steve.hayes@southernmantisclosecombat.com info@southernmantisclosecombat.com
From a young boy I have always been interested in the Fighting Arts. 30 years later and having trained in China and Thailand, my passion for the arts has not been lost. Every culture has their method of combat and we can all learn something from these arts, no one system holds all the answers for combat. Whilst I have dabbled in a variety of fighting systems, it is Southern Mantis that I wish to be known for.
The moment I walked into Steel-Wire Mantis system (1989), I was hooked on Southern Mantis, years later wanting to develop my Southern Mantis knowledge further, I contacted Paul Whitrod Sifu and consider myself to be an eternal student of Southern Mantis fighting system, still learning and developing. Martial Arts are for life, NOT JUST A BLACK SASH.
RESPECT
I have been fortunate and gratefull to have trained under both Tony Leung Sifu (Steel-Wire Mantis) and Paul Whitrod Sifu (Chow Gar Mantis). I owe so much to these teachers and without their continuous help and support I would not be able to grow in Martial Arts. To them both I have only, THE DEEPEST RESPECT.
But my journey has been touched by others and would like to also thank them, some may not realise their valuable input into my development. ( no particular order ) THANK YOU.
John Davies, Her Jinbao, Brain Udell, Dennis Martin, Lee Morrison & all Combatives, Krishna Godhania, Aiden Cochrane, Steve Billet, Mike Finn, Nishan Khednah, Dane Murdock. Sean Robinson & all my students.
Chronological history of training:
Judo (Steve billet, George Chew)
Ishinryu karate (John Quinn, Karl Finn)
Ko Budo (Mike Finn)
Wing Chun (Victor Kan, William Cheung)
Steel Wire Mantis (Tony Leung)
Chow Gar Praying Mantis (Paul Whitrod)
Ba Gua (Xie Pieqi , Her Jinbao , John Davies)
Chow Gar Mantis ( Paul whitrod )
Tai Chi Chuan (Tony Leung / Brian Udell)
Warrior Eskrima (Krishna Godhania)
Muay Thai (Sasapraba gym Thailand )
Krabi krabong (Pramote gym Thailand )
Sayok knife (Krishna Godhania )
