Our Mission

Mission of the University of Bedfordshire Martial Arts Society (MAS) is to promote the benefits of traditional Chinese martial arts. It is key to our mission to disseminate research findings and comment on key issues and developments in Chinese martial arts. We do this through classes, articles, seminars, and the media. As a registered society at the University of Bedfordshire Student Union we provide students with opportunity to improve their physical and spiritual welness.

Working in partnership with other traditional Chinese martial arts groups in the United Kingdom (e.g. CKI), the MAS is responsible for putting students forward for selection to both: the British Kuoshu (National Chinese Martial Arts) Team, in association with the British Chinese Kuoshu Federation (BCKF) and the United Kingdom Kuo Shu Federation (UKKSF); and the British Shuai Jiao (Chinese Wrestling) Team, in association with the British Shuai Jiao Union (BSJU) Candidates for the teams are therefore required to go though a selection process if they want to join the national team training sessions. Successful candidates, as students, will have the opportunity to: train alongside both national and international champions; learn from Masters with World-renowned reputations in Tien Shan Pai, Bao Ding Shuai Jiao, and Chen Pan Ling Taiji Quan who will instruct you in the practice of Chinese martial arts.

Students will attain qualifications in Chinese martial arts that are recognised by the appropriate International governing bodies and valid Worldwide. The training regime will include the practical application of the skills acquired during the lessons. Depending on the style being studied, students may emphasise certain aspects of the key elements: Da, Shuai, Na, Dien and Duan. Self-defence simulation such as two-person choreographed sequences will enable the student to take part in contact training. Tao Lu (Forms) training, including the use of weapons, will also allow the student to develop co-ordination and sparring tactics. There are also internal and external body training methods to condition the body in line with martial arts training demands. In the intermediate to advanced stages of training, student will commence sparring practice: semi contact initially and then full-contact sparring, if desired and when ready.

Profile

The Martial Arts Society offers in-depth and authoritative research into martial arts related sport science and maintain strong networks with leading practitioners and academics.