''The problem is a lot of people want to get really good, or even exceptional, but when they are faced with the harsh reality of what it can take to get to that level they don't want to commit, or aren't prepared to forgo the lifestyle they have in order to achieve their goals" Rick Young
''Steve Hodgkinson is my idea of what a great martial arts instructor should be. He always puts himself out there and does the things needed to grow; even if it's something that scares him. He invests heavily in his own skills and - very rare in martial arts circles - he encourages his students to do the same. Steve is a great guy, any student looking for fast growth should feel very lucky and grateful to have him as their teacher.'' Geoff Thompson, 7th Dan (BAFTA winning writer and one of Britains highest ranked Martial Artists)
''It is hard to find a Wing Chun class which is so complete. The development of rooting and sensitivity is rare practice in modern martial arts, but HCA Wing Chun has it all, and applies them in an effective way; making a complete system.'' Philip Smedley (HCA Level 1 Instructor with over 20yrs martial arts experience).
''What makes Health and Combat Arts stand out is an instructor who has a insatiable thirst for knowledge, but isn't afraid to pass on the lessons he's learnt to his students; a very rare quality in modern martial art classes.'' Ben Wesson (A Student of Steve Hodgkinson for Over 7yrs).
"I originally joined HCA to learn about self-defence and protecting myself, but my experience so far has taught me other, equally important things. The ethos and atmosphere teaches you about responsibility and integrity, as well as a practical self-defence system! I have met some great people who I would have otherwise passed by, and gained confidence in my own self that I didn't think was there. I would recommend Steve and HCA to anyone." Andrew Walter (HCA Student).
'' I have been training at HCA for several years now. Not only is Wing Chun a genuine, effective martial art in the full sense of the phrase, but HCA manages to avoid the macho ego tripping which pervades many other styles and systems within the martial arts arena. In this non-competitive art, the only competition is with yourself and this allows each student to go at their own pace, continuing to improve on their faults and maintain their strengths in the way that is right for them. In addition to this, Steve is selfless and devoted to helping his students improve. Every member of the club is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is incredibly positive and relaxed. Come on, give it a go, you won't regret it!'' Lee Thurman (HCA Student)
''I started my journey in Wing Chun after doing mainly Karate and BJJ. I found two other styles of Wing Chun, before I found Steve and, while I don't want to say anything bad about the other teachers, they didn't have the depth of the style as Steve does. Looking back to my first day; everyone was very friendly and there was no big egos in the club, and that's the way it's stayed. It's a great group of people looking out for each other both at the club and away from it (myself and the other members often meet up for bike rides and extra training sessons). For me, my time at Health and Combat Arts is so enjoyable that it is like my 'Friday night' out; It's a time when I can have a laugh and train with some of the best guys I could ever wish to meet. I have been training with Steve and the other members for 3 years now; we all know we have something very special in the way the club is run and in the way we train. I would say to anyone thinking about getting off of the sofa, or training to be the best you can be to just come and have a look... what harm can it do?? Anthony Haywood (HCA Trainee Instructor).
"Taking up Wing Chun Kung Fu was something I've always wanted to do. Joining HCA provided me with more than martial arts and self defence training, it gave me a sense of a spiritual self, confidence and wellbeing I wouldn't have found anywhere else." Simon Stacey (HCA Private Student)
''So I guess I should start at the beginning, with a question why Wing Chun? Well I was training regularly in Taekwondo and, due to the styles focus on kicking techniques, I began to worry and question whether it was enough for me; and whether it would actually help me in a real situation. This worry continued to grow until I began looking for other styles to 'fill the gaps' I had found. I found Steve's website and saw that he taught Wing Chun; which I knew to have great hand skills. I decided to send Steve an email to arrange for a taster session and he quickly replied with an enthusiastic email inviting me to go and watch a session and to see what I thought. I have to admit I was filled with apprehension and worried about the students and how they would respond to me. When I arrived at the club, though, I was greeted by nothing but smiling faces and, as the session progressed, my worries drifted away. All of the students made me feel welcome and they didn't seem to mind me watching their session. I came away feeling excited and looking forward to starting. The following week I went for my first session, and with it came the same feeling of apprehension, but my worries were for nothing as immediately everyone made me feel at ease and very welcome. Over the course of the session the students introduced themselves and offered plenty of help and advice. Looking back over the time I've been training at HCA, I've been constantly encouraged and helped by everyone I've met there. I know I have a long way to go yet but that doesn't worry me because I know that I am not alone on this journey and have the help and support of some very dear friends all of whom I have met through HCA. I can't wait to see how much I will grow in the future.'' James Fox (HCA Trainee Instructor).
''My daughter started with Health & Combat Arts several months ago and in that time she has grown much more confident in the class thanks to Steve's understanding of stroppy six year olds. She is now seven and loves going and joining in. Her performance in all areas of the class have greatly improved; she is faster and more focused and has an improved general fitness level. She is more confident in speaking out against those who try and intimidate her at school and stands up for herself and others; especially those who are younger. Steve strikes the right balance with the children and I am constantly recommending the class to friends. It represents great value in terms of cost but more importantly it instills life skills for their future.'' Rebecca Draper (Parent)
