Business Details
29 Years
experience
Eagle Claw Kung Fu School in Maidenhead
Established in 1997, we are England's longest-standing Eagle Claw Kung Fu School, dedicated to teaching authentic Chinese martial arts in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Our curriculum encompasses Eagle Claw Kung Fu, Tai Ji Quan, Qi Gong, and traditional Lion Dance, with a focus on preserving cultural heritage while adapting to modern needs. Under the leadership of Shifu Julian Dale, the first Western family disciple of the Eagle Claw system's founding village, we combine rigorous technical training with holistic health benefits. Our instructors are fully DBS-checked and insured, ensuring a safe environment for students of all ages and abilities. With over 25 years of continuous operation, we maintain strong ties to the martial arts lineage in Hong Kong and China, offering direct access to the system's origins.Our 2,500 sq ft training facility operates six days a week, serving local communities and students from across Europe. We emphasize character development alongside physical skills, fostering a supportive community that values perseverance and dedication. Our Lion Dance team performs at cultural events nationwide, promoting Chinese traditions through dynamic demonstrations. Certification through recognized martial arts associations guarantees the quality and authenticity of our instruction. This commitment to excellence has established us as a trusted authority in traditional martial arts education.
Services
Kung Fu Classes
Tai Chi Training
Lion Dance Performances
Private Lessons
Holistic Health Care
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Established in 1997 with continuous operation for 28 years
- Shifu Julian Dale is first Western family disciple of Eagle Claw's founding village
- DBS-checked instructors and certified martial arts professionals
- Six-day weekly training in 2,500 sq ft dedicated facility
- Direct lineage connection to Eagle Claw's ancestral village in Hebei Province
Associations and certifications
- Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Association
- International Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Association (Hangzhou, China)
- British Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Association
Services
Kung Fu Classes
Our Eagle Claw Kung Fu classes teach traditional Northern Chinese combat techniques with systematic progression. Students develop self-defence skills, physical conditioning, and cultural understanding through authentic training methods. The curriculum includes empty-hand forms, weapons training, and martial tumbling for comprehensive martial arts development.
Tai Chi Training
We offer structured Tai Ji Quan programs combining martial applications with health benefits. Practitioners learn Yang and Chen style forms that improve balance, flexibility, and energy flow. This internal martial art develops both physical coordination and mental focus through slow, deliberate movements.
Lion Dance Performances
Our professional Lion Dance team performs at weddings, festivals, and corporate events. The traditional performances feature synchronized movements with elaborate lion costumes, drumming, and acrobatic elements. Available with multiple lions and banners for enhanced visual impact at special occasions.
Private Lessons
Tailored martial arts instruction available for individuals seeking focused skill development. Sessions accommodate specific goals including competition preparation, advanced techniques, or accelerated progression through personalized training plans.
Holistic Health Care
Traditional Chinese medicine practices complement martial arts training through injury treatment and wellness maintenance. Services include therapeutic massage and holistic approaches to recovery from physical strain or training-related injuries.
People
Shifu Julian Dale
Director
Shifu Julian Dale has practiced Chinese martial arts since 1985 and taught professionally since 1992. As the first Western family disciple of Eagle Claw's founding village, he brings authentic lineage knowledge to students while maintaining traditional standards in the UK.
Andrew Small
Safeguarding Officer
Andrew Small serves as our designated Safeguarding Officer, ensuring student welfare and safety across all training programs. He maintains compliance with child protection policies and provides safeguarding oversight for the school's operations.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach Northern Chinese Eagle Claw Kung Fu, Yang and Chen style Tai Ji Quan, Qi Gong, and traditional Lion Dance techniques.
Are classes suitable for beginners?
Yes, we welcome all experience levels. Beginners can start any Tuesday or Thursday evening with our structured foundation skills course.
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer classes for children, adults, and families, with dedicated training sessions for different age groups and ability levels.
Do you offer private instruction?
Yes, we provide private lessons tailored to individual goals and skill development requirements for martial arts students.
Can I watch a class before joining?
Prospective students can contact us to arrange observing a session and discuss their training objectives with our instructors.
Are your instructors qualified?
All our instructors are fully DBS-checked, insured, and certified through recognized martial arts associations.