Voices of Kung Fu

“Fighting teaches you one thing…Internal training teaches you something deeper.”In this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, Sifu Toni Parada shares a journey from Muay Thai and real-world experience… into the depth of internal martial arts.From external intensity…to structure, sensitivity, and internal power—this is a conversation about what happens when training evolves.This isn’t about styles.It’s about understanding.🎧 Watch / listen:YouTube: https://youtu.be/j162zNtQTDASpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/08lqa8UuJzewPuuQfqHBR8?si=pFsjyPkASI-tLxBF1JAadQ👇 Drop a comment with your thoughts👍 Like if this resonates🔁 Share with someone who trains☕ Enjoying the episode? Support the show:https://buymeacoffee.com/voicesofkungfuLike, comment, share and subscribe to our socials!https://linktr.ee/voicesofkungfuThis episode is brought to you by the ICGPMA International Chow Gar Praying Mantis Associationhttps://www.facebook.com/chowgarmantisassociation/https://www.instagram.com/chowgarmantis/#KungFu #InternalMartialArts #MuayThai #Bagua #TaiChi #VoicesOfKungFu #MartialArts #Training

In this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, we sit down with Sifu David Welther— long-time practitioner and coach of Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu —to explore a journey shaped through pressure, experience, and years of dedicated training.From his early encounters with Southern Praying Mantis…to intense training environments…to evolving his approach through cross-training and experimentation…This is a conversation about what actually builds skill.We dive into:The moment that changed his understanding of martial artsWhy pressure testing is essential for developmentThe role of conditioning, sparring, and mindsetDifferences across Southern Mantis systemsHow training evolves over timeThis isn’t about collecting techniques.It’s about understanding the journey beyond techniques.🎧 Listen now and experience the conversation.☕ Enjoying the episode? Support the show:https://buymeacoffee.com/voicesofkungfu👍 Like, comment, share and subscribe to our socials!https://linktr.ee/voicesofkungfu🎙️ This episode is brought to you by the ICGPMA International Chow Gar Praying Mantis Associationhttps://www.facebook.com/chowgarmantisassociation/https://www.instagram.com/chowgarmantis/

☕ Enjoying the episode? Support the show:https://buymeacoffee.com/voicesofkungfuLike, comment, share and subscribe to our socials!https://linktr.ee/voicesofkungfuWhat happens when you dedicate your life to training, not just physically, but mentally and internally?In this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, we sit down with Sifu James, head of the Sing Yee Da Cheng Boxing Association, to explore his journey through traditional martial arts—from early training in the UK to over a decade immersed in the internal arts in Hong Kong.This conversation dives deep into:The reality of training Yi Quan (mind-intent boxing)Why standing practice (Zhan Zhuang) is more than it seemsInternal vs external training—what really mattersThe role of mindset, relaxation, and “no mind” in power developmentLessons from living and training in Hong Kong for 11 yearsWhy foundations are everything in Kung FuThis is not about flashy techniques or forms—it’s about the process, the struggle, and the long-term path of development in martial arts.🎙️ Listen now and explore the journey.This episode is brought to you by the ICGPMA International Chow Gar Praying Mantis Associationhttps://www.facebook.com/chowgarmantisassociation/https://www.instagram.com/chowgarmantis/

We have been building Voices of Kung Fu to share real stories, knowledge and the deeper side of the arts — not just what you see on the surface.But we are interested in what you all want to learn and see more of.Drop a comment and let us know what you like so far, which episode is currently your fav and anything else!—@voicesofkungfu is brought to you by the ICGPMA International Chow Gar Praying Mantis Associationhttps://www.facebook.com/chowgarmantisassociation/@chowgarmantis—🔗 Follow for more:https://linktr.ee/voicesofkungfu

In this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, we sit down with Sifu Phillip Le to explore his journey into U.S. Jook Lum Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu—shaped by heritage, curiosity and the search for something that truly works.This is a conversation grounded in experience.We dive into:The transition from theory to applicationWhat changes when techniques are put under pressureThe mindset behind effective trainingThe role of structure, timing and understandingBridging tradition with experienceThrough honest discussion, this episode explores what it means to move beyond surface-level practice and develop deeper insight through training.🎙️ Listen now and hear the journey.☕ Support us:☕ Enjoying the episode? Support the show:https://buymeacoffee.com/voicesofkungfu🔗 Follow our SOCIALSLike, comment, share and subscribe to our socials!https://linktr.ee/voicesofkungfuThis 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/voicesofkungfuLike, comment, share and subscribe to our socials!https://linktr.ee/voicesofkungfuIn this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, we sit down with Fan Style Baguazhang Sifu Phil Morrell—a lifelong martial artist whose journey spans karate, Muay Thai, Hung Gar, Southern systems and decades of dedicated training in Baguazhang.Alongside his martial arts path, Phil also served as a police officer based in London’s Chinatown—offering a unique perspective shaped by real-world experience and the environments where these arts live and evolve.From Manchester… to London… to Beijing—where he has trained one-to-one with his teacher for over 20 years—this is a conversation rooted in experience, discipline and long-term development.We explore:The principles and origins of BaguazhangCircle walking and internal training methodsThe connection to Taoist practiceThe role of repetition, structure, and timeTraining in Beijing and traditional learning environmentsBalancing martial arts with real-world experienceThis is a grounded and honest look at training, perspective, and the path of long-term development.🎙️ Listen now and explore the journey.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/voicesofkungfu⁠What does a journey in Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu training look like?In this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, we sit down with Sifu Tommy Quan of the CKFA Southern Praying Mantis Federation USA — an inheritor of the Jook Lum Southern Praying Mantis system under Sifu Poo Yee.With over 50 years of martial arts experience, Sifu Tommy shares a direct and honest perspective on traditional training, lineage and what it truly takes to develop real skill.This is a deep dive into one of the most respected Southern systems — known for its close-range power, structure and intensity.We explore:The lineage and transmission of Jook Lum Southern Praying MantisThe importance of structure, conditioning, and repetitionOld-school training methods and disciplineHow real power is developed through the bodyThe balance between preserving tradition and evolving the artWhat separates real training from performanceThis is not theory. This is experience. This is a voice of kung fu.🎙️ Listen now and discover what Southern Praying Mantis training is really about.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/

Is Tai Chi really a martial art?In this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, we sit down with Sifu Stephen Wooster — a lifelong martial artist with experience across karate, judo, and traditional Tai Chi — to explore the deeper reality behind the art.This conversation goes beyond the surface.We break down Tai Chi not as slow movement or health exercise, but as a complete martial system built on structure, sensitivity, and refined power.We explore:The lineage and transmission of traditional Tai ChiThe connection between internal principles and real applicationHow structure, relaxation, and intent generate powerThe role of push hands and sensitivity trainingThe crossover between external and internal martial artsWhat it really takes to develop skill over timeThis is a grounded, honest look at Tai Chi — through experience, not theory.🎙️ Listen now and discover what Tai Chi training is really about.☕ Enjoying the episode? Support the show:https://buymeacoffee.com/voicesofkungfuThis episode is brought to you by the ICGPMA International Chow Gar Praying Mantis Association https://www.facebook.com/chowgarmantisassociation/https://www.instagram.com/chowgarmantis/

What does it really mean to learn traditional Kung Fu?In this episode of Voices of Kung Fu, we sit down with Suki — a long-time practitioner of Wing Chun and non-classical Kung Fu — to explore the deeper reality behind lineage, training, and what it takes to truly be accepted into a traditional system.This is not about shortcuts or surface-level techniques.From real-life turning points to years of persistence under an old-school Sifu, this conversation reveals the difference between modern training and the traditional path — where knowledge is earned, not given.We explore:The difference between mainstream and traditional Wing ChunThe importance of lineage and preserving knowledgeWhat it means to earn acceptance from a teacherThe reality of training — discipline, repetition, and patienceWhy many martial arts lose their essence over timeThe mindset required to stay on the pathThis is a story about commitment, humility, and long-term development.🎙️ Listen now and discover what real training actually looks like.☕ Enjoying the episode? Support the show:https://buymeacoffee.com/voicesofkungfuThis 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/voicesofkungfuWhat 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 systemsWhy San Chin is the foundation — and what most people missHow structure, breathing, and internal development actually workThe role of strength training vs traditional conditioningWhy many systems lose their essence over timeThe importance of mindset, adaptation, and real applicationThis 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/

☕ Enjoying the episode? Support the show:https://buymeacoffee.com/voicesofkungfuWhat 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 rootsWhy aggression, simplicity, and repetition matter more than complexityThe gap between traditional forms and real-world applicationLessons from security work and dealing with real violenceWhy most people misunderstand fighting — and what actually works under pressureThe importance of fundamentals, conditioning, and mental toughnessThis 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/

☕ Enjoying the episode? Support the show:https://buymeacoffee.com/voicesofkungfuIn 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 schoolWhy forms are only the beginning — and what they reveal about youThe importance of structure, fundamentals, and repetitionHow internal training develops over time, in layersThe role of mindset, humility, and character in long-term progressThis 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 FuThis 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/voicesofkungfuIn 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 existThe truth behind power, structure, and tendon strengthHow traditional systems were built for survival — not performanceAnd what separates real skill from imitationThis 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/voicesofkungfu⁠Unlock 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/