With regard to the concept of 'martial arts', there is the 'art' that is used to train specific techniques, and then there is the 'martial', which is more than just applying the technique. The martial aspect begins in the mind. It’s your ability to defend yourself without necessarily raising your voice or having to strike someone. Learning to deescalate a situation can mean you walk away unscathed. However when there is no other option but to engage in the physical, you will have the tools to do so if you train regularly. But the physical should always be the final option; “Come in peace but prepare for war”
In 2008 I was later introduced to the art of grappling by Ebe Ghansah, who is a highly knowledgeable and respected martial artist in the UK. I trained with Ebe for 3 months and then entered a British Grappling Tournament in the novice category and won the silver medal.
A former blackbelt student of mine, Paul Turner, moved to Australia in the late 1990’s and began training with Glenn Blythe. He was so impressed by Glenn he introduced me to him. I have now been practicing Tai Chi (Master Huang Sheng Shyan lineage) for 20 years after being introduced to it by Glenn Blythe. Glenn is an extraordinary martial artist. His skill level in both Tai Chi and Chow Gar Tong Long kung fu is very high. He is also the most senior student of Tai Chi and White Crane master, Wee Kee Jin.
Instructors
My martial arts journey began under the tutelage of Malaysian Chinese master Eddie Wong. A powerful figure of immense physical strength, he instructed me and a small group of youth in the art of Wu Shu Kwan within a modest church hall in Harlesden, North West London. The intense rigor of his training meant that within a few months, only the most dedicated remained. Following this foundation, I pursued Chinese Kickboxing (Sanda) for three years under the mentorship of British champion Jimmy Stewart.
In 1980, I joined a North West London school specializing in the Fatt Gar (Buddha Fist) Shaolin system, a lineage popularized by the renowned monk Sek Koh San. Over twenty-eight years with this institution, I earned gold medals in sparring, forms, and destruction, eventually attaining the rank of 5th Degree Blackbelt and serving as a senior instructor.
I established Sung Chuan Martial Arts in 2008. The name 'Sung Chuan' translates to 'Relaxed' or 'Loose Fist Style,' representing a holistic fusion of Shaolin traditions with the internal mechanics of Tai Chi Chuan and Tong Long Kung Fu. My teaching tenure at Imperial College London has been ongoing since 1993.
Our black belt instructors are deeply experienced, driven, and welcoming to all practitioners. Classes are structured to cultivate a high standard of physical fitness, providing students with the underlying resilience and confidence necessary for advanced technical training. While we remain committed to traditional elements—including empty-hand forms and weaponry such as the staff and broadsword—we maintain a modern, pragmatic approach to self-defense and combat application.
Jeffrey Guishard - Chief instructor
Margaret Durbal
Senior Level Instructor
Graham Moss
Senior Level Instructor
Shane Quinn - Bedfordshire instructor
I began training with Jeffrey Guishard in 1995 after joining his Shaolin kung fu club at Imperial College in London as a student. I then continued training until I received my black belt in 2000.
I have successfully competed in many chinese kickboxing (Sanda) competitions with the BCCMA (British Council of Martial Arts) in semi-contact and full contact, winning gold in 2004, 2005 and 2006 in semi-contact, and gold as a veteran in 2013. In full contact kickboxing I won a silver medal in 2006 with the BCCMA. and a bronze in WAKO full contact kickboxing in 2009. Using my experience I have also coached students to gold medals in semi and full contact kickboxing tournaments.
My training with the club and it's students over the years has been a hugely rewarding experience. I have met some fantastic people along the way. Not everyone needs to or can be a world champion or a dangerous combat expert. The reason for doing martial arts can be that it is a great way of exercising the body and mind and sharing in this experience with others, time well spent. All of the instructors are supportive and dedicated to getting the most from the students. The training environment is a safe space, where co-operation and team work is encouraged. One of the greatest resources at a martial arts club are the training partners, so we always look after each other.
Competing in kickboxing has given me valuable knowledge and experience but my real passion continues to be exploring the traditional arts. Understanding how the movements of a traditional form or kata can be used to train efficient body mechanics and movement is very interesting to me, especially when the purpose is for combat. I have realised that there are many similarities within all martial arts systems when you look at the closely at the fundamentals. Therefore over the years I have cross-trained in other styles and systems to improve my understanding.
I have been very lucky to have trained with some amazing instructors including of course Jeffrey Guishard who 'set me on the path' as an 18 year old and continues to be my main instructor and mentor. Through Jeff I was introduced to Glenn Blythe who brought to our system; Yang style tai chi and southern praying mantis kung fu. Glenn's understanding of body mechanics and movement through tai chi is amazing, and I continue to benefit from the knowledge and teaching he provided. Over the last 2 years I have attended '4D Combat' seminars with Bob Breen (often referred to as the 'Godfather of JKD'). I also train regularly in Cambridge with the chief instructor and founder of 'Silat Open Circle' Alvin Guinanao. Both of these instructors are highly skilled and are excellent teachers who continue to inspire me.
Instructors
My martial arts journey began under the tutelage of Malaysian Chinese master Eddie Wong. A powerful figure of immense physical strength, he instructed me and a small group of youth in the art of Wu Shu Kwan within a modest church hall in Harlesden, North West London. The intense rigor of his training meant that within a few months, only the most dedicated remained. Following this foundation, I pursued Chinese Kickboxing (Sanda) for three years under the mentorship of British champion Jimmy Stewart.
In 1980, I joined a North West London school specializing in the Fatt Gar (Buddha Fist) Shaolin system, a lineage popularized by the renowned monk Sek Koh San. Over twenty-eight years with this institution, I earned gold medals in sparring, forms, and destruction, eventually attaining the rank of 5th Degree Blackbelt and serving as a senior instructor.
I established Sung Chuan Martial Arts in 2008. The name 'Sung Chuan' translates to 'Relaxed' or 'Loose Fist Style,' representing a holistic fusion of Shaolin traditions with the internal mechanics of Tai Chi Chuan and Tong Long Kung Fu. My teaching tenure at Imperial College London has been ongoing since 1993.
Our black belt instructors are deeply experienced, driven, and welcoming to all practitioners. Classes are structured to cultivate a high standard of physical fitness, providing students with the underlying resilience and confidence necessary for advanced technical training. While we remain committed to traditional elements—including empty-hand forms and weaponry such as the staff and broadsword—we maintain a modern, pragmatic approach to self-defense and combat application.
With regard to the concept of 'martial arts', there is the 'art' that is used to train specific techniques, and then there is the 'martial', which is more than just applying the technique. The martial aspect begins in the mind. It’s your ability to defend yourself without necessarily raising your voice or having to strike someone. Learning to deescalate a situation can mean you walk away unscathed. However when there is no other option but to engage in the physical, you will have the tools to do so if you train regularly. But the physical should always be the final option; “Come in peace but prepare for war”
In 2008 I was later introduced to the art of grappling by Ebe Ghansah, who is a highly knowledgeable and respected martial artist in the UK. I trained with Ebe for 3 months and then entered a British Grappling Tournament in the novice category and won the silver medal.
A former blackbelt student of mine, Paul Turner, moved to Australia in the late 1990’s and began training with Glenn Blythe. He was so impressed by Glenn he introduced me to him. I have now been practicing Tai Chi (Master Huang Sheng Shyan lineage) for 20 years after being introduced to it by Glenn Blythe. Glenn is an extraordinary martial artist. His skill level in both Tai Chi and Chow Gar Tong Long kung fu is very high. He is also the most senior student of Tai Chi and White Crane master, Wee Kee Jin.