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Lau Gar Classes
If you'd like to know more about these classes (or any others) please phone Gary McCaw |
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About our Classes The training format begins with a comprehensive warm-up, followed by a cardiovascular routine performed by either an instructor (sifu), or by a senior student. Following this, the theme of that particular class is incorporated, for example punching techniques, leg work, traditional Lau training or practical self-defense applications. The class ends with a cool-down to prevent muscle strains and pains.New class members are assisted with their training by sifus, assistant instructors and senior students, meaning help and support are always available. The atmosphere in class is always friendly and positive, and every class member is willing to help develop their peers' skills. Basic training in Lau Gar involves learning forms, set self-defense routines (hand and kick blocks), repeated walking techniques, and free form sparring at levels that suit the students. As the students progress, more new techniques and applications will be taught to them, increasing their self-confidence, power, speed and discipline.  Classical Chinese weaponry is taught throughout the advanced stages of Lau training (such as the Broad Sword, 'Dan Dao'; the 'Eyebrow' pole; 'Rat tail' pole; spear, 'Kwun Dou'; 'Butterfly Knives', and the 'Tiger Fork'); classes also provide training for fitness with Bag and pad work, circuit training and/or body toning with stretching for both men and women, and (optional) tournament fighting. Regular courses, seminars and competitions make up additional training opportunities for all our members. Training is very informative as well as physical, with a friendly, family atmosphere. You will feel safe in the knowledge that the advanced members will offer friendly advice with discipline, control and respect. You will be able to commence training upon completion of your membership payment and your equipment will be issued to you. There are a range of memberships on offer to suit all enthusiasts.
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About our Senior Instructor, Mr Gary McCawSenior Instructor for West Lothian
I then moved to Edinburgh a few years later, and realising I needed to get back into training I went along to Craigmount School where I met Sifu Steve Newby and was invited to join in with the class. It felt great to be back. After a few months I was back in to the swing of things and realising the reason I was improving so much was down to the tuition I was receiving, through classes and squad training etc. I started to move up the grades again and take part in more competitions and actually started to think about my fighting instead of just closing my eyes and hoping for the best. The first competition I won was a regional open as a yellow sash, gold, in the three man team event with Pete Knox and Kenny Allen. I also won the Scottish Championship trophy as part of the Academy's A team in 1999: John, Pete, Ali, Kenny and I (and I have the photo of the winning team with a very youthful John Young in it, respect). I continued to fight in competitions and go up through the grades, all the time gaining more and more experience. In 2000, I went to New Zealand to work, a hard decision to make, as I had just been asked by Sifu Newby to become a class assistant. As I was a purple sash I felt that I was just starting to understand the art. Not wanting to forget what I had learned I kept training on my own in New Zealand, corresponding with my mentors back home. Pete Knox sent me a letter containing word for word every move in Lau Gar Luk Hup Kuin for which I will be eternally greatful. While being away I realised how much my training had become such a huge part of my life, almost a necessity, That was when I made the decision that when I got back home I would become 100% committed. I returned home in December 2002 and resumed my training after being home only 4 days with Pete at Craigmount. It felt great to be back among friends, doing syllabus and sparring, it was great to see how much everybody had improved and advanced. There were also students who I had never met, which was a bit strange at first but after a few weeks I had settled back in as normal. I started training with Ali Blaikie at the infamous "Breakfast club" on a Saturday morning where I was inspired by him to develop my understanding of the art. Some off us headed down to the summer course in Scarbourgh. These courses are run by Master Yau and Sifu John Russell over a week. They are an excellent way to compare your training (and fitness) with all the other students in the UK. In August '03, I was invited by Sifu Newby to take over the Livingston class and build the West Lothian area and also assist John Young in training the Raptors team for competition. I was honoured that they had the belief and confidence in me to take on such roles. Over the past couple of years I have trained, coached and watched numerous students improve in all aspects of their training whether it be syllabus or competition. This is best shown at the B.K.F.A national championships, not only by the amount of students we have representing the Academy but the standard of the fighting. That, to me, is what makes teaching and coaching worthwhile. I currently have four clubs running: one in Kirkliston, one in Ratho, one in West Edinburgh and one in Livingston. Mr Gary McCaw |
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