Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat

Master Iain is a Kung Fu philosopher and author with 36 years of living Kung Fu. Trained personally by Grand Master Tan Soh Tin in Singapore, he’s a two-time world champion and veteran of real street battles. Famous for his high-quality Kung Fu teaching, his instructional films and magazine articles, and for his demonstrations of Iron Shirt Qigong, Master Iain is a mine of information but retains a very practical, down to earth, and realistic approach. Most people who meet him are struck by his air of calm, patience, and wisdom.

Marion is very serious about her martial arts. She has experience in BJJ, Muay Thai, kickboxing, but found her true passion in Shaolin Kung Fu. Marion loves sharing her kung fu with her students who find her very thorough, attentive and methodical. Marion is interested in applying her kung fu skills in competition fighting; She is one of our San Da (Chinese boxing) teachers and is a competitive Thai boxer. She is also a certified yoga teacher and horse riding instructor. Hailing from Switzerland she speaks French and German as well as English. Marion is based full time at the Kung fu Retreat

Dave's initial success in Kung Fu drew from his experience as a karate teacher and a strong determination to constantly work hard to improve. He has a background in personal training and specializes in strength against body exercises. Dave became attracted to the Kung Fu Retreat as he wanted to get away from modern commercial martial arts and commit his life to the study of genuine Kung Fu. He further wants to explore the spiritual aspects of traditional Chinese martial arts and its associated culture. Dave is based full time at the Kung Fu Retreat.

Andrew is a very patient, clear Instructor. He has a good eye for detail and a calming nature about him. His favourite aspect of teaching is helping others achieve their goals of self-improvement and seeing their progress. The way that all aspects of Kung Fu link together as a martial art and in life is what fascinates him most about it. Andrew teaches our traditional fighting lessons, assists Master Iain with instructor training and takes charge of discussions on kung fu culture, philosophy and wisdom if Master Iain is away. Andrew will be present at the Retreat from March 2018 for 6-9 months

A highly dedicated martial artist who excels in a wide range of skills, Jan is the most senior of the instructors. A fast learner and 'Kung Fu natural' he knows very many routines and is always learning more. He has a wealth of training and experience with the Nam Yang family and serves as a great example of the Kung Fu spirit and ethics. He recently decided to leave Europe and fully dedicate himself to training and teaching Kung Fu. If you ever get overwhelmed with learning new moves and routines, Jan will always be happy to assist you. Jan is based permanently at the Kung Fu Retreat.

Craig is a very easy going, popular teacher who can make complex movements seem easy. He is naturally very athletic and keeps up a high level of physical fitness. He has a flair for weapons training and teaches our weapons classes twice a week. He is also interested in San Da (Chinese boxing). He has a deep wish to focus properly on learning and understanding our arts and likes living in the mountains and forests of Northern Thailand with its mix of cultures and ethnicities. Craig is usually present from September to April.

Emily is passionate about her kung fu training. She began training in Northern Shaolin Kung Fu in the USA which she enjoyed greatly but was attracted to Nam Yang because of the history and integrity of its arts. Rather than a mix of styles and routines what she found at the Kung Fu Retreat was a tightly connected system of internal kung fu, external kung fu and weapons supported by the practice several styles of chi kung and the study of Chinese philosophy, strategy and culture. She also values greatly the chance to train full time and dedicate herself fully to the arts which she studies.

Lena is an experienced teacher with a patient approach. Lena teaches at the Kung Fu Retreat during the winter months and teaches outdoor survival skills in England during the summer. She has been interested developing a self-defence class for women so that those who perceive themselves as vulnerable feel safe. Lena is very approachable and has a good sense humour, which adds to the environment we have created here at Nam Yang of a family-friendly feel. Coming from Austria Lena speaks German, English and, as a result of five years spent in Africa, Swahili!

Lefa is a very dedicated kung fu student and also studies meditation and spiritual development. Along with Freya, he leads our meditation training. He is a calm and understanding teacher and takes his role very seriously. Lefa sees Kung Fu as not only a martial art but a way of living and believes it can be applied to every aspect of life. Lefa speaks German and English. He lived in both Germany and South Africa, it was in South Africa where he trained in Northern style Kung fu before joining the Kung Fu Retreat.

Freya is the most recent addition to our teaching team. She is highly focused and learns very fast. Along with Lefa, she leads our meditation program. Students think that she has a great voice and a great manor for meditation teaching. Freya enjoys pushing and sticking hands as she believes through it you can develop people to become more intuitive, confident and relaxed. Freya is English and comes from a very rural part of England so she feels right at home amongst the mountains and fields surrounding Nam Yang.