Reading School (Kwoon)

The Reading Academy of Wing Chun & Kali is a private martial arts school founded in August 1992 by Lucas Castrounis. Since then, it has grown into a private intensive school with a very high reputation in the UK and the world.

Lucas has been teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu and Kali Eskrima at the Reading Academy since 1992. He has studied the systems at the Basement in London under the guidance of Nino Bernardo Sifu and from his oldest students. Nino was one of only a handful of students to compete the Wing Chun system in Hong Kong with the late Wong Shun Leung.

The Reading School (Kwoon), the main school of the Reading Academy, is open five days a week for training to suit the different training schedules and patterns of individuals.

The students of the Reading School (Kwoon) range from senior students who started the system with Lucas back in 1995 right through to new comers and good beginners. Lucas still accepts good, dedicated students who are interested in learning the Wing Chun and Kali Eskrima systems at the Reading Academy of Wing Chun & Kali.

Over the years, Lucas has witnessed much admirable progress among his students and seasoned martial artists from various disciplines who have come to improve their skills by training at the Reading School (Kwoon). Lucas has often enjoyed such experiences and believes that the success of the school is due to the unique learning experience inherited from the Basement of London.

To arrange an appointment / trial lesson at the Reading Academy, please apply online.
For private lessons with Mr. Lucas Castrounis please use the contact form.
If you are a Wing Chun or Kali practitioner based in Europe and would like intensive training at the Reading Academy, Mr. Lucas Castrounis can be reached by using the contact details on the right or by filling in the contact form.
Visits by appointment ONLY please.

In October 2006 the Reading Academy opened a school in High Wycombe under the supervision of Mr. Lucas Castrounis. The authorised instructor representing the Reading Academy at High Wycombe is Mr Dave Munro.

Introductory Prices (limited time only)

At the Reading School - Trial membership of £30 for 2 months

At the Wycombe school - Half-price membership for the first year, only £45.

To take advantage of these offers please apply online or phone the Reading Academy of Wing Chun & Kali. Additional monthly training fees apply.

New School Open in Dartford (Kent)

The Reading Academy has opened a new school in Dartford (Kent)

To reserve a place and attend a free trial lesson, please apply online or contact the coach, Mr Alex Tang, on 07967124406 or at alexjai@gmail.com

Training at the Reading Academy

The Reading Academy is a private school, but before you begin training, take the time to find out if the Wing Chun and/or Kali system is what you want to study and if the background of the teacher and the school match with what you are looking for.

The only requirement for training at the Reading Academy is enthusiasm, attending regularly for training, and having fun with a desire to learn. Training clothes are casual (no special uniform or shoes) and the classes are for adults only. There are no short cuts - two people may start at the same time, but it's unlikely they will finish at the same time - each individual defines their own progress.

Other systems/schools have gradings but the Reading Academy Schools do not. Both the Wing Chun and Kali systems have a logical progression. The aim is to learn/complete the entire system without fancy belts or uniforms. Founders of the wing chun system, Leung Jan, Leung Bik, Yip Man, Wong Shun Leung, Bruce Lee and Nino Bernardo did/do not have gradings or belts and neither does Lucas Castrounis nor his students.

Be patient as you have fun; learn while you cultivate your understanding.

The Lineage of the Reading Academy of Wing Chun & Kali

The Reading Academy Lineage

Yip Man's Family Tree at WingChun.com

Testimonials from Seasoned Martial Artists

I've been a member of the Reading Academy Kwoon for almost seven months now, and would just like to say how much I've enjoyed my time there. The 'concepts' and 'ideas' of wing chun that Lucas teaches can be applied to any martial art. I've trained in karate now for nearly 16 years, and from my short time in wing chun, I already feel that my karate is improving by applying the concepts of wing chun. I strongly believe that in the long run my karate will be better for having trained in wing chun than if I concentrated all of my time on one art alone.

Now I've started the system, I intend to see it through to the end.

Thanks Lucas

Simon Nell | 18.05.2007

I thought the Kali / Wing Chun workshop (30th September 2007) was brilliant.

I really like the focus on "not thinking" about what you are doing, and just get on and do it. I didn't realise how well you delivered the seminar until the Monday when we carried on what you had taught, in that evenings Kali class. As I played with the guys/girls that evening, more and more of the concepts began to pop into my head. All the details came out of the woodwork and by the end of the night I felt I had really gained from the seminar and also had a much better understanding.

I also really liked your approach to training Wing Chun. Standing there doing drills is one thing, but you put some real spice into the whole concept of drills and made them both fun and far more efficient.

Many thanks for a great day!

Dave Tilly | 08.10.2007