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What happens when you stop accepting tradition… and start questioning everything?

In this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, we sit down with Gary Lever — a long-time Goju-Ryu practitioner who went deep into the roots of his art, cross-training with other arts and Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu and exploring what truly makes martial arts functional.

This is a raw and honest conversation about training, evolution, and the reality behind traditional systems.

We explore:

• The connection between Goju-Ryu and Southern Chinese systems
• Why San Chin is the foundation — and what most people miss
• How structure, breathing, and internal development actually work
• The role of strength training vs traditional conditioning
• Why many systems lose their essence over time
• The importance of mindset, adaptation, and real application
  

This episode goes beyond style and into understanding.

🎙️ Listen now and rethink what training really means.

This episode is brought to you by the ICGPMA International Chow Gar Praying Mantis Association

https://www.facebook.com/chowgarmantisassociation/

https://www.instagram.com/chowgarmantis/

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What does real Kung Fu training look like when it’s stripped of ego, politics, and performance?

In this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, we sit down with Sifu Steve Hayes — a lifelong martial artist with decades of experience in Southern Praying Mantis, security work, and real-world combat.

From brutal conditioning and pad work to the psychological reality of confrontation, this is an honest look at what training is really for.

We explore:

• The reality of Southern Praying Mantis training and its combative roots
• Why aggression, simplicity, and repetition matter more than complexity
• The gap between traditional forms and real-world application
• Lessons from security work and dealing with real violence
• Why most people misunderstand fighting — and what actually works under pressure
• The importance of fundamentals, conditioning, and mental toughness
  

This is not about performance.
This is about function.

🎙️ Listen now and discover what real Kung Fu training actually demands.

This episode is brought to you by the ICGPMA International Chow Gar Praying Mantis Association

https://www.facebook.com/chowgarmantisassociation/

https://www.instagram.com/chowgarmantis/

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In this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, we sit down with Sifu Jim Uglow, who shares his journey into Hung Gar — from early training in London to travelling to Hong Kong and immersing himself in a traditional lineage.

What emerges is a clear picture of what authentic training demands.

We explore:

• The reality of training in Hong Kong and learning within a traditional school
• Why forms are only the beginning — and what they reveal about you
• The importance of structure, fundamentals, and repetition
• How internal training develops over time, in layers
• The role of mindset, humility, and character in long-term progress
  

This is not about performance or theory — it’s about experience.

A deep conversation on what it really means to train, improve, and stay on the path.

🎙️ Listen now on Voices of Kung Fu

This episode is brought to you by the ICGPMA International Chow Gar Praying Mantis Association

https://www.facebook.com/chowgarmantisassociation/

https://www.instagram.com/chowgarmantis/

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In this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, we sit down with Sifu Julian Dale — a practitioner with over 42 years of experience — who travelled from the UK to Hong Kong and across China in search of real Kung Fu.

What he found challenges a lot of modern assumptions.

From the origins of Eagle Claw Kung Fu to the reality of combat, we explore:

• Why “blocking” doesn’t exist
• The truth behind power, structure, and tendon strength
• How traditional systems were built for survival — not performance
• And what separates real skill from imitation
  

This is a deep dive into the mindset, training, and philosophy behind authentic Chinese martial arts.

This episode is brought to you by the ICGPMA International Chow Gar Praying Mantis Association

https://www.facebook.com/chowgarmantisassociation/

https://www.instagram.com/chowgarmantis/

Enjoying the episode?👉Support the show ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/voicesofkungfu⁠

Unlock the journey of Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu with Arthur Luk, a dedicated practitioner who trained under legendary masters in Hong Kong and New York. Discover how traditional martial arts training, focused on structure, internal energy, and resilience, can transform not just your skills, but your entire life. This episode reveals the subtle mechanics, profound philosophy and meticulous discipline that make Chow Gar Tong Long one of the rare martial systems in the world.

Arthur shares captivating stories of his training journey, from basement lessons in NYC to rigorous sessions in Hong Kong’s temples. You'll learn about the core principles like Hei Gong (internal energy), the importance of form and structure, and why soft power combined with explosive internal strength creates a lasting martial foundation.

Not just a history lesson, this conversation offers practical insights into how traditional techniques build functional strength, reaction speed, and resilience—traits shared by elders who practice into their 80s with vitality and grace.

We break down: the significance of foundational basics, the internal breath work fueling your power, and the subtle art of maintaining relaxation within tension.

Arthur discusses the cultural context of Chinese martial arts, the importance of community, and how the internal energy practice enhances longevity and vitality—vital knowledge for anyone committed to true martial mastery in today’s fast-paced world.

Why does it matter? Because neglecting these traditional teachings risks losing the soul of the art. Missing out on the internal practices and meticulous form means missing the full potential of what martial arts can truly offer: resilience, health, and a deep connection to a living cultural heritage.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting your journey, this episode will deepen your understanding of Chow Gar’s profound internal philosophy. Perfect for martial artists, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone seeking mental and physical resilience through authentic training methods.

This episode is brought to you by the ICGPMA International Chow Gar Praying Mantis Association

https://www.facebook.com/chowgarmantisassociation/

https://www.instagram.com/chowgarmantis/