Testimonials

"Niamh has worked so hard to get her orange belt and doing Chin Woo has most definitely been the best thing my daughter has ever achieved. We have brought up Niamh to be able to do anything and never hold her back being born with bilateral talipes and from a young age recognising she was different to her others (but this has been her advantage) and most definitely given her the determination to succeed. Doing Chin Woo at Crudgington School has improved her balance, giving her confidence in her self. Thank you for making my little lady happy she always comes out smiling. Which is always a bonus".

"I wanted to thank you for everything you are doing for the boys you do a fantastic job and are all so lovely! Mark said Jake can help before kung fu and he is really chuffed Anita, Sam Jacob mum"

"HlC after school club: Robert loved it and asked if he could do it again tomoz Tori. Yr an awesome teacher Evelynn I love this class"

"I have had previous experience of being supported through a coaching qualification with Telford Chin Woo and working as both an assistant and lead coach. On a personal level, I was looking for a flexible career where I could work a few hours a week to fit in with caring responsibilities. Lisa Smith was very supportive of this and offered me a full training programme and work experience at Telford Chin Woo. This resulted in assistance coach qualifications and then lead coach qualifications. This meant I could work at a time in my life and still earn some money whilst having very stressful caring responsibilities with 2 people to support who were very vulnerable. It gave me some respite and independence away from my caring role. I was able to take part in weekly training resulting in a practical examination and ongoing coursework accredited by the BCCMA and Master Iain Armstrong. We were also able to attend seminars and workshops from various people within the martial arts world to advance our training. There were also weekly classes offered for our training and experience. It was a very positive experience and one which can benefit people of all ages who are looking for a flexible exciting career and one which is beneficial to mental and physical health". Lynn Phillips

"I am writing to express my gratitude on what your grant has given to myself and a few other coaches this year. Speaking for myself As both someone who deals with disability’s and the poor self esteem and confidence as a result of this I can full heartedly say learning Kung fu and Sanshou has been one of the best things to of happened to me. I’ve learnt patience, discipline and the impact and satisfaction of hard work and how that inspires and impacts other students. I also would like to mention how open, kind and friendly the rest of Lisa’s staff have been with me and how important the experience, guidance and mentorship some of the other coaches have passed onto me has been but also how they’re letting me be free and allowing me to develop my own style and methods as a teacher. Before I started training I had never done Kung fu but always wanted to, Lisa was someone who gave me an opportunity to get into it and for that I am eternally grateful, and I know that openness, friendly and welcome attitude is something she champions for and wants to instill in her staff and the kids so that they grow not just as students but as people too. Another point of note is how close we work within our local community, working very close with the Chinese cultural centre and where also planning to march in Telford’s annual parade this year before corona took major impact around the world. We also have started basic classes for new students who are intimidated by the idea of starting by themselves and being behind such as I was as both a child and adult. We’ve also been fourtunate enough to work other teachers from separate organisations to learn other disciplines within the martial arts work such as tai chi and mind full movement with Nikki lane, weapons training with Armiche Delgado and Muay Tai and traditional boxing with Stuart Whiston of the Telford fight factory. In short I would like to say and I firmly believe your trust in our school has been well placed and we are thankful for what you have done for us so far and hope we can carry on this relationship and you give us more opportunities to grow and expand and help give back to both our local community and your organisation. " Shawn Spittle

Why would our family like a full time centre

COACHES/VOLUNTEERS FEEDBACK

Less than two months ago, I joined Telford Chin Woo so I could assist with coaching tai chi and martial arts. I'll be honest. I didn't expect that it involved helping to teach kids in primary schools. Back when I started, I felt unsure and lost from how I would help, and kept thinking in my head 'did I make the right decision about this?' But the more sessions I attended, the more improvements I made with my assistance skills. I became more involved, more engaged with the kids, and more confidence in the fact that someday I could lead with the knowledge I gained from other volunteers, especially with today's improvements. Thank you so much Lisa Smith for giving me this life-changing opportunity to hopefully become an instructor in the near future! :D Adam Hartley volunteer support 20.11.2017

Now the fun begins... Tying together all the lose ends over Christmas, completing what all the hard work has been for, the future plan! What a year... 2016 has been both challenging and rewarding. Hard work, determination, persistence and motivation has most definately paid off.. this week is all about unwinding cause "that's a wrap" excuse the pun haha... Thank you to each and every person who has been apart of that journey, the support and encouragement I have received has been so overwhelming. Between art workshops, dance fitness training, assistant coaching, training in Chinese martial arts, a few other short courses and maintaining focus its fair to say I'm overcoming a few barriers...

I always thought artist as in draws and paints, I never dreamed that being alone with my own mind would lead to depression, but it did. It knocked on to Fibro.

Martial arts, who'd have thunk that would be the very thing to tick all the boxes, eleviate pain and ground me and my mind in the present moment. Oxymoronic journey of life hey...Next years all about the fusion. Nikki Volunteer Assistant Coach 19.12.2016

When a kid said to me "thank you for helping me get this far" I was nearly crying. I don't normally feel like anything as a person and this helped A LOT. So thank you for everyone at Telford Chin woo 18.02.2017 Aimee Volunteer Assistant Coach

A teacher a school was talking about chin woo not really understood what you guys do and I said it's an amazing club for kids gives them confidence and knowledge too really is amazing x

sam brothwood ruby georgia

11.09.2017

It was fantastic as Ruby stressing over her new class at school and had been in tears before chin woo so to see her see happy and good at it was fantastic x You guys do a fab job x ruby georgia brothwood06.09.2017

Mark loves this class and it's really good for his anger aswell I'm glad he wanted to start it now he's gonna work so hard now to get the next colour belt thank u Lisa Mark and Nikki xxx 17.07.2017

Alex at his chin woo session today, after just 5 weeks I've noticed an improvement in his coordination #chinwoo #telford #kungfu #selfdefence 17.07.2017

Well done today guys on all your gradings, great to watch, and some really good sparring ...

Good luck to Holly and Josh on their way to becoming black-belts...reminded me today of my first ever tournament fight, only a bit older than josh... was against a lad about a foot-taller than me, with a far-longer arm and leg reach....about 2 minutes in, he was 2 points ahead of me, and no matter what I tried, I couldn't land a punch or kick on him...tiredness, frustration and a little desperation started to creep in, and then the tears came....not through being scared of him, or any kind of fear of my opponent , but purely through frustration... the thought of letting those around me down....not having the energy to continue... I'd tried everything to hit the guy, trying to land a punch on him, but couldn't manage it.....

It's always stayed with me, and seeing the same today reminded me that it's not a sign of weakness, or fear, but the fact that you will give your all, and will push yourself past your own boundaries. ....something that will make you a stronger, better person.....Well Done Guys... stuart shelley (taylors dad) 02.07.2017

Thank you for making me apart of the team today... I'm genuinely humbled by the whole experience! Well done to you and mark for today, it all ran as clockwork x Sanshou grading 02.07.2017 nikki lane

grading Sanshou -lisa...you shoud be proud, i am. We certainly am and it's down to great training sessions that prepare them for this moment thank you x tasha stirling on behalf of hunny 02.07.2017

Thank you to you and Mark for all your support and training Josh and us really appreciate all you do and your time as well. Can you also thank the other coaches as well.xxxxx josh luke 02.07.2017

Plz thank all coaches for their support with Holly today, that's why she's stayed all this time hard work, commitment by all. Amazing megan ran with them hats off to you all. X sarah halford 02.07.2017

TCW is worth every penny.... he's come on leaps and bounds over the past year. School have noticed a dramatic change too. Gemma Marchant Bens mum 29.03.2017

Kayde really enjoys it, Jayden as you get to know him won't say much but he had a smile on his face when I saw him! katie poole 17.03.2017

So proud! I can't believe how much he has improved since Christmas! Amazing. The extra sessions are really paying off! gemma ben marchant 05.03.2017

I can't praise this club enough, friendly coaches and volunteers support the students all the way, all helping and cheering each other on to achieve their goals. in 7 months Izzie has achieved her 3rd belt this morning ️ anna bliss 05.03.2017

Thank you :D I love Telford chin woo I didn't even set alarm this morning because I didn't care if I woke up. Now I feel really positive again and it's because of the club so thank you :D Aimee

18.02.2017 Aimee feedback helpin randlay grading -When a kid said to me "thank you for helping me get this far" I was nearly crying. I don't normally feel like anything as a person and this helped A LOT. So thank you for everyone at Telford Chin woo

03.02.17 This week a girl in telford was nearly kidnapped. - this made me think back to last Saturday's class and the moves you were doing with Izzie. Thank you for helping to prepare her for defence against things like this. Priceless -.izzie mum

03.02.2017 A massive benefit of stretching 6 times a week has been the massive increase in flexibility, still in daily pain however my range of movement isn't half as restricted...

Whilst gaining strength my joints don't feel so compressed thus reducing the "referred pain" I have dealt with for 6 years. Posture and gait impacting centre of alignment which is no longer 17% "to the left" im feeling extremely positive about all this coaching,thank you so much for everying lisa. You are a tryly wonderful person I feel so honoued to know you and be part of TCW. You have helped me discover strengths I didn’t even know I possessed. From the bottom of my heart, blessed be. nikki

Would I recommend Tai Chi as an alternative to medication and an artistic therapy... Yep!!!n

She loves classes it's do nice as a parent she looks forward to going and would be unable to do so without all your help lifts. Much appreciated xx – Holly Halford mum 20.12.2016

I always thought artist as in draws and paints, I never dreamed that being alone with my own mind would lead to depression, but it did. It knocked on to Fibro.

Eva loader 23.12.16 – thank you for all your hard work in tcw. You are doing such a great job.

Feeling the positive effects of doing more Chinwoo & spending time with friends. Slept well for two nights straight. Aimee King Dec 2016

ben marchant -must say, since joining TCW he's come on leaps and bounds, especially in his confidence, balance, hand eye coordination etc so it's worth every penny 😊

adam loader - They are brilliant, my son goes there and I'm over the moon how well he is doing. He Enjoys every minute of it. The whole team is so supportive and youngsters they get so much boost in confidence... They also play games at the end of the session so all good with kids ...

24.06.2016 Ok thanks Lisa much appreciated and all you do help her x sarah re holly halford re black belt

14.5.2016 Molly is STILL talking about it & is looking forward to another one of these! Thank you so much. I can't tell you how much more confident she's becoming through doing this. I'm seeing so many improvements in not only her confidence, but her balance & co-ordination are greatly improved. We still laugh that she can't catch a ball or ride a bike, but who cares about that when she's learning how to do roundhouse kicks & a forward roll...?! I would like to thank all of you for your amazing patience with Molly...I truly appreciate it xx

11.5.2016 Nikki Lane ( work experience) Supported Kung Fu and San Shou classes this evening, had a go... Surprised myself and I Loved it!!! 聽 strengthening my core is most definately paying off!!!

13.01.2016 Gail - molly reid mum - I'm just so amazed at how much it's helped her co-ordination. Others may not see it, but close friends & family have all noticed. I think sparring could help with her reactions, so it would be good to get her started x

13.01.16 - Craig Badley - Great night lisa thanks Kelsey really enjoyed it. Really enjoyed getting back into the groove albeit im out of shape!!!

07.12.15 -Molly is Dyspraxic (or DCD) Lisa, & I've noticed an improvement in her motor skills since coming along to classes and she loves it too

14.11.15 - Jenny Griffiths speacial needs teacher abraham darby disability group 10 weeks course- You are a fantastic coach. I cant believe you have got children to join in who never normally join. And you managed to get Jamie to stay 3 weeks running when he normally goes home. Look forward to the next 7 sessions.

12.07.15 Hi Lisa. Ben has been beaming since he came home from his grading. Thank you for helping him achieve that. I wanted to buy him a book that would explain the grading system in kung fu ie order of the belts etc. Is there any you recommend? I had a quick look on amazon but there's so many different ones it's hard to know what would be good. Mrs Marchant.

03.03.2015 - Hi Lisa, I just wanted to write to you to thank you for the warm welcome Lynn gave me to myself and Joe Lockley when we visited Telford Chin Woo at Stirchley Recreation Centre as part of the 2015 Awards. I also wanted you to know that I was really impressed with Lynn’s passion for the activity and the care and attention that you clearly put into providing it for children and young people in Telford & Wrekin. At Energize this is something we try to encourage amongst all providers of sport and physical activity through our wealth of knowledge and experience across the sector. And if you feel there is something you need some local support with I hope you would know we are here to help? I have copied in Harry Cade as we discussed connecting with the school sector and maybe a future Shropshire Homes School Sport Festival to promote your activity? I’ll leave it to you and Harry to get in touch as and when you see appropriate.

Chris Child FCIMSPA (chartered), Chief Executive

20.02.15 - Please thank your committee for their decision with helping with membership payment and lesso.Hol enjoyed san shou with Dan please pass this on.Holly halford mum

20.02.15 -Alexander loves going to Kung Fu - his confidence has improved so much over the last 5 months and especially since doing a grading. He used to be involved in a different sport but we found it unhealthily competitive and it was slowly eroding his enthusiasm and confidence. He has since transformed and can't wait for his Kung fu sessions - he often practises at home and does it for pleasure! He is so well supported and encouraged at Telford Chin Woo - who knows how far he could go?!

18th Feb 2015 -TCW has helped me enormously by helping me to re-train in a career which I love but which fits around my role as a carer. As I need to work flexible hours that fit in around my caring role, TCW supports me in doing this offering me a break from my caring

responsibilities with a rewarding career full of interesting opportunities. As Lisa Grant has experience of previously being a carer, she has an insight into the demands this role creates and is therefore a sympathetic colleague/chairperson. Lynn Phillips-Smith, Lead Coach

JAN 2015 - Chris was great with the girls and obviously knows what he is doing. The girls really enjoyed themselves and he pitched it at the right level for them. I will definitely like him to come back next year. Rachel Sadd, Shrewsbury School

October 2014:I just had to write to you to thank you for the opportunity that your club gave Jo to come to the 10 week course. We were so surprised and impressed to see a club offering a full 10 weeks for free, this is such a wonderful program. It has really given Jo the chance to give the sport a go and get involved, without me having to worry about covering the costs and then him deciding he didn’t want to do it, like he has with many other activities! In the 10 weeks he has been attending I have already noticed a huge change in him, his self confidence has soared, he has attended clubs before where he would never get up on his own and show people what he could do, now you can’t stop him from getting up and showing people! His fitness levels and interest in keeping fit and healthy is greatly improved and his attitude is much calmer in situations where he would have normally got aggravated. This is all thanks to you and your fantastic coaches, and us being able to come to the club for free; we wouldn’t have been able to afford to do it otherwise at the time. Now we know that he will continue and how much he enjoys and benefits from it, and with the clubs support, we have been able to continue.We are both looking forward to Jo continuing with the club now that he has become a member. Thank you,Natalie, parent

October 2014-I wanted to write to you to say thank you to you and the other coaches. I have really enjoyed the 10 week course and learning all about Kung Fu and San Shou, I didn’t know there was so much history and art to it. I don’t normally do much sport, I prefer reading, but I have really loved coming to the classes and practicing at home. I really like you and the other coaches, and I think that you are all really good at helping us learn and being patient with me so I can learn everything properly. I am really looking forward to carrying on with the club and improving more, I am going to tell my friends about the club too because I think that some of them would really enjoy and benefit from the club too. See you next class!Jo new member

20/05/14

Lynn Phillips text to say that Dan and Josie have been a great help and she has noticed an improvement in their coaching since they came on board.

22/05/14

Hi Lisa,

Can I just say a massive thank you to you and the coaches for today. Darren and Josie were brilliant and they have a really good rapport with the children. Some of them are difficult to control at the best of times! It was so nice to see them working together with Tom Davis (former Commonwealth and British Judo champion). They both did warm ups and sessions with the kids. I was very impressed. Please can you thank them for their time, help, support and enthusiasm. We look forward to their return in a couple of weeks.I will send you a few photos from today. You can put these on the website, they have been cleared. Thanks, Sharon Thomas HLC secondary phase.

21/05/14 Feedback from class that Darren Ford has great attention to detail., the classes have been more disciplined since he joined and the parents are happy. Mr and Mrs Corbett, Mr and Mrs Luke.

23.04.2014.Ellissee Goodwin feedback Moved to Devon.

"I have tryed to continue kung fu but none iff the are a good as yours and i miss it lots x"

13/04/2014

Tracey James thanked the club for all their hard work. Adam, her son, has turned into an amazing young man due to our training and now is British Champion even though he has dyspraxia. One proud mum.

15/04/2014

Sarah Copeland thanked the group for delivering Martial Arts to the Beavers and was hoping that we could do more sessions with them. She has asked for invitation cards to and out to the group as the children have asked about joining.