Given Hong Kong’s strong ties to martial arts, it is not surprising that the city has a plethora of studios teaching a variety of disciplines. Here is a taste of what is available.

1. PCMA Kung Fu Hong Kong

Cultivating students’ self-discipline and moral values is also important, says founder Patrick Hsu.

Exercises such as the “standing meditation” can improve posture and open minds, he says. “By doing the pose, I got to understand how the tendons and ligaments work together to punch, kick, and generate power throughout the body,” he says.

While many think you have to build up muscles to be strong, Hsu has a different perspective. “It’s also about how you can understand your body structure, what is the balance between different muscles, and how you can use your body efficiently and effectively.”

Unit 2B, Kam Hong Building, 285 Des Voeux Rd Central, Sheung Wan, tel: 6020 3092, www.kungfuhongkong.com.hk

2. Cheung Do Kwan Taekwondo

“At Cheung Do Kwan, we not only improve students’ health, fitness and flexibility through stretching exercises and strength training, but focus on developing students’ mentality by giving them self-control exercises, meditation time and confidence training, hence our motto ‘Strong Mind. Strong Body’,” says Cheung Do Kwan Taekwondo director Billy Tae Kwon-woo.

“We hope that through taekwondo classes, students can apply these values outside the martial arts school, bringing positivity and confidence into their lives.”

Cheung Do Kwan Taekwondo has programmes for students as young as three and offers free trial classes for new students. It has five branches across Hong Kong.

For location details, visit https://www.hongkongtaekwondo.com/locations/

3. Kowloon Jiu Jitsu

“Jiu-jitsu enables us to subdue an opponent without hurting them. It is probably the most peaceful martial art and is one of the biggest [differences between [it and] other martial arts,” says head instructor Takizawa Keisuke.

“Some people say jiu-jitsu is ‘chess on the mat’ or ‘chess using human bodies’. You need proper knowledge of techniques to apply them, so intelligent people are likely to be addicted to this sport,” he says, adding stamina, strength, flexibility, speed and mindset are needed to prepare for competition.

“To be a black belt of jiu-jitsu, you probably need to learn 2,000-3,000 techniques,” adds Keisuke, who holds black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo.

2/F, Pacific Mansion, 172-174 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2668 8601

4. Heng Yue Yen Long Kwon

An ancient practice gets an update with Heng Yue Yen Long Kwon (HYYLK), a modern Chinese martial art based on traditional Chinese kung fu that was founded in 1981 by grandmaster Au Yuet-sing, who earned a coveted 10th dan black belt ranking in kung fu the same year.

The health benefits are many. “You are more flexible, it increases coordination, endurance and suppleness with a marked improvement in concentration,” says the martial art association’s chief executive Connie Tse, a ninth dan black belt. “We prepare students for the challenges in everyday life, giving them greater self-assurances to handle any situation.”

10/F, Morrison Plaza, 9 Morrison Hill Rd, Wan Chai, tel: 2511 8787. 1A, 37 Leighton Rd, Causeway Bay, tel: 2803 4603

5. Mindful Wing Chun

Wing chun is more than a self-defence system – it also helps balance the body and mind by cultivating mindfulness and deep relaxation.

11-15 On Lan St, 8/F On Lan Centre, Central, tel: 6620 7050