Practical, confidence-building self-defence taught through traditional Hung Gar Kung Fu at Reading School of Martial Arts. For adults, women and teenagers of all fitness levels — no experience needed, and your first class is free.
Real self-defence is far more than throwing a punch. It combines awareness, the confidence to set boundaries, and a small set of reliable physical techniques you can use under stress. Our classes in Reading build all three, so you leave each session calmer, fitter and better prepared.
Because we teach through Hung Gar Kung Fu — a southern Chinese style known for strong stances and close-range power — the skills you learn are practical for the kind of confined, sudden situations that real confrontations involve.
Reading situations early and avoiding trouble before it starts — the most important self-defence skill of all.
A stable base so you stay on your feet and generate power, even when grabbed or pushed.
Simple, repeatable hand techniques drawn from Hung Gar that work at close range.
Breaking free from holds and creating the space to get away safely.
Everything is taught in clear, graded steps and practised with partners in a controlled, friendly group, so you build genuine skill without feeling out of your depth.
Our self-defence training suits complete beginners, adults returning to fitness, and anyone who wants to feel safer day to day. We run dedicated women's kung fu and self-defence classes in a supportive, women-friendly group, plus adult classes and family-friendly sessions for teenagers.
Hung Gar is built around powerful, grounded techniques delivered at close range — exactly the distance most real incidents happen. Its strong stances teach you to hold your ground, and its direct strikes are practical rather than flashy. You can read more about the style on our guide to Hung Gar Kung Fu in Reading.
At Reading School of Martial Arts, St Bartholomew's Church, London Road, Reading RG1 3QA — central and easy to reach from across Reading and Berkshire.
No. Classes are taught in graded steps and you work at your own pace, so they suit all fitness levels. You will get fitter as you train.
Yes. Most students start as beginners, and we run women-friendly sessions. Your first class is free so you can try it with no pressure.
You will pick up useful awareness and basic techniques in your first few classes. Real, reliable skill builds with regular practice over weeks and months — like any worthwhile ability.
Your first session is free — come and see if it is right for you.