[Interview] Glen Stanway - How Chin Woo Kung Fu Changed His Life

It was a car accident in 1994 that changed Glen Stanway’s life. So severe were his injuries Glen was told they were permanent and he would need to take painkillers indefinitely. Unable to work, and past the point of frustration with the constant pain Glen enrolled at his local Chin Woo wushu school hoping that kung-fu would give him his life back. The training he underwent gave Glen back his strength and flexibility, and a new passion. Over the next two decades Glen travelled and competed all over the world representing the Chin Woo name, and founded his school the GMAX Academy, based in the town of Royston, Hertfordshire. 

Can Martial Arts Be Taught In Schools?

It's a question that's been, and continues to be asked frequently since the spread of martial arts to western countries over the last century. Whilst some nations include a martial arts based curriculum in schools, others still view them as an outside interest, or even a danger to young minds.  With so many countries packed with clubs offering instruction and training at reasonable prices which children can pursue in their own time why should it be a part of school life? Since a child spends much of their developing years (an average 25–30 hours a week) in school, the question really is, why not?

[Book Review] Fearless; The Story of Chin Woo Kung-Fu

It is important to know when talking about the history and evolution of Chinese Kung-Fu one cannot do so without mentioning the internationally renowned Chin Woo School and its founder the legendary Huo Yuanjia. Whilst this incredible story has featured in many popular films and television shows few historical accounts have been readily accessible outside the Chin Woo Association. Glen Stanway’s seminal work rectifies this problem with the added bonus of covering the whole of the phenomenon that is Chin Woo with a nice personal touch.   

About the Book

Published in January 2013 “Fearless; The Story of Chin Woo Kung-Fu” is complete overview of the school’s history, training techniques and philosophy. The book comprehensively covers the complete story of Chin Woo in the context of its socio political circumstances, its place in the history of Kung-Fu, and how it changed the life of its author Glen Stanway.  A martial artist for over 20 years Glen is a 5^th Dan (Wu Duan Wei) Chin Woo Wushu Master. He currently teaches Northern Shaolin Chin Woo at the GMAX academy in Royston, Cambridgeshire, along with San Shou (Chinese Kickboxing) and gymnastics.