About our club

Wirral Applied Fist Kung Fu Academy has been teaching traditional Chinese Kung Fu and effective self-defence techniques since 2000. 



Sifu Gary Shepard

Chief Instructor Gary Shepard has over 40 years’ experience in martial arts including Wing Chun, Hung Gar and Choi LaiFut Kung Fu as well as Ju Jitsu.


In the 1970s and 1980s Gary trained in Wing Chun and Hung Gar with Derek Gordon, Bill Bamber and Jimmy Chan in Blackburn, Preston and Liverpool. 


From 1987 to 1999 he was a Senior Student and Instructor with George Ho at the Wirral Tiger and Crane Kung Fu Academy.


In 2000, Gary established the Wirral Applied Fist Kung Fu Academy. 


Always expanding his martial arts knowledge, in the 2000s he also trained with Paul Geoghan and Eric Marshall in Ju Jitsu, achieving Sho Dan.

Sifu Gary Shepard

Assistant instructors Christian Spencer and Greg Chapman have over 35 years’ of Kung Fu and Ju Jitsu experience between them.


Christian Spencer

Wirral Kung Fu Academy Assistant Instructor Christian Spencer

Each student has their own reasons for training at Wirral Applied Fist Kung Fu Academy.  These include: 

  • Studying a range of kung fu styles, including traditional forms and weapons training
  • Learning practical self-defence in a friendly environment
  • Gaining self confidence
  • Building fitness and flexibility
  • Coming to social events, plus occasional trips abroad to study with other clubs
WIrral Kung Fu Academy student grading photo

Why train with us?