Hello, and welcome to the Praying Mantis Martial Arts Institute London!
OPEN TO NEW MEMBERS ALL YEAR ROUND - Please email us or contact us on our socials to know more!
Our first taster session:
- 23rd September, 2026,18:30
- The Studio, Bush House SE Wing
- Just wear comfortable clothing, like a T-shirt, joggers and flat trainers. Bring a water bottle and lots of energy!
- We recommend arriving a few minutes before, but do not worry if this is not possible.
- No previous kung fu experience, knowledge or training is required or expected, so beginners are welcome!
- The taster session is FREE and no booking is required, just drop in. We can't wait to see you there!
Who we are
We are a traditional Chinese Martial Arts school based at King's College London. We are a very enthusiastic and friendly group of practitioners of the Seven Star Praying Mantis system. More than a simple sports club, we are a group interested in traditional Chinese martial arts, philosophy, and culture, and very enthusiastic about spreading the genuine Seven Star Praying Mantis boxing.
Who can practice
Kung Fu is a martial art that is suitable for everyone, and no previous experience is expected. We offer a safe and non-competitive training environment for senior and junior students to learn from one another and grow stronger together.
Health Benefits
Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu helps students develop coordination, build good reflexes, improve mental focus to remain calm in stressful situations, reduce anxiety, and improve overall health. Practitioners develop good self-defence capabilities and a boost in self-confidence.
What you will learn
Praying Mantis boxing is known for its speed, agility, and flexibility. It focuses on both long-range and close-quarter tactics, grabbing and trapping strategies, and take-down techniques. We offer a unique approach focused on self-defence techniques, fighting drills, free sparring, single and partner forms, weapon sparring forms, and internal energy exercises (qigong/luohan).
Genealogy
We follow the lineage from the well-known Hong Kong family of Grandmaster Wong Hon Fun/Huang Han Xun (7th generation), aka the ‘Mantis King’, his disciple, Grandmaster Brendan Lai (8th generation), and two of his disciples, Grandmaster Tony Chuy (head of the Praying Mantis Martial Arts Institute in New York City) and Dr Samuel Mendonça (Chief Instructor of the Praying Mantis Martial Arts Institute Brazil). Our curriculum is aligned with the Grandmaster Praying Mantis Martial Arts Institute in NYC. The Instructor, Dr Raphael Lima, is a certified instructor from the Praying Mantis Martial Arts Institute Brazil, with more than 16 years of experience in the Seven Star Praying Mantis system.
Community-building activities
As a kung fu family, we also engage in several activities outside training sessions, such as Chinese dinners, seminars and training camps, Praying Mantis theory study sessions, and other cultural activities. Everyone is welcome to join our activities!
Interested? These are the next steps.
Sessions
- Mondays, Bush House SE Wing, at 18.30
- Wednesdays, Bush House SE Wing, at 18.30
- Saturdays, Bush House SE Wing, at 14.00
- Mantis (14.00-15.30)
- Weapons training: (15.30-16.30)
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If you would like to come, just show up for a free trial session or drop us a line via Instagram @northernmantislondon or e-mail laikungfulondon@gmail.com
Prices
- £25/ month (students) instructor fees, paid after each month during the first week of the following month.
- £40/ month (non-students)
- First membership includes the beginner-level training shirt.
Missed our taster? Everyone is entitled to a free trial session! Join us or book a free trial lesson with us!