Meridian Kung Fu (UK)

Our proven, professional teaching systems will guide you from a complete beginner to a highly competent, confident martial artist irrespective of age or current physical ability.

Beginner classes for children aged between 3-17 through various programmes that build life skills, develop self-confidence and create amazing young martial artists ready for the world.

Wing Chun beginner classes for adults of all abilities that introduce traditional martial arts skills, build confidence, improve health & wellbeing and give the ability to effectively defend self and family if needed.

Specialist weapons and advanced training for adults and children who want to push themselves further and become experts in the advanced elements within the Wing Chun system.

Our Wing Chun Kung Fu Classes start from 5 years old with no upper age limit. Wing Chun Kung Fu is a traditional Martial Art that suits all levels of fitness and ability and is therefore open to anyone that would like to give martial arts a go. Students that have previous experience of Wing Chun, Kung Fu or other Martial Arts such as Karate, Kick Boxing, Judo or MMA are also welcome, as we can cater of all levels of experience and ability.

My Martial Arts journey began in the mid-seventies. Having had some experience in boxing, it was in 1976 at the height of the Kung Fu boom that I was introduced to Wing Chun Kung Fu through my brother and Sifu Jagjit Ram, who was taught by Master Simon Lau. I spent all my time dedicated to my Wing Chun training.

In 1997 we had opened our first full-time school, one of the first in Essex at the time, under the name of Meridian Kung Fu. Over 25 years later and Meridian Kung Fu branches are run all over Essex. Our Headquarters remain in Southend where I am still teaching adults classes, specialised instructors’ classes and Elite training, which all encompass the finer points within the Wing Chun system. Alongside my Wing Chun studies, I graduated in Homeopathy, teach Fei Hok Chi Kung, and Reiki Healing.

My Wing Chun journey began in 1996 under the tuition of Master Sata Chand. I have extensively studied and researched the art under his guidance and inspiration to date.

Highlights in my martial arts career are winning Gold medals in The World Self Defence Federation National Championships, seeing the unbelievably positive impact Wing Chun has had on so many people that I have had the pleasure to teach over the past 25 years and achieving my  my Black Sash 5th Degree in April 2023.

When I was awarded this grade (the last one in our curriculum) I attained a lifelong achievement and proved to myself that with the correct mindset & dedication combined with the continual tuition and guidance of a genuine Master of the Art anything is achievable.

25 years on our roots are still in that same location although our school has developed into a National Organisation and our student base has grown from a very humble 40 members to in excess of 3000 members. We now have 25 full time Instructors, 40 assistant coaches and run classes every day of the week.

With 25 years Wing Chun experience under such an outstanding Instructor, extensive personal development studies, cutting edge coaching skills systems and hands-on teaching to 1000’s of children and adults over the years, I am proud to play my part in ensuring Meridian Kung Fu (UK) is continually current, growing and striving to bring out the very best from its students

My passion for Wing Chun and teaching this beautiful martial art is as strong today as it was back in 1996. I still can’t wait for each lesson to start, be it as an instructor or as a student.

To witness first-hand the development in children and adults and see the growth in their ability and confidence still amazes me, long may it continue.

I have been a practitioner of Wing Chun Kuen since 2000 under the expert guidance of Sifu Sata Chand. From the moment I started I was blown away by the speed, efficiency and beauty of the Art, and I dedicated much of my time to training and researching the system.

I knew from an early stage in my Wing Chun journey that I wanted to teach the art, so I that could share the many benefits Wing Chun has given me in my own life. This personal goal came to fruition in 2008 when I was given the go-ahead to teach Adults and children.

I opened Meridian Kung Fu Basildon Branch in 2011, teach over 170 practitioners of all age groups. I have students that have been training with me since we first opened, and now some of them have started their own branches having achieved their Black Sash Degree grades

My Martial Arts journey began, over 20 years ago, in 2001. I joined Meridian Kung Fu at the age of 4, when my only experience of martial arts was watching Sifu Steve and Sifu Sata training and teaching at MKF HQ. I have been brought up in and around the school so Meridian is like a second home to me.

Throughout my childhood I saw and was involved in the progression of Meridian (You may recognise me in the pictures/videos from age 4 up until now). To see what it has become today is incredible and even more amazing that I get to continually train alongside such experts in this field as well as instruct for HQ, but also in my own branches now held in Leigh-On-Sea & Eastwood.

I joined the Junior MKF Coaching Team from the age of 11 learning continually until I reached 19 years old, where I got the opportunity to run my own branch in Leigh-On-Sea. 4 years later and I now run 12 classes in the SS9 Postcode each week, as well as running all Kids Elite Training Groups (Weapons Training) and regular classes at our main HQ for Kids; overall teaching around 500 kids every week!)

My goal is to pass as much knowledge and wisdom to the youth of today, I find I can understand and get across exactly what & how the children need to learn because I have been through everything they will go through, as I have been in their position before.

Through Wing Chun, not only have I learnt to become confident in my personal abilities in the art, but I also learn to challenge myself every day to improve in all aspects of life. Furthermore, I have found that the principles I have learnt have carried over into some of the most difficult, and also the best parts of life. I am a keen student in Wing Chun Kung Fu alongside personal development. My passion for the art and personal growth becomes stronger as I get older!

I started Wing Chun with Meridian Kung Fu (UK) under the expert tuition of SIfu Sata Chand in 2006 at the age of 9, and I have had a passion for it since day one. Meridian has helped me develop so many great qualities and attributes, its life changing. I knew Meridian was the place for me to improve myself, learning important qualities such as confidence, life skills, focus levels, fitness levels.

3 years into training Wing Chun I joined the elite programme to improve my progress and knowledge of Wing Chun, which involves using the Butterfly swords and the wooden pole. I was then given the opportunity to start as an assistant coach at the club and I took the opportunity with no hesitation. Through dedicated training and coaching I started to learn all the skills I needed to teach all ages. Since then I progressed my way to up Apprentice instructor, completing my Level 2 Activity leadership and Level 3 leisure management NVQ qualifications.

I’m now a full time Wing Chun instructor. I run classes at Southend HQ and I also assist at other branches. And now running my own branch in South Woodham Ferrers. I thrive on passing the knowledge of what I’ve learnt from Meridian, to students all ages as it great to see them benefit from doing Wing Chun and seeing how much it improves their lives.

My name is Sifu Ben Richardson and I run the Billericay area of Meridian Kung fu whilst also running classes at both the Rayleigh and Southend branches as well. I have been studying and training within the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu for 23 years and I currently have a Second-Degree black sash.

Alongside my normal training I also participate in a once-a-month Mastery course where I learn to train with the weapons of the system. I have been teaching the Martial Art for 13 years working alongside some fantastic instructors during this time.

My passion for teaching started when I was 16 when I was asked to work within the P.E department within my secondary school at the time. This then led me down a path where I studied at South Essex College for 4 years gaining the top grade possible, from here I went to the University of Essex where I gained a 2:2 in Sport Studies.

Finally, I undertook an intense one-year teacher training course allowing me to teach at a College Level where I worked for 2 years before making the decision to leave and teach Martial Arts full time.

Shortly after joining MKF, I found a level of personal achievement I'd not experienced anywhere else and decided to continue and see how far I could go. At 16 I began working in classes as a volunteer assistant instructor and moved to full time Assistant Instructor at 17.

Having started training while young and growing up as a member of MKF, I've seen the amount of good training Wing Chun can do. As an instructor I aim to make my classes as fun and engaging as possible for my students while also providing a solid learning environment.

Meridian Kung Fu (UK): Opinions

5/5 (19 Opinions)

Jade Raby 9 months ago

Fantastic experience: I done my two week free trial hear I haven't done wing chung since when I was a kid so I thought I get back into it I can't to be come a member so I can start going every Saturday keeps me nice and fit to

Alexander Richards 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: It has been around seven years since I last went. I attended from the age of 10-17. Despite leaving the martial art seven years ago, the art has left a positive impact on my life.

Meridian Kung Fu (UK)

That is great to hear & thank you for your review. The door is always open

Leah Bailey 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: A really friendly welcoming club. Would recommend these guys everyday

Meridian Kung Fu (UK)

Thank you! We always try our best to give everyone a positive experience in martial arts

Louise Fronshki 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: One of my friends children go here and I am always told about how much they love it. Since going their confidence has been built and look much happier than before. It's always great to meet new people and learn new skills. Hoping to put my children in it too in the future Told that its the highlight of their week

Meridian Kung Fu (UK)

This is great to hear...many thanks

Leon Thompson 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Fantastic club! The instructors are top class and very helpful! They always keep the sessions fun and engaging to part take in. I highly recommend Meridian to anyone.

Meridian Kung Fu (UK)

Many thanks

Matildas ultimate Book reviews 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: best place ever. Awesome staff Always so helpful and happy. Super teaching techniques. full of praise and positivity. highly recommend

Meridian Kung Fu (UK)

Thank you so much for your kind words. We work tirelessly to ensure members get the best experience possible and it’s so nice to hear such positive feedback for our efforts. We are particularly lucky to have such fantastic members.

Madeleine Van Wijk 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: My son has been doing the Mini Panda kungfu course since December 2018 and he s definitely loving it. I do think it s great for his confidence and also taught him it s ok to not always get the student of the week trophy therefor working hard to earn it. excellent school!

Meridian Kung Fu (UK)

Thank you for your kind words

Jay Buddy 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: For those out there who wish to take up martial arts for self defence, discipline, or even for that little self esteem and motivation, then Meridian Kung Fu is the first stop that you NEED to visit. They really build you up from scratch. From a mental perspectiv, right through to the phyical aspec. You instantly gain confidence from this well organised team. And they have a branch to cater for wherever you live (so no excuses). With Sifu Darren Donovan (Brentwood) , Sifu Sata Chand and Sifu Steve Carpenter in your corner, is like winning the lottery - litterally.

Meridian Kung Fu (UK)

Thank you for such a terrific review

George Williams 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend this school to anypne! I havebbeen learning Wing Chun here for nearly 6 years now. I have been inspired by all the students and teachers to improve my own ability and character. As a result of all this I am now enrolled on the coaching team and couldn't be happier. All the instructors are patient, considerate and helpful. Would 100% recommend to anyone who was interested in learning a new skill to try this Kung Fu club. Everyone is welcome!

Neil Warrren 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Really great club. I've not stuck to anything for more than a year or so before, but I've been at this club for over 6 years!..that's a testament to how well run the school is. There are no ego's here, everyone learns at their own pace and with no pressure. Instructors and other students are more than happy to help with any queries and questions etc. Highly highly recommended

Steven McAnaw 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Meridian Kung Fu has completely changed my life for the better. Sifu Sata and Sifu Steve are so helpful and inspiring. My family also train here and we all thoroughly enjoy being part of this fantastic school.

Lisa Nash 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: I have been training for many years at Meridian Kung Fu in Southend and I have never found Sifu Sat or Sifu Steve to be anything but helpful, positive and informative. Meridian is a fantastic club which I am very proud of being part of.

Jason White 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Fantastic school to go to. Learning Wing Chun has helped me with my anxiety and made me a better and stronger person. Was very nervous to start with, as I have never done anything like this before, but everyone is super friendly and made me feel comfortable straight away. I would recommend this to everyone!!

Annette de Florinier 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: An excellent martial arts centre, a safe and friendly environment for all students. The type of progressive teaching that this club offers can only be developed from years of experience. Highly recommend this club to anyone seeking to embark on a martial arts journey.

Martin Onslow 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great place to learn Wing Chun Kung Fu, very high standard, fantastic instructors, friendly club great for young and old. Both myself and my daughter train here. The children's classes are highly recommended.

G Smooth 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Incredible lessons, dedicated instructors, and honest praise/criticism to help guide students. Would give more stars if possible.

Ahsan Javaid 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Excellent place to learn wing chun, the teachers are very professional and well mannered. I would strongly recommend to join this martial art school

Meridian Kung Fu (UK)

Thank you for your review.

cdparadiseuk 9 years ago

Fantastic experience: Awesome club with a very high standard of instructors

Loz Mac 9 years ago

Fantastic experience: Excellent school

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