Friese began his Kung Fu training for self-defence. He explained that the martial art has given him the ability to teach his body to move in ways that most people do not understand, while, at the same time, manipulating his opponent’s body with minimal effort. Now in his third decade of training, Friese is also interested in the Eastern study of Qi, which is the body’s vital internal energy system.
“It [Kung Fu] becomes a way of life, not so much an activity,” said Friese.
The health centre teaches bare hand Kung Fu forms – the movements imitating different animals such as the tiger, crane and snake. These practices are the ‘technical handbooks’ that teachers use to pass on the martial art system. Other forms include practising with weapons where students learn to work with swords, poles and spears. The forms are not only exercises that instil discipline, but they are essentially routines that allow the student to master the various techniques.
Friese added the forms help develop fitness, suppleness and general strength of the body.
“I use my martial arts training to calm my mind, deal with work stress and live my life in the way that I have been brought up in the martial arts training – with humility, patience and respect for other human beings,” explained Friese.
Beginner classes focus on building up the basics. This entails physical exercise, stretching, basic kicks, punches and blocking techniques to build up co-ordination slowly. Students need to hold a variety of postures which help strengthen the legs, arms and core muscles.
“I think people get real enjoyment out of training with us due to the way we infuse technical and traditional martial arts training with the westernised concept of exercising. We find lots of people joining us because they are bored with the constant same old gym routine and environment,” added Friese.
The Chinese Martial Arts and Health Centre offers a trial week of training for free.
The centre has branches in Parkhurst, Durban and Cape Town, with a sister school in Taiwan.
Details: 072 184 1527 or bryanston@kung-fu.co.za
