INTRODUCTION

Chugarkwon translates as The School of Selective Teaching. San-Da means Free Style. These terms are used to describe our system as it is not strictly related to a traditional Kung Fu family style.

San-Da or San Shou is a relatively new martial art, which was originally developed by the Chinese military based upon intense study of various traditional methods. In 1991, China introduced an amateur sport version of San-Da and in 1997, the first attempts were made both in China and in the United States to establish professional matches. These matches are referred to as San Shou, a newer term, which the Chinese use to describe full combat fighting.

In 1992, Master Chiu began teaching the Chugarkwon Academy's brand of San-Da in London. The influences on this rich and diverse style are obvious and originate from Master Chiu's broad background in martial arts. Most prominent perhaps being his time spent studying the Wing Chun and Hung Gar branches of Shaolin derived Kung Fu and Korean Taekwondo. He is the founder, chief instructor and examiner for the Chugarkwon Academy.

This eclectic martial art teaches traditional formwork, physical and mental development, Shaolin Chin Na, practical self defence and oriental philosophy. The 1st Degree foundation course consists of ten grades of advancement moving up a ranking system that denotes seniority and experience. Step by step, each grade teaches new aspects of fundamental principles through repetition and application.

Our clubs teach combat technique and strategy in a controlled manner so that students are not hurt from untrained hands. The syllabus covers basic principles of blocking, punching, kicking, throwing, and take-downs which are the core practice of San-Da. However, unlike main-stream San-Da we do not practice full contact sparring. The foundation course aims to teach discipline, leadership, instil confidence, control and cooperation as well as skills in self-defence.

From 2nd Degree onwards the emphasis on training gradually shifts from the extrinsic to the intrinsic systems including Chi Kung for promoting health and vitality. After several years should black belts wish to enter San-Da tournaments they are welcome to do so under their own responsibility and will have a solid foundation with which to do so.

The main objective of this system is not to produce fighters but to develop individuals, giving the individual an opportunity to express life skills through training in the system. Persistent training shows willpower and indomitable spirit. The ability to dissolve a challenge instils courage and self-control. Our clubs teach students the danger of violence in a controlled manner so that they can learn to evade confrontation and eliminate physical abuse.