A MASTER of traditional kung fu will begin sharing his art in Tweed Heads South from Wednesday.

Learn self-discipline, defence and respect for yourself and others under sifu (teacher) Matt Hansen's tutelage.

"I've trained in the art for 21 years," sifu Hansen said.

"We cater for children, adults and provide specialised women's self-empowerment classes Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6-7.30pm (NSW)."

The school, the Mantis Kung Fu Academy, operates from the MANTIS - manage, acknowledge, negotiate, tolerate, identify and safety - code of conduct.

"It's a pure form with a deep lineage of a couple of hundred years," Sifu Hansen said.

"The difference between this kung fu school and others is its traditional aspects and the power and effectiveness of technique it produces."

Kung fu adapts an attacking style useful for professional fighting or self-defence, "not just blocking and moving".

"A lot of students these days get into it to be able to protect themselves and feel confident walking the streets.

"There's the odd few that want to be better fighters in the professional world.

"But it's also family oriented for those who want to do something as a family."

Sifu Hansen is joined at Mantis Kung Fu Academy by Russell Smith and 15 other qualified instructors teaching an established student base of about 60.

The academy in many ways is also about performance, offering services such as traditional lion dancing during the Chinese New Year and performances at weddings and other celebrations.

"We also do work for the Gold Coast City Council's active and healthy program," sifu Hansen said.

"Everyone in the academy that wants to put their hand up can get involved in perform- ances."

Mr Smith who has trained under sifu Hansen for 10 years even manages cross-training with Surfing Australia.