Lee Murray
Instructor
4th Degree Black Sash
[frame_left]http://www.kentlaugar.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/lee-2-web-e1304617624568.jpg[/frame_left]Lee began his training in Lau Gar in the mid-80’s aged just 9 years old. Having spent a year or so learning Karate, Lee was introduced to Lau Gar by a friend. He was so inspired by the free-flowing movements of Kung Fu and the friendly atmosphere in the class that he had no hesitation in making the switch.
Lee trained at the Lau Gar club in Witham, Essex, under the instruction of Don Forrester and the now legendary Neville Wray. As one of Neville’s South East Schools of Lau Gar Kung Fu, there was a strong emphasis on tournament fighting. By his early teens, Lee was competing at regional and national level in semi-contact tournaments throughout the South East, accruing over 100 trophies.
After taking a necessary break to concentrate on his studies, Lee made a long-overdue return to Lau Gar and resumed his training in 2005 under the instruction of Colin MacKenzie at his East London club. Coincidentally, Colin was also a former student of Neville Wray’s and through this common ground found a familiar Kung Fu ‘brother’, so telling of Lau Gar communities throughout the UK. It was through Colin’s guidance, mentoring and passion for the traditional aspect of Kung Fu that inspired Lee to take his 1st degree examination in front of Master Yau in 2007. The rest, as they say, is history.
[email_link email=”lee@kentlaugar.org.uk”]lee(at)kentlaugar.org.uk[/email_link]
[divider_padding]
Mike Ellis
Assistant Instructor
1st Degree Black Sash
[frame_left]http://www.kentlaugar.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/mike-side-kick-web-e1305218408771.jpg[/frame_left]Mike began his Lau Gar training in his late teens under Mark Brock, a student of Lau Gar Gaurdian Alex Barrowman. After reaching Yellow sash his studies were interrupted by a move to university and with no Lau Gar club to continue further he practiced Choy Li Fut Kung Fu for two years. This was followed by a second move and after a period of a few years led to the beginning of his training in American Kickboxing which was again interrupted by a third (and hopefully final) move to Tunbridge Wells.
When Lee opened the Tunbridge Wells club Mike was only too eager to resume his Lau Gar training, the style for which he always felt the greatest affinity. He enjoys the friendly club atmosphere and support of his fellow students along with the high level of personal instruction on offer. He is drawn to the style for its traditional forms, flowing moves and dynamic, explosive energy. As well as training in Lau Gar Mike has also recently been able to supplement his training with the continuation of his American Kickboxing. He is an enthusiast of the history, philosophy and psychology of all martial arts and sees it not just as a hobby but a way of life.