Hi, I’m Tony Parish

I find the most reward in working with people who are looking for more than just physical exercise – those seeking a bridge between movement and self-awareness.

My teaching is less about imposing a style and more about uncovering the unique qualities already present in you.

I’m drawn to the way Kung Fu brings movement, attention and understanding together. I enjoy teaching people who are curious about what they can learn through practice – whether they’re looking for focus, a more personal way to explore movement, or a deeper understanding of the true sense of Kung Fu practice.

My Personal Approach

I often describe my approach as Bruce Lee meets Gandhi. A balance of – power and peace, strength and softness, action and stillness. Combining the fluid prowess of Bruce Lee, and the compassion and integrity of Gandhi. The path of the Peaceful Warrior. The ability to be powerful, yet remain profoundly peaceful.

Waking up your inherited wisdom

I don’t believe in a one size fits all method. Instead, I draw from a wide range of influences – from the mapping of human consciousness to the ancient wisdom of the 5 animal frolics. But I don’t teach these as separate lessons. I believe we all already carry these awarenesses within us as part of our DNA. My role is simply to help you wake them up.

But these aren’t just theories to me. They are tools.

I believe we all carry an inherited wisdom in our beings. My goal is to help you access that wisdom. By combining the physical, the mental, and the emotional, we find a way of moving through the world that is honest, authentic, and whole.

Honouring My Journey

My own journey has been shaped by teachers and thinkers who taught me how to see the world differently – people like Neil McCarthy, Kathleen Rogers, Alex Wong, Umberto and many others. Their insights are woven into everything I share with my students.

Training Magic – The Texture of Movement

In our sessions, we inevitably explore the vast textures of human capability such as:

• The Soft Art: Learning the profound power of complete relaxation and the “dead weight” practice.
• The Explosive: Discovering how sudden tension and the breath can create a whip-like speed and power.
• The Integrated: Using forced breathing to access a grounded, “superhuman” strength for the simplest of tasks.

A Unified Perspective Beyond the physical, this practice is about respect—for the self, for others, and for the shared essence of all things. By linking mental, physical, and emotional qualities, you can find a sense of unity.

When we align our breath—the bridge between the inner and outer world—we stop fighting the current and start flowing with it. I am here to help you find that flow.

I aim to make training welcoming, personal and focused around your unique way. During our exchanges we can talk, practise and explore at your pace, delving into what authentically matters to you.

tony@gongfu.ie