Where's the nearest kung fu shop?

Gratitude

It has come to my attention that Enso, the martial arts shop in Bristol is closing. This is sad news.

When I was young, there used to be a great many. There were definitely 2 in London Chinatown alone. Now there are none. When I started Tai Chi, there were still a fair few dotted around the UK. However, over the years, they've closed, one by one.

I know of a good online store, who are based in France. The problem here is, we're no longer in the EU. So delivery and taxes will not make it attractive. There are online stores that can supply shoes. However, clothing and equipment are not so easy to purchase. You should see, try before you buy. I cannot think of a good reputable alternative, which I can recommend.

Putting art in martial arts.

It isn't that Chinese martial arts in the UK is in decline. Despite, the state of the economy, Chinese martial arts has a strong following. I can't say that that is true elsewhere in Europe. Back in 2010, when I attended my first European Open. There were hundreds of competitors from all over Europe. Come the last one, a decade later, the numbers have dropped sharply.

If you're looking for a good wooden sabre or straight sword. I recommend my friend Graham Cave of Tigers Den. Graham has been making wooden swords for over a decade and they are certainly the best handling wooden swords I've used.

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