The Kung Fu School in Karori is a martial arts club that teaches children from age 4 through to adults, in the gym at West Normal School on Allington Road. It is one of the branches of a nationwide school that opened in 1996, and it teaches practical self defence alongside traditional values of respect, humility, empathy and discipline. Lessons cover evasion, hand strikes, kicking, throwing and submissions, and the club says its training helps students deal with bullying and harassment in a safe way. Children aged 7 to 11 train from 6pm to 7pm, and teenagers aged 12 to 17 from 7pm to 8.30pm. A first class is free, so it is easy to try before joining.
Students who have written about the club describe it as a mix of fun and focus. Beginners are welcome, and so are people who have trained in another martial art, because the lessons are set for every level. One student said the club had pushed them to try new things and meet people from across New Zealand. Another praised the family feel and the support from other students. The club serves Karori, Northland, Kelburn, Wadestown, Ngaio and Khandallah, so it suits families across Karori and the nearby suburbs. Our pick for a family who wants a martial art that teaches confidence as well as self defence.