Kung Fu & Tai Chi Comments

Below are some of the comments from people who have been to one or more our classes. If you would like to comment on your experience of our classes, please email Master Jago on: jago.auteri@googlemail.com

Kung Fu Comments:

David Phillips

My name is David Phillips and I have been a student of Jago Auteri’s since around July 2001.  I have always had great admiration and fascination of martial arts and in particular Kung Fu. Around June 1999 I heard of a Kung Fu class starting at Edgewood School which my son Chris was very interested in joining. We went along to get Chris to join one of the classes and this was the first time I met Instructor Jago.

At this time communication with him was slightly difficult as Jago is originally from Milan in Italy and had not been in this country very long.  As a result, his English was very broken at this time.  My son Chris enjoyed his lessons as I did watching him train through lesson after lesson.  Jago had great patience with the younger students as children at this age are very demanding.  I continued to be there during all my son’s lessons and the more I watched the more I got involved helping Jago with some of the organising, helping him with the language barriers. I got to know all the students and finally during July of 2001 I became a student myself. I continued to assist Jago where I could and after some two and a half years from first meeting him, Jago asked if I would become Club Director.  This position I still hold today and as one of the higher graded students now I also help with student grading and examinations.  Kung Fu has given me so much in the last six years and although it is not easy to learn, the benefits are very rewarding for mind and body and I would recommend it for anyone.

Saleem Khan
 

I have been in Kung Fu for 5 years.  I am now a green belt which is 3 belts away from a black belt. Soon I will be a yellow belt and then I will work my hardest to get my next belt.  I joined Kung Fu because I have always been into martial arts.  Kung Fu has given me confidence and after I reach black belt I will try another martial art.
 

Thomas

My name is Thomas, I'm 12 years of age and have been doing kung fu with master Jago for just over a year now.

Kung fu in English means hard work which is true but can be very exciting and great fun as well.  I have made loads of friends whom I can practice and progress with every week.  There are various combat and weaponry techniques to learn.  You must have discipline and know when to use these skills and understand that they are for self defence only.  I have progressed through 4 belts now and it is getting more interesting every lesson I take.  You get to use such weapons as the sword, spear, nunchucks, staff and many more.  I train four times a week to ensure that I remember my program, to progress and learn new things.
 

Ali

Three years ago following the break up of an abusive, violent relationship my confidence and self esteem were non existant and I felt scared to walk the streets alone.  In comparison, my work life was extremely stressful and demanding. Generally I was at the lowest point of my life ever and felt I was going nowhere. Then I started Kung Fu and I can honestly say it has changed my life for ever.

To start with, Kung Fu gave me something other to focus on instead of thinking about everything that was wrong all the time or stressing about work. The more I went and realised that I could actually 'do this', the more my confidence and self esteem increased.  Gradually I was no longer afraid to walk the streets - I knew I could defend myself if need be - the biggest confidence boost any woman could have!!  As a bonus, I have also made some good friends in the class.  Master Jago Auteri is a great instructor who, as well as being extremely good at what he does, is also very approachable as a person - something you don't get very often with Masters.  Now Kung Fu is a huge part of my life and is one of the most important things to me.  Kung Fu enabled me to change my life for the better.  As well as my confidence increasing, my fitness and well-being is better than it has ever been.  Kung Fu also helps me to de-stress after a stressful/hard day at work - I can start a class feeling stressed and by the time it is finished I feel fine!  I would (and do!!) recommend Kung Fu to everyone - no matter what age or background!!
 

Gemma
 

My name is Gemma and I have been doing Fung Fu since I was six years old.  I enjoy Kung Fu because it helps me to keep fit.  It also teaches me different ways to defend my self which gives me more confidence.  Even though sometimes it may get difficult but it is important to sick to it and try your best!
 

John

My name is John and I have been a member of the New Generation Mantis Kung Fu Club for over 5 years.  It is a very friendly club of all ages and I am one of the oldest.  It is a good way to keep fit and meet people.  The training covers a wide range of self defence including weapons (sword, lance etc).  You progress at your own pace through the different gradings of belts.  The club also undertakes Charity events in aid of local charities.  Look forward to seeing you there!
 

Dina

 

'I think Kung Fu is very interesting and you want to learn more.  Kung Fu means 'Hard Work', and it is hard work, but it is fun as well. '
 

Sophie Jennings

 

Hi Jago, I like Kung-Fu!  It's great because it teaches me self defence skills.  Everybody helps each other to teach new skills especially the more skilled children.  Looking forward to the display & my exams.
 

Kai Baggley

 

I go to Kung Fu because I like learning new things and meeting new people!  I started Kung Fu because I was encouraged by my friend and it sounded really cool!  It is good exercise and you learn it at a steady pace so you can take it all in!  I go to Kung Fu at Noel Street Leisure Centre!  Master Jago is an encouraging and patient teacher and will help you any time if you need help!
 

Bradley Watson

 

I am 15 years old and I started Kung Fu at the age of 9.  I like Kung Fu because it gains up my confidence and builds my stamina and flexibilty.  I am a yellow belt at this moment and it has taken 6 years from white belt to yellow belt but I have enjoyed every minute of it.  Jago has built my confidence of doing my exams and and I have worked hard for that so I appreciate Jago for helping me all the way and thats why I have continued doing this martial art for quite some years and many years to come.
 

Russell Wright
 

I enjoy going to Master Jago's Kung-Fu because it helps me to keep fit as well as helping me to protect myself.  It also builds my confidence a great deal.  After going for three months I brought my children to Master Jago as he teaches both adults and children to the same high standard.
 

Devin D'Souza

 

I joined Kung Fu about a year ago.  In 1 year of Kung Fu I have learnt many things.  As I progressed through the belts it has been more and more interesting and fascinating.  I really enjoy going to Kung fu because it keeps you fit.  You build stamina and learn many interesting Kung Fu moves.  Most of all, it's fun and I also made some new friends during the course.  Master Jago is a hard-working, dedicated teacher which makes Kung Fu very good.
 

Robert Williams

 

An 8 year old boy, which from a early age grew a interest in all types of martial arts watching the likes of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. He asked his parents if he was able to join a martial arts group.  On which he decided to join The New Generation Kung Fu.  He has now been with the group for almost 1 year.  In the space of ten months he's achieved on passing 3 belts.  He has gained in confidence and is more outgoing.  His fitness levels have increased as he has attained his belts.  He now also has a wider circle of friends.

Hi my name is Dave and I am 65 years old.  Before I started to attend master Jago's classes and practiced Tai Chi, I had so much pain from my osteoarthritis that I could only walk less than a couple of hundred yards before I had to stop.   The pain was mainly in the major joints of my feet and my right hip.  The consultant could only offer me very painful operations that would leave me with feet that had no movement, the joints being 'welded'.  My physiotherapist gave me treatment that really helped, but the pain was still bad and walking difficult.  I started to use a stick and was afraid I may land up in a wheel chair.  I do not see myself as an old crock and past it so I tried Tai Chi as it was supposed to help.  After a couple of months my physiotherapist said that I had improved so much that I would be better doing the Tai Chi than the pysio.  Eighteen months on I am continuing to improve and the pain I suffered is vastly diminished.  I can walk for two or three miles without a major problem. I still have some problems with my hip and may have to eventually have replacement operation but my major source of pain, my feet, is continuing to improve and I do have less pain in all my joints.  So if you are like I was please have a word with Jago and try Tai Chi.  If you don't fancy it, would you like to buy a stick, as I am saving up for a new Tai Chi sword?

George

Hi my name is George and I have been practising the art of Tai Chi Quan for twelve months.  My mentor is Master Jago Auteri and with his help and guidance I have been able to understand and enjoy the art of Tai Chi Quan. Training classes are held twice a week and with the help of others we learn to progress in the art of Tai Chi Quan. For more information please contact Master Jago Auteri.

Diane

Hi my name is Diane and I've been going to Jago's tai chi classes for 4 years and hope they never stop!  Although it takes a lot of concentration to learn the various tai chi forms, it is also relaxing and I find the classes very effective at reducing stress.  Tai chi is very good for coordination, balance and general mobility.  It gives me a sense of achievement as I've learnt various forms, including the sword form which I found very difficult at first but really enjoy now.  I'm also enjoying learning tai chi fan at the moment.  Jago's classes are friendly - we work together, help each other and usually have a few laughs, too.  It's also a pleasure to watch Jago's wonderfully precise and flowing movement.  I can definitely recommend it.

Derek

Hi I'm Derek and I have been doing Tai Chi with Sifu Jago Auteri for five years and I have found his classes to be informative, challenging and relaxing.  I would recommend taking up Tai Chi to anyone who wants to start a gentle program of exercise.  Tai Chi is the moving meditation that is the answer to the stress of today.  I am a Musician http://www.dhrecords.com/SpiritnJazz/home.html and teacher, and I have a very hectic lifestyle involving lots of travelling and long hours and for me Tai Chi is the one thing that gets me sorted.  Iit goes with me wherever and it is cheaper than beer and better for you than smoking.... So if your're thinking about starting, take the plunge join a class to day!
Hope to see you soon.
Derek

Naj

Naj Aziz
I have been learning Tai Chi with master Jago  for about 18 months, visiting the gym at least once a week if not more.  I have found Tai Chi most beneficial for relaxation and physical exercise, whether in the privacy of my home or in the class.  I find the graceful and gentle movements of exercises very peaceful and at the same time keeping the mind focussed and alert.  For me it is a refreshing escape from the hectic and stressful life of running my own restaurant www.mem-saab.co.uk  .
I wholeheartedly recommend it to any one of any age.

Gill

Hi, my name is Gill.  I’m 62 years old and retired from full time work just over two years ago.  As part of my new life I wanted to take up something completely different but knew I needed more exercise too in my new life.  A much younger friend encouraged me to try Tai Chi.  I’ve found it very challenging at times, trying to learn the co-ordinated movements, but Master Jago lets you go at a pace that suits you.  His teaching programme allows you to build up your knowledge gradually from simple beginnings.  It’s really good but gentle exercise and you can practice easily in your own living room or your garden.  I’d recommend it to anyone to try.  It’s fun to meet up with the others in the class each week and a great experience when you find you’ve mastered the movements.

Gloria

Hi, my name is Gloria.  I am 62 years old and I have been attending Tai - Chi classes run by Master Jago Auteri for 4 years.  When I found going to the gym too painful on my knee joints I joined the gentler forms of Tai - Chi.  I am now more supple, with no knee pain.  Tai - Chi is great for improving the memory and the slow, gentle forms relax and destress my hectic week.  Having mastered the sword movements I am now studying the fan parts 1 & 2 and the more complex 48 styles of Tai -Chi Quan.
Loving every class!
Thanks Master Jago.

David

Hi, my name is David and I have been doing Tai Chi now for about five and a half years with Master Jago  He is an adept teacher of Tai chi.  He's patient and he will let you learn Tai Chi at your own pace. You are not rushed to learn Tai Chi because it is an art that should be mastered in depth, and this takes time.  A lot of people think that you can learn Tai Chi through reading a book.  You can get the basics by reading a book but the best way is to have hands-on teaching with a Tai Chi master, for example Jago is a Master in his own right, has many years of experience and he is always updating his techniques.
I have learned various techniques in Tai Chi, including the sword levels 1-2.  I have progressed enough to be in the advanced classes and with other students like myself I go to learn the moves of 48 of Tai Chi Quan, which is a combination of moves that we have already learned in previous classes.  Jago incorporates other moves and combinations that also helps with the moves of the 48.  He also supplies D.V.D.s on the subject.  We are dedicated students and we help and support each other while we are working but we do also have a few laughs along the way.  Very comfortable atmosphere is there when doing Tai Chi.  My personal feelings when doing Tai Chi - I can switch off from the daily stresses of everyday life.  When focused on Tai Chi I find it comes naturally after a few weeks of mastering each move. When I am learning new moves in class this is another matter : (  You forget your left from your right, stand on one foot and nearly fall over, and also you forget to breathe, because you are trying to get your moves right!  That's my favorite!  I would highly recommend Master Jago's Tai Chi classes to anyone who would wish to learn it.
With Honour and respect for Master Jago, from Tai Chi  student David.