Frequently Asked.....

Q: What sort of style id Tiandidao, hard, Soft or Soft-Hard style?
A: All three. In what's generally called the "Kung FU Syllabus" students learn how to apply correct hard power, later they learn how to use soft power. Eventually they will learn how to use all three aspects as needed.

Q: Do you do High Kicks?
A: Yes, but only so we can teach Intermediates how to defend against them. They are not practical in a fight against someone who is well-trained.

Q: How come you haven't got a school in China?
A: Not al schools of Chinese Arts have links in China. We have "links" and "roots" in Traditional Chinese Arts. Even many Chinese have created a system whilst living in the West, where you live is unimportant; after all, you don't have to go to China for Chinese food! One must still be knowledgeable and beware of those who claim to teach genuine Chinese family systems but may be teaching wrongly for you can never progress if that is the case and may sustain lasting injuries!

** T'ien Ti Tao has been fully tested and accepted by China as "Genuine traditional Chinese Arts" - ICKF c.1987.

Q: Do you teach weapons?
A: Yes, but only at higher levels. A student needs to have plenty of "grounding" and be "responsible" before moving on to weapons like Staff, sword or spear as these command a high degree of skill to wield properly, as well as correct technique. In Kung Fu weapons are used to "extend the mind and energies", not promoted as tools of violence, as the ignorant and uninformed might think.

Q: Is your Kung Fu suitable for self-defence or is it just for show?
A: All genuine Kung Fu should be a viable method of self-defence. It should also offer training without damage to the body; as that's defeating yourself! All of our methods have been developed from traditional "tried and tested" routes with thought and care. The methods are suitable for male or female and have even been "tested" by a reputable Door Worker. It is easy to tell the difference between what the Chinese call "Flowery Hands" and "Real Kung Fu" and we'll be glad to explain to any of our students.

Q: What's Chee Kung?
A: Ch'i Kung or Qigong means "Energy Training" and may also be an integral part of Kung Fu training. It is a method of enhancing and balancing the body's energies and developing internal power. If taught incorrectly by an amateur or "cowboy" it can cause ill-health, so make sure you learn from a competent practitioner who's been teaching a long time.

Q: What's Tai Chi then? Some people claim it's a Martial Art but it's so slow it can't be any use in a fight, can it?
A: T'ai Chi is a philosophy. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a Martial art that is structured around that philosophy. We train in both and the philosophy and principles are used in both our "Kung Fu" and "Taijiquan" training.
      * It is a very effective method of self-defence if used properly.
       * It takes at least ten years to make a T'ai Chi Ch'uan Instructor.
        * All genuine T'ai Chi Ch'uan has many levels and facets.

Q: I did some training before and they said I'd get a Black Belt in 2-3 years. Can I get that or higher grades with you?
A: We have heard many people are disappointed with the, often not truly qualified, people who "sell" black belt courses. This is a scourge to the Martial Arts. If you gain an instructor's grade in just 2-3 years then what you know may not be worth much. We can always asses you to see if we can progress you but you may have to re-learn many basics that you took for granted. Don't expect quick grades or black-belts here as you'll be disappointed. It might take you between 9-11 years to make "first level" Instructor, but in the past some have been compared to 3rd  degree black-belts in some other systems. In a fight, as in life, it's quality that counts, not the colour of your belt; and quality takes years to obtain.

Q: Why should I do Kung Fu instead of [western] Fitness Training?
A: What is not known is not understood. Western exercises are all "external" and therefore once you stop you quickly loose it. With Kung Fu and T'ai Chi Ch'uan ("Internal") you build up a healthier, fitter body over time. This has a longer lasting effect, but also it can go on improving your health and resistance to ageing or disease with later life. It has mental benefits as well as health enhancing benefits and the obvious fitness elements. Lasting Arts have lasting followers, unlike short-lived western exercise trends.