Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat is a residential martial arts training offering Kung Fu for combat and self-defense, and Qigong and meditation for health.
Training Camps (22)
Instructors (9)
Master Iain Armstrong
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.
Dave
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
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.
Craig
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
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.
Kanika
Kanika has a warm personality and is very approachable. She is deeply interested in kung fu in all its aspects including philosophy, culture and wisdom. Kanika comes from a background in Tae Kwon Do and has great flexibility. He came to the Kung Fu Retreat in 2015 and discovered that Nam Yang’s Kung Fu was her true calling in Martial arts. As well as English Kanika speaks Hindi and Bengali.
James
James is a diligent student of Kung Fu and an easy going teacher. He connects well with his students which really helps their learning. James had been in the same line of work for 15 years and eventually wanted a different way of life. He began travelling and found his way to our Kung Fu Retreat. He loves how at Nam Yang we challenge ourselves mentally as well as physically. This enables him to learn more about himself every day which is reflected in his teaching. He is a good example to our students and leads from this ethos of self-development.
Suyin
Suyin is a strong student and assistant Instructor of the Retreat and has a very outgoing and warm personality. She wanted to go beyond fears, maintain and build a strong structure, focus and discipline. She found the Retreat was the best place for it. Suyin assists in the Student Care Team and maintaining the Retreat Grounds. She is Aussie-Swiss and speaks English and French.
Steve Keen
Lead instructor at Nam Yang’s UK headquarters, English kickboxing champion, Nam yang’s most successful ever competition fighter. Trained with Master Iain for 20 years already, starting at age 6.