Guan Yu Academy of Martial Arts
The Guan Yu Academy was set-up by it's president 3 times world champion Bob Fermor and vice-president 2 times world champion Joanne Fermor. Bob teaches at the academy traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, Lung-Hsing (Dragon Palm 64 Forms) Bagua Zhang, Wu-Xing (Five Elements) Chain Ring Bagua Palm, Wu-Song Bagua Broad Sword, Dat Mo Stick, Dao Chuan, Foo Jow (Tiger Claw) Southern Style Kung Fu, Northern Style Kung Fu, Chinese Weapons, Traditional Lion Dance and Japanese Kobudo Weapons (Nunchaku, Bo, Kama).
Bob Fermor has been training in the Martial Arts for over 30 years, starting in 1975. He has been studying Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan since 1985 under Master Deng Er Qian of Shanghai Mainland China. Who was taught by his father, Grandmaster Deng Ke Yu, who trained directly under Grandmaster Yang Cheung Fu.
Grandmaster Deng Ke Yu was a very good friend of Chen Man Ching. Chen Man Ching went on to produce his own style of Tai Chi Chuan but he was also noted for his renowned Pushing Hand ability.
Deng Ke Yu was also very good friends with Ma Lu Liang of the Wu Style family Tai Chi Chuan.
When Bob first trained under Master Deng Er Qian, he was amazed by his skills in fighting especially in Pushing Hands. It was very interesting to see an art practised at such a slow pace, that when used in a self-defence situation it could be such a devastating Martial Art.
There are many different variations of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan practised in the world today, but I am afraid that a lot of the Yang Style that is practised, especially in England, just would not be recognised in Mainland China. The reason for this is, because of its popularity in the western world, it has been watered down to such an extent that the Martial Art side of it has become almost obsolete. People who practice Tai Chi today are doing it merely for health purposes, and often are not even aware that it is a Martial Art.
To find out more information about what we do and our class locations and schedules, please visit our official website below, or you can contact us by telephone on 01707 271213 or by email at bob@nama.co.uk.