Closed-Door Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis
Old Skool Kung Fu
For People Who Don’t Want Fancy Pyjamas Or Pointless Belts
Brutal close-range power. Traditional Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis in YOUR CITY. Small group. Serious students only.
Adults Only
Closed Door School
Real Conditioning
This is not a drop-in martial arts “class”. It’s a traditional, closed-door kung fu school for people who actually want to train hard, get strong and learn something dangerous.
No walk-ins. No tourists. You apply. We decide together if you’re a fit.
Not Ready To Apply Yet? Get The Old Skool Kung Fu Starter Pack.
See what Southern Mantis is really about without stepping on the mat (yet). No fluff. No nonsense. Just the core principles.
The Old Skool Kung Fu Starter Pack
“7 Ruthless Southern Mantis Principles For Real-World Fighting Power”
Short, punchy guide – plain English, no jargon.
10-minute video from SIFU SteveTansley explaining what Chow Gar is (and what it isn’t).
One simple solo conditioning drill you can do tonight.
Meet Your Sifu
Who I Am. What This Is. Why It’s Different.
I’m SIFU NAME. I teach traditional Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis in YOUR CITY. No performance. No choreography. Just old skool Hakka kung fu the way it was meant to be trained.
In the video:
How I came to train Chow Gar and my lineage.
What we focus on: short power, close-range, conditioning and contact.
Why this is a closed-door school – and who it’s for.
Exactly what happens when you apply to join.
Proof & Credibility
Real Lineage. Real Training. Real Results.
This isn’t a made-up “fusion” system. It’s a traditional Southern Praying Mantis lineage taught in a modern, no-nonsense way.
Lineage
Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis – traditional Hakka system.
Direct lineage under YOUR TEACHER / ASSOCIATION.
Teaching in YOUR CITY since YEAR.
Time On The Mat
X+ years personal training experience.
X+ years teaching students in small groups.
Hands-on correction and real contact in every session – not huge anonymous classes.
Trust & Safety
Fully insured, first-aid trained and committed to safe but serious training.
What You’ll Actually Do
What Is Southern Mantis – And What Will You Be Training?
Forget fancy performances and flying kicks. Southern Mantis lives at close range. It’s about structure, short power and aggression under control.
In Every Session You’ll Work On:
Short power striking at very close range – no wind-up, no telegraph.
Bridge hands – making contact, sticking and dominating the space.
Impact conditioning (safe but tough) for forearms, stance and body.
Footwork & structure so you can hit hard without losing balance.
Partner drills that build timing, pressure and confidence.
Forms & applications – not for show; everything ties back to fighting function.
What A Typical Class Looks Like
1. Warm-up & joint preparation.
2. Structure and stance – building the frame.
3. Hands – bridge, strike, follow-up.
4. Conditioning – forearms, stance, impact work.
5. Application drills – controlled but real pressure.
6 .Cool-down, questions and corrections.
7 .You will sweat. You will be hit (safely). You will leave knowing you’ve actually trained.
Real Students
What Students Say
Real people with jobs, families and busy lives – who still choose to show up and train hard.
What Students Say
What Students Say
"Loved everything so far"
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- Your Name
"My life changed forever"
"Testimonial lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim dolor elit."
- Your Name
"Highly recommend this"
"Testimonial lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim dolor elit."
- Your Name
FAQ
Questions You Might Be Asking
If you’re still reading, good. You’re doing your homework. Here are straight answers to the usual questions.
Do you accept complete beginners?
Yes, if your attitude is right. You don’t need experience, but you do need to listen, work hard and be respectful.
Do you teach kids?
No. We focus on adults so we can keep the training atmosphere serious and focused.
How often are classes?
Typically 2–3 evenings per week plus occasional weekend sessions. Exact times are shared with accepted students.
Can I just come and watch a class?
No. This is a closed-door school. The first step is to apply. If accepted, we’ll invite you for a proper trial assessment session.
What should I wear to training?
Plain T-shirt, training trousers or shorts, and clean indoor shoes or bare feet. No ego, no fancy kit required.
Is this a sport or self-defence?
Southern Mantis was built for fighting, not points. Training carries over into real-world self-defence and pressure, but we train responsibly.
Do you have gradings or belts?
We don’t chase belts. Progress is measured by ability, not coloured cloth. You’ll know you’ve improved by how you move, hit and handle pressure.
Is this suitable if I’m not very fit yet?
Yes. We’ll build your conditioning over time. Expect to be pushed, but not broken. If you’re unsure, apply and be honest about your current level.
Where are you based?
We train in Threebridges, Crawley. The full address is sent once your application is accepted.
How much does it cost?
We’ll go through training options and fees if your application is accepted. We’re not the cheapest in town, and we don’t try to be.
What happens when I apply?
You fill in the form. If it looks like you might be a fit, we’ll contact you for a quick call or email chat. If we’re both happy, we book your trial assessment.
Is it safe?
We train hard but controlled. You will be hit (and you’ll hit things) but we avoid stupid injuries. You’re responsible for speaking up if something doesn’t feel right.
How long before I see progress?
Most students feel a difference in their structure and power within the first few months – if they show up and do the work.
Can women train here?
Yes. If you’re serious and you show up, you’ll be treated just like everyone else.
What if I’m still not sure if this is for me?
Grab the Old Skool Kung Fu Starter Pack or apply and be honest. If we don’t think it’s right for you, we’ll say so.
Straight-Talking Promise
How We Work
We won’t waste your time with fluff or choreography.
We won’t pretend this is easy. It isn’t.
We will train you properly, at a pace that’s tough but fair.
After your trial assessment, if you don’t feel this is for you, you walk away. No hard feelings. No sales pitch.This is a Paragraph Font
If You’ve Read This Far, You Already Know.
You’re either excited… or you’re not. If you are, don’t sit on it. Applications for the current intake are open now. When the spots are gone, they’re gone.
Mantis Fist Kung Fu
Traditional Southern Praying Mantis
A closed-door school dedicated to preserving and teaching real, old-skool Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu.
This is not fitness training. This is traditional skill, conditioning, and discipline — taught properly.