Modern Wellness, Ancient Roots

Sifu Paul Whitrod is a distinguished master of Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu, based in Stratford, East London. His martial arts journey began at the age of 13 with Kyokushinkai Karate, and he later immersed himself in Chow Gar under the tutelage of Sifu Yip Chee Keung in 1975. His dedication led him to Hong Kong, where he became a closed-door disciple of Grandmaster Yip Shui, deepening his expertise in both martial techniques and traditional Chinese medicine.

In 1986, Sifu Whitrod established his first full-time martial arts school in London. A year later, he was appointed the UK representative for Chow Gar by his teachers, solidifying his role in propagating the art. Beyond Chow Gar, he is also proficient in Thai Krabi Krabong and Indian Kalari, reflecting his broad martial arts expertise. At his Stratford school, Sifu Whitrod continues to teach and inspire students, many of whom have gone on to spread Chow Gar internationally.

Roxy Carbery is a dedicated kickboxing instructor at Croydon Martial Arts in London. With a passion for empowering individuals through martial arts, she combines technical proficiency with motivational coaching to help students achieve their fitness and self-defense goals. Roxy has also showcased her skills in competitive arenas, participating in events like the Skill Striker series, where she contended in the Women’s Co-Main Event.

Beyond the ring, Roxy is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all her students, emphasising discipline, confidence, and personal growth.

Lauren Riley is a certified sound healing practitioner and Pilates instructor based in Kent. Through her platform, Wellness With Lauren, she offers immersive sound bath experiences designed to promote deep relaxation, emotional balance, and inner healing. Lauren’s sound baths utilise instruments like crystal and Tibetan bowls to create therapeutic vibrations that help participants enter meditative states, facilitating stress relief and energy alignment. She conducts various sessions, including private group sound baths and luxury pop-up events, tailored to different needs and occasions.

In addition to her in-person offerings, Lauren collaborates with digital wellness platforms, such as the Reebok Fitness app, to provide accessible sound healing sessions for a broader audience. Lauren’s holistic approach combines the physical benefits of Pilates with the restorative power of sound healing, supporting individuals on their journey toward improved well-being.