Darts, spikes and knives. Experience Chinese martial throwing with Gavin King. Ages 16+. Beginners welcome. All equipment provided.

Darts, spikes and knives. Discover the challenge of the historical Chinese martial throwing arts.

Step into the tradition of Feijian with Gavin King and explore a range of Chinese throwing weapons, including throwing darts, spikes and knives.

Drawing on a Republican-era Chinese martial arts manual, this hands-on workshop brings historical practice to life through demonstrations, supervised throwing and individual coaching.

Discover how the different weapons feel, explore traditional throwing methods and work on the movement, timing and control behind an accurate throw. Beginners can enjoy the challenge of getting started, while returning students can refine their technique and build consistency.

Come curious, find your focus and get throwing. All equipment provided.

Event details

Date: Saturday 21st November 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Price: £30 per person

Age: 16 and over

Places: 14

Location: Rochford Martial Arts Academy, Unit C, Swaines Industrial Estate, Ashingdon Road, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1RG

A Chinese martial throwing tradition

This workshop draws on a Republican-era Chinese martial arts manual and reconstructed practice methods associated with traditional throwing weapons, covering Chinese throwing darts, spikes and knives, including the Willow Leaf throwing knife (柳叶飞刀).

These sources place throwing within a wider martial system, alongside weapons practice, movement, timing and distance. We will explore that background and the design of traditional throwing weapons, connecting historical study with supervised modern target practice.

The practical work introduces no-spin throwing methods, with an emphasis on coordinated movement and control. It is an opportunity to experience the physical skill and cultural heritage behind Chinese martial throwing.

What happens during the session?

We begin with a safety briefing covering range safety, safe throwing and retrieval procedures. You will then explore Chinese throwing darts, spikes and knives, working on throwing mechanics, release, distance control and accuracy, with practical throwing time and individual feedback.

Complete beginners will learn the fundamentals. Returning students can troubleshoot their throwing, refine their technique and work towards greater consistency. Coaching is suited to your experience.

Explore a traditional martial skill

Martial context: discover where throwing fits within Chinese weapons practice.

Coordinated movement: work on how posture, balance and release come together.

Distance and timing: develop consistency through focused target practice.

Individual coaching: learn the fundamentals or refine the parts of your throwing that need attention.

Your instructor

The session is led by Gavin King of Rochford Martial Arts Academy, whose teaching includes Chinese martial arts and traditional weapons practice.

Planning your visit

Please arrive at 10:50 a.m., ten minutes before the 11:00 a.m. start. The workshop finishes at 1:00 p.m. Parking is directly outside the academy.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement and closed-toe shoes. Open-toe footwear is not permitted. All throwing equipment is provided.

If you have questions about suitability or access requirements, please contact the organiser before booking.

Description supplied by the event organiser.