kettlebell use

BOOKING INFORMATION
Email: jason@better-body.co.uk With the subject 'Kettlebell Workshop'
Jason Dean: 07788 634 057 (call direct for reservations)
Stuart Agars: 07932 305 498 for more information

New Yellow Belts For Kickboxing Team

2006-11-23T16:14:00.000Z

Jo Green and Sarah Petty were both awarded their new Yellow Belt grade last week.
Both Sarah and Jo graded with the excellent marks. Well done from all of us for all the hard work.

Jon Gill turns yellow!

2006-11-10T18:31:00.000Z

A big congratulations to Jon Gill, who successfully passed his recent grading to yellow sash. Jon is a regular in most classes at the gym, from Kung Fu, to kickboxing and even the Chen Tai Chi... it certainly will help him improve and become even better!

Keep up the work Jon!

Chen Tai Chi

2006-11-06T22:49:00.000Z

Another fantastic lesson in Chen Tai Chi from Steve Burton. I cannot recommend these classes enough. Steve is not only VERY good at Teaching Chen, but is also VERY good at Chi Na (grappling, locks etc), so the lesson is scattered with interesting examples of Tai Chi in practical applications.

Classes are held on the first Saturday in each month and run from 2.30pm - 4.30pm...

Come along - all welcome... 2nd December (give the christmas shopping a miss!)

Here is a little video clip of the first 6 moves: Chen 11 Video

National Centre Wins National Title

2006-10-31T09:52:00.000Z

Sunday the 22nd October saw a great day of Kung Fu mayhem in Birmingham for the Harrogate NCCMA. 16 members from the Lau Gar Kung Fu and Kickboxing club made the arduous journey to the BKFA National Tournament.

3 Club members including Senior Instructor Nathan Beer , Jose Williamson and Stuart Agars entertained the crowd between fights in a wonderfully performed demonstration of Ying Yang boxing, a set based on Lau Gar, Buddha Palm and Chen Style Kung Fu. Nathan, Jose and Stuart form part of the British Kung Fu Association Demo Squad.

The journey was worthwhile for Stuart Agars who won the Set Forms Competition, with the Tiger Crane set of Hung Gar kung Fu - Stuart learnt the set from John Russell who has been trained (amongst others) by Master Jeremy Yau & Dong Sifu. This is the forth Open National title Stuart has won in three years.

Jon Gill made quiet an impact in the over 75kg mens individuals, getting to the quarters, loosing to a worthy fighter from Navan Lau Gar (Coached by none other than Derek Dawson - 5 times Irish open national champion). Jon also had a very hard fight in the continuous light contact kickboxing - despite breaking his nose, carried on in fine form. I wouldn't have liked to be on the end of those punches - Well done Jon (a mighty effort) .

Thanks go out to all who attended, it was a day to remember.

Finally, Well done to John Gardiner who Won the Traditional Fighting, a great deal of potential - Mr Gardiner - one to watch for the future is my tip.......

WOW ! - What a GREAT Lesson in Chen Tai Chi!

2006-10-09T18:23:00.000Z

For those that turned up on Saturday the Chen Tai Chi class was excellent... words I think were echoed by all that attended.

Steve Burton who's skills cover Lau Gar, Chen Tai and Torite Jutsu has a Gold medal for his tai chi skills in the Chen Village elite invitational championships as well has Silver medal for his weapons skills.

Steve is an indoor student of Grandmaster Chen Zheng Lei (19th Generation of the Chen family). Sifu Burton has also been taught by Master Liming Yue and Grandmaster Kong Jie Gou, so we were a great hands.

For those that missed this first class, in which we started learning the 11 Step Chen, the next class will be Saturday 4th November 2pm - 4pm - Open to all - don't miss out!

For more information on Sifu Steve Burton: http://www.laugar.co.uk

Steve Burton, with some of those that attended the Chen Tai Chi Class.

Chen Tai Chi Course

2006-10-04T10:59:00.000Z

Saturday 7th October
2pm - 4pm.
Cost - £14.00

Instruction by Steve Burton, International Gold Medalist.

N.C.C.M.A 3rd Floor, Unit 17, Valley House, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, HG2 3QT

Chen is the original style of Tai Chi Chuan, and is the style from which all others were developed. It combines the co-ordinated actions of the martial arts with Chi Gung breathing exercises, making it a complete system of exercises characterized by the combination of inner and outward power - in Tai Chi Chuan, the practitioner's consciousness, breathing and actions are all closely connected.

Open to all skill levels

Any further questions: tel: 07932 305 498 or email: stu@trainingcircle.co.uk

Chris gets his Green Sash!

2006-08-19T15:50:00.000Z

Chris received his Green Sash and Certificate this week after sucessfully completing his grading. Well done chris!Chris then decided to show Sifu Agars what he had learned!

Summer School 2006

2006-08-06T23:59:00.000Z

Well, we are all back from the 30th Anniversary Summer School in sunny Scarborough and what a week! It was sunny for most of the time, but thankfully it did not make the training any more hotter that usual.

Each day started with a run, this year most of the running was based around Oliver's Mount - usually running up it, then around it, down a bit, round a pond, back up a bit and then down to the start!

The training was, as ever excellent. Morag taking us through some Yogic type exercises first, then later John Russell taught us Ying Yang Boxing; a Tai Chi set with some nice explosive moves. All with a large dose of Lau Gar Stance sets, walking techniques, Andy Nations' 9 move kicking work and rounded off with Shaolin Stomps and Chi Gung.

As it was the 30th Summer School, there was a special Dinner Dance. Below is a group photo taken. (ps i dunno why I was looking the other way! sorry) You can see the weather was good by the colour we all got!

Once the days training was over, we made the most of the sun and used it as an opportunity to see the parts of the town we had not explored before. Below is a picture from our visit to Scarborough Castle.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

2006-07-13T22:09:00.000Z

There will be NO Kickboxing, Tai Chi, Little Dragons and Kung Fu classes on the 25th and 27th July as it is the Annual Summer School in Scarborough.

Classes return to normal the following week.

New challenges for Chris and John

2006-07-01T22:13:00.000Z

Chris and John receive their new certificates from Sifu Agars for recent successful grading to Blue and Green respectively. Congratulations to both of them as they move to learn some new kung fu techniques and refine those already learnt.

Club Photo time!

2006-05-26T22:20:00.000Z

Rebecca and Jonathan were presented with their Certificates, having been presented the sashes last week.

Rebecca and Jonathan get their Green Sashes

2006-05-20T22:05:00.000Z

Rebecca and Jonathan receiving their green sashes from Sifu Agars.

Anthony received his Purple Sash also for successfully passing his recent grading to Purple.

Adam receiving his Purple Sash from Sifu Agars.Well done to all those that have successfully passed their recent grading's, and remember to practice hard those older sets!

All is Sunny at the NCCMA !

2006-05-09T22:28:00.000Z

Dawn and Max celebrated in the sunshine at the NCCMA gym.

After around a year of hard training work they have achieved their Sashes. No mean feat as we don't give them away.....

Dawn and Max displayed good syllabus and set movements and partner work to achive their grade.

Dawn is a regular at the Kung Fu & Kickboxing classes and Tai Chi classes at the gym.

Max trains nearly every available night in the gym and is working on Grappling and boxing Arts, from small acorns do great oaks grow !.

Mystery Shopper

2006-05-09T22:05:00.000Z

Tom Evans,

Harrogates Junior Heavyweight champion displays his Orange Sash.

The Tao of Tom:

Train Hard - Play Hard, wise words my friend.

Well done Tom.

Yang Ban Hou- Tai Chi

2006-05-01T21:15:00.000Z

21st May 2006 - 10am - 4pm

This is the second Yang Ban Hou Tai Chi course. For those that came earlier in the year, a chance to learn more moves, for those that missed the opportunity - you still have a chance to catch up!

Some background info:
Yang Ban Hou Taijiquan Form, also known as the Guangping form clearly illustrates the historical and lineage link between the Chen Family and the Yang Family Taijiquan. The form incorporates a solid differentiation between yin and yang, as well as a number of well-defined silk drawing movements. This form can be traced from Yang Ban Hou who was the second son of Yang Lu Shan who had learnt Taijiquan from the Chen Family. Yang Ban Hou transmitted his knowledge to only a few disciples one of these was Wang Chiao-Yu who was based in Beijing, he in turn taught Kuo Lien-Ying who was responsible for introducing it to the West. Made up of Sixty Four Movements which relate to the sixty four hexagrams of the I Ching, this form should be of interest to both Yang and Chen Family Style Practitioners, as well as to the complete beginner, who is interested in accessing a form of movement which gives us a tool with which to take responsibility for our health and well being. This Course is suitable for people of all ages and standards, from beginner to advanced level.

If you have any questions or wish to book for this course contact:
Stuart Agars
T: 01423 530168
M: 07932 305498
email stu@trainingcircle.co.uk

NCCMA, Unit 17, Hornbeam Business Park, Harrogate
10am - 4pm
21 May 2006
Cost: £40 (discount available for NCCMA members and those that book in advance)

Two successful Purple Sash students for Harrogate Lau Gar Club

2006-04-28T18:04:00.000Z

Jennifer Beer and Neil Lauber both successfully passed their Purple Sash (6th Kup) in Lau Gar this week. They now move onto their new syllabus, which includes the Wooden Staff. Well done to the both of them!

National Lion Dancing Champions - British Kung Fu Association

2006-04-18T15:27:00.000Z

Hi All,

I thought I'd put a picture of the Northern Dragons Lion Dancing Team on the site.

We have been successful for 2 years running and are looking forward to a busy year performing all over the UK and in Ireland.

I wanted to say Thanks You to all of the people who attended the opening party and saw Master Yau Bless the Lion - this was a very special occasion for us, and hope it will bring good luck to our Lion.

Our red lion symbolises Guang Gong or Kwan Yu - you will all recognise him as General Kwan weilder of the mighty Kwan Dao, one of the characters from the 3 Kingdoms Stories.

Certificates for Sam and Cedric

2006-04-14T21:10:00.000Z

Sam and Cedric with their White Sash certificates, alongside Sifu Stuart Agars and some other children from the Little Dragons.

If you have children who would like to try Kung Fu in the Harrogate Little Dragons, come along on a Thursday night (6-7pm) - The first lesson is FREE!. The classes combine light to moderate excersise, with team games, and some kung fu training.

N.C.C.M.A Official opening and Lau Gar Lion Blessing

2006-04-08T12:49:00.000Z

The National Centre for Combat Martial Arts (NCCMA) held its Official Opening night 7th April 2006. The Centre is the home for the Harrogate Lau Gar Kuen Kung Fu Club, Kickboxing and Tai Chi as well as the the Home for 'Lenny' the Lion which won the National Lion Dance competition for the second time in a row earlier this year.
The Opening celebrations were attended by many people associated with the Club, as well as friends and family of Stuart Agars (owner of the Centre and a Lau Gar Guardian) Master Yau the 'keeper' of the Lau Gar Family Style of Kung Fu, which is taught around the country and in the centre, attended the opening night and in a special ceremony Blessed the Lion in the Traditional style.
Stuart and David Eccles preformed the Lion Dance for the opening ceremony accompanied by Master Yau on the Drum - quite an honour! Joe Agars was superb as he played the part of the Buddha, complete with head mask and fan.As well as the Lion Dance, there were plenty of other demonstrations; Pete Hornby performed the Tiger Crane set, Graham Abdulla preformed the Second Sword set, David Eccles performed a Tai Chi Sword set, Stuart Agars showed us Lau Gar Luk Hup Kuin and Nathan Beer demonstrated Lau Gar Soar Hou Kwun. The audience we also asked to become more involved as the matted area was filled as everyone participated in some Chi Gung excersices led by Stuart Hunt, who also preformed the role of compair for the night events.

Yang Ban Hou - Tai Chi

2006-03-15T22:06:00.000Z

NCCMA, Unit 17, Hornbeam Business Park, Harrogate
26 March 2006

10am - 4pm (with a break for lunch)

Yang Ban Hou Taijiquan Form, also known as the Guangping form clearly illustrates the historical and lineage link between the Chen Family and the Yang Family Taijiquan.

The form incorporates a solid differentiation between yin and yang, as well as a number of well-defined silk drawing movements. This form can be traced from Yang Ban Hou who was the second son of Yang Lu Shan who had learnt Taijiquan from the Chen Family. Yang Ban Hou transmitted his knowledge to only a few disciples one of these was Wang Chiao-Yu who was based in Beijing, he in turn taught Kuo Lien-Ying who was responsible for introducing it to the West.

Made up of Sixty Four Movements which relate to the sixty four hexagrams of the I Ching, this form should be of interest to both Yang and Chen Family Style Practitioners, as well as to the complete beginner, who is interested in accessing a form of movement which gives us a tool with which to take responsibility for our health and well being.

More details available from Stuart Agars or http://www.uktqf.co.uk/CourseDetails.asp?EventID=105

The N.C.C.M.A Site

2006-03-14T23:06:00.001Z

The NEW NCCMA Centre Website is now live! Check out www.nccma.co.uk

Certificates!

2006-03-09T23:00:00.000Z

Late, but by no means forgotten or less important, the Certificates were handed out to John, Phil and Chris for the recent successful gradings; 3 Kup and 1st Kup.
Well done lads!

Two New Black Sashes for Harrogate Lau Gar Club

2006-02-16T22:22:00.000Z

James and Carl receiving their First Degree Black Sashes from Sifu Hunt, Sifu Agars and Sifu Beer having successfully passed their grading in October last year.
James and Carl joined the club together and graded side by side through all their gradings and have finally achieved their first big milestone. Now they move onto more advanced training, including advanced walks, kicks and of course the sword (just try and avoid their blades!)

Chris receives his White Sash

2006-02-16T22:18:00.000Z

Chris receiving his White Sash from Sifu Hunt and Sifu Agars having successfully completed his grading.
Well done to Chris who now moves onto learning his new syllabus for Blue Sash!

John receives his Orange Sash

2006-02-11T11:25:00.000Z

John received his Orange Sash this week from Sifu Stuart Agars and Sifu Nathan Beer, having successfully completed his grading a few weeks ago. John now progresses onto more complex techniques most noticeably the first non stationary set piece. Good luck John!

Cedric receives his White Sash

2006-02-10T09:01:00.000Z

Cedric recieving his White Sash from Sifu Agars, surrounded by all the Children in the class.
Well done cedric - keep up the good work!

Opening Night at the New Training Centre

2006-02-04T13:03:00.000Z

Just thought I would post a few of the pictures I took on the first night in our new regular training venue. I think everyone was impressed with the new location, despite it being one of the coldest weeks for a while and the heating failing, there were still plenty of smiles, and Sifu Agars had us keep warm with plenty of partner work - and a nice cup of Chinese tea when we finished!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES

The New Training Gym

2006-02-01T22:11:00.000Z

The New Lau Gar Training Gym is ready and Thrusday 3rd February 2006 will be the first night!
Stuart has put a lot of hard work into getting the gym ready for the first night, and although there is still some work to be done its ready to use.
For all those that did not get a chance to see the gym before all the work commenced I shall paint the following image: The gym was originally used as a factory, the walls had not seen paint for many years, the floor was industrial metal flooring covered with some very grotty, aged lino and the place seemed inhabited by a considerable infestation of flies!

Enjoy the gym!
Carl

Welcome to the Harrogate Lau Gar News Site

2006-01-27T15:17:00.000Z

The aim of this site is to tell those that are interested what is or has been going on in the club.
We hope to be able to post pictures of classes, students, grading successes and more.

There is also another two sites being built; one is the nccma site, which will promote the Gym that we use for all its activities (kung Fu, Tai Chi and of course the Jujitsu etc.) the other site in construction is the shopping site (trainingcircle.co.uk) when this is finished it will be a place for anyone to order their shoes, weapons, pads and a whole load more.

Keep this site bookmarked and pop back often, we hope to update the site at least once a week!