Some time ago, domestic television stations repeatedly broadcast a TV series “Spirit of The Dragon", and cinemas in the whole country screened the movie "Ip Man" starring Donnie Yen. The leading character Yip Man and the world-famous star Bruce Lee both practiced Wing Chun, thus drawing great attention from all walks of life.The number of Wing Chun enthusiasts skyrocketed,and countless people tried to learn from Wing Chun masters.
There are different branches of Wing Chun throughout mainland China, apart for a few areas in the south. However, in most regions, especially in northern and central China, Wing Chun is not well known, therefore some people floundered a bit, in other words, many so called Wing Chun masters who had only a superficial understanding of this kung fu could be found everywhere teaching all sorts of Wing Chun. Of course, occasionally there are authentic martial arts masters. Therefore the Yip Man Martial Arts Association, created by the Great Master Yip Man himself, is obliged to promote Wing Chun to people interested in it at home and abroad. It carries forward the spirit of Yip Man, maintaining the outstanding Chinese cultural legacy.
In 1996, I, on behalf of Yip Man Martial Arts Association, together with Mr. Wong Shun Leung, the chairman of Wing Chun Athletic Association, were invited by National Sports Council Martial Arts Administration Centre Training Department to Beijing to promote Wing Chun. After that Master Wong Shun Leung offered short Wing Chun courses, and received enthusiastic responses from participants, but for various reasons, the development of Wing Chun in foreign countries has been much faster than in China, emphasizing the need to promote this fine culture in our own country.
Last year, invited by Shandong Martial Arts Institute, some coaches and I representing Yip Man Martial Art Association traveled all the way to Tai'an City, Shandong Province to teach Wing Chun. Various martial arts schools and institutions from every corner of Shandong also sent coaches for training. Although this training session lasted only a few days, it provided a rare opportunity to use it as springboard for later promotion of Wing Chun.
The training received invitation from the organizer: Shandong Martial Arts Institute; support from Sun Gang; and coordination from Wang Yulong, deputy director of the Chinese Martial Arts Association. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to them all.
Wing Chun has originated from Shaolin, been passed down from Foshan, is rooted in Hong Kong, and has carried forward in the world. We are proud that we have the opportunity to spread Yip Man’s Wing Chun, part of Hong Kong culture, to our compatriots.
Chairman of Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association
Sam Lau
Demostrating Chi Sau with Coach Lau Tak Tai
Learning with an open mind
The testimony of two italian disciples of Master Lau Kung Shing, who decided to dedicate themselves to Wing Chun, after knowing him almost casually
After practicing Wing Chun for almost 20 years in many different associations across Italy and Europe, we decided to approach the so called “traditional” concept of this martial art. After some disappointments related to some European Masters’(Schools’) ways of teaching, we felt the need to follow someone that could lead us to the original formula of Wing Chun, the traditional culture that was brought by Ip Man many years ago and now it is safeguarded by some masters(Ip Man’s disciples) in Hong Kong. We started to visit many schools in Hong Kong; some teachers rejected us without letting us to explain what we were searching for, some others didn’t convince us because of their interpretation and logic thinking of the style, until we went almost casually to the school directed by Master Sam Lau, the last assistantof Ip Man. There was an instantaneous reaction: his character and his good-natured manner were all unexpected to us. But despite our sensations, he didn’t immediately decided to teach us: everyday there’s a lot of people in his school and everybody asks to become a student. So, why should he accept foreigners?
But time and determination made the work.
From a technical point of view Master Sam Lau represents exactly what we were searching for: perfect knowledge of Wing Chun, mastery of the movements, confidence in executing the techniques and... a lot of patience in teaching!
Starting from the correct way to hold the fist and down to the more complex forms or the mastery in weaponry handling, Master Sam Lau is always clear and exhaustive in explaining them. The competence and honesty that he demonstrated are characteristics that we never found in our life as Kung Fu students, and we are proud of this.
We felt astonished for the intensity of the connections and the strong collaboration amongthe groups that represents Wing Chun in Hong Kong. It has been difficult for us to understand this family connections, because in Europe every thing is more transient and is based on different values.
The “Tea Ceremony” that we attended with Sifu Sam Lau, which is called BaiSi, helped us so much to understand the relations that link the members of Hong Kong’s associations, the concept of family in Kung Fu, but above all the tight relation which links the Master to his disciples and vice versa. Obviously a trustworthy relation needs time to be refined, and for us is very important to often visit Hong Kong to cooperate actively with Sifu in the various projects that born day by day.
We feel honored to be part of an important family as this, but at the same time we know that it’s a big responsibility and it’s not a game. The purpose, in Hong Kong as in Europe, is to spread the Wing Chun of Ip Man and Sam Lau.
Hong Kong’s Wing Chun is strongly different if compared to the one that we studied in Europe and Italy. The basic techniques, the first that the disciple learns, are the elements that mostly characterize Sam Lau’s Wing Chun and have a strategic importance for the student.
These basic techniques are fast-learned, very clear and linear, and represent the idea of a martial art like Wing Chun: simple, direct and effective.
Sifu did not force us to learn endless chains of movements that need hours just to be remembered, because this would be a waste of energy; instead he can focus directly on the principle and the concept which lead to the effectiveness of the action, saving time. Simplicity and effectiveness are reflected also in the forms. The form in fact is another key element: training the forms makes you stronger, fortifies mind and body, and helps you to understand quickness along with precision of movements that compose the system.
Watching Sifu performing one of the Wing Chun forms is an exciting experience and makes you understand what’s the meaning of a set of movements.
Learning a martial art like Wing Chun requires years of dedication and sacrifice, but the results are priceless. When our learning path with Sifu does not end, we are sure that we will continue to attend his enhancing training courses in Hong Kong, and the Yip Man Martial Arts Association. It’s not only a matter of arts and knowledge exchange, now we also have to consider the friendship and the respect for a man, Sifu Lau, who opened us the doors of an ancient and precious martial art, and those of a real family; that’s why we consider Sifu as a second father.
Silvio Gazzaniga
Furio Piccinini
Italian disciples returning home to teach Wing Chun
Group photo of four disciples and guests taken after the Baisi Ceremony
Come here, Sam, perform these rituals:
Baisi, call-me-master and Hongbao
Tricks used by rumor mongers are limited, and believers are ignorant. Rumor mongers Play themselves up, spreading rumors, and gossip to play down other people. In fact, what is real is real and what is false is false. In fact, to showcase one’s kung fu, he should not rely on word-of-mouth advertising, or media publicity. He should perform natural Chi Sau (sticky hands) online, and do not use special effects as used in a film. When his peers see it, they can tell instantly what's genuine. In fact, if your kung fu is learned from Yip Man, then he knew it the most clearly. Our great master answered to no one else when he handled affairs, accepted students, taught special skills. Everyone can tell that who taught you kung fu, and how much kung fu you have learned. If one wants to confirm the truth, he should talk to Yip Man face to face.
In 1967 the great master found that I attended a challenge match, so he made a special trip to the hawker stall on Fa Yuen Street, wanting to know who the opponent was. He noticed his V-shape figure, swollen mouth and swollen face. Afterward we drank tea at Lung Fung Restaurant, and he encouraged me. And then for some reasons, I quit practicing Wing Chun, and the great master knew what was going on. One afternoon, Yip Man called me speaking with his Foshan Dialect, “Come here, Sam, perform these rituals: Baisi, call-me-master and Hongbao”. I was surprised, so I went to Yip Man's home No. 149, 9 / F , Tung Choi Street, for appointment. Ip Ching’s wife was there too. Yip Man asked me to perform Siu Nim Tao (Little Idea Form) to him and asked how I thought about Mui Yat. I said Mui Yat was very genuine. He nodded, then asked me about Wong Wing. I said Wong Wing’s tricks were too many. Because he learned Mantis Boxing, so he said “yes!” (Wong Wing was the judge when I was in challenge matches with other kung fu factions. He brought me to matches, and then I brought his student Chow Lin Fat and Ng Kwok Yin to challenge karate and Hung Kuen practitioners. In November 1968 when he opened his martial arts school the first day, he waited for me to come to attend the open ceremony with his first batch of students, and then I helped him teach Kung Fu. I took the opportunity and asked him: Master! Which one is better? He said Kam Ming was good. That was the focus of talk, then he went to 2 / F, 192 Tung Choi Street, my home, to tutor me, and then I followed him everywhere, teaching and learning Kung Fu, and then he asked me to teach his female home disciple, Wong Wai Han. She lived on Seymour Road. I taught once every Sunday at her home, and earned 500 dollars a time and then another 500 dollars with Wong Chung Wah practicing Chi Sau. Yip Man helped me earn two 500-dollar banknotes a month. 40 years ago, most people’s salary was about several hundred dollars. Why Yip Man took the initiative to accept me as his disciple though he had so many disciples to choose from to assistant him teaching Kung Fu. What was he thinking at that time? Until now I still do not understand why I was so favored by him. That’s because I had feelings for Yip Man, and did my bit for Yip Man Martial Arts Association.
In fact, most of those people who claimed they were Yip Man's disciples, do not necessarily have good kung fu. Kung fu must be learned through talent and enthusiasm, hard frequent practice and many quality matches. Just because you have a good master, it does not mean you are a good disciple.
Only those practitioners with limited kung fu skill make rumors, and believers are ignorant. The following is my Wing Chun practice history:
1.Enlightened by Moy Yat
2.Became disciple of Yip Man
3.Improved by Sam Lau (the great master offered profound teaching and encouraged me always to improve myself through self-improvement)
Chairman of Yip Man Martial Arts Association
Sam Lau
From right: Wong Wing, Lau Kung Shing
I have a good relationship with Yip Chun
In 1972 the great master’s memorial hall was set in Kowloon Funeral Parlour, and I met Yip Chun at the entrance. He said, “you helped my father teaching Kung Fu in the past, now could you help me”. So I went to Kowloon City Yip Man Martial Arts Association to help him to teach kung fu. At that time, Ho Kei, Lee Ming, and Leung Chung Wai were all students. And then Wing Chun Athletic Association selected some boxers to participate in Taiwan Chiehshou Boxer Challenge Cup Competition, Yip Chun told me to train Leung Chung Wai for the competition, and I took him to the Tin Kwong Road army training ground for two weeks. And he beat two opponents. Last year, Yip Chun also invited me to participate in the film’s “Ip Man I” celebration party, and he presented a red fan to me, with signatures of Donnie Yen and other staff members. At that time, he had only one red fan, so that showed how good his relationship with me was. It has been over 40 years.
There is a YouTube video recently. It showed I practiced Chi Sau with Yip Chun. Because this film was uploaded without our permission and consent and I can not confirm when or where this video was taken, to avoid speculative misunderstanding, I have complained to YouTube, and they have deleted it. In fact, 8 years ago, Yip Chun and I went to Gulao in Jiangmen to visit Mr. Chan’s hometown. During the visit, Wing Chun was performed for entertainment, but we believed it was not genuine, not Wing Chun. At lunch, I requested to the Deputy Mayor that he find Wing Chun master to perform for us. The mayor then called on more than 10 masters, including the most famous Master Feng in Gulao, who was also known as Tank. After the lunch, we watched them performing.
After their performance, they asked me to perform. Although I did not feel well, but as courtesy, I also showed Siu Lim Tou.And then they sent groups of two people to perform Chi Sau.
Finally, they asked me to do Chi Sau with them. I thought we had different Chi Sau methods (they sat in low horse stance, and they chased hands but did not chase bodies and their Chi Sau hand movement was different. Although Gulao is Yip Man's master’s Liang Zan's birthplace, but the kung fu there is very different), therefore if I did Chi Sau with them,it could cause misunderstanding or we might hurt each other easily, but they wanted to know Yip Man’s Wing Chun. They hurried me to do Chi Sau with them, so I thought they had about twenty people, and no matter if I won or lost, I would be ata disadvantage, so I tried everything possible to refuse them, but it was very difficult to say no. Fortunately, Yip Chun was sophisticated, and decided to calm them down, so he said, “Shing Chai, I do Chi Sau with you.” In fact, it was the first time for both of us to do Chi Sau—he did not Chi Sau with any of his Kung Fu brothers after he started teaching boxing. Because that was a moment showing Yip Man’s Wing Chun to our peers, we decided definitely not to show the boring, mundane hand movements. We both had known that we should show some more intense offensive and defensive pass-through hand action, and of course, when we did that, we would contact each other. And they applauded crazily. Then I said, my elder Kung Fu brother was almost 80 years old and his kung fu was great. My glasses were almost broken, then they clapped their hands again. In fact, we were all Yip Man’s disciples—if he was good, then means I am good too.If he gave me several more frontal punches, that would be no problem, because it was just performance! But most of those people who did not know Wing Chun well would think we were fighting with each other. And criticize us blindly. They absolutely do not know what is Kung Fu. In fact, when we practice Chi Sau in classroom, mouth bleeding, nose bleeding, and losing teeth occurs frequently, so in fact, it is no big deal, because this is Yip Man’s Wing Chun.
My brother Yip Chun, I hope that you and I live long, carry on our friendship, and have good health.
From Left to Right (from the second man): Fung Ping Po, Leung Pang, Yip Ching,
Siu Yuk Man, Man Yim Kong, Chan Wai Hong, Lau Hon Lam, Chui Shang Tin,
Yip Chun, Lok Yiu, Lo Man Kam, Lau Kung Shing
Master Sam Lau teaches Wing Chun
at Shanghai Sports College
During lesson
Master Sam Lau, 3 Wing Chun instructors
and Class A students
Photo with Principle Yu
From left: Silvio, Master Sam Lau,
Principle Yu, Wong Man Hong,
Lau Tak Tai
Visit the World Expo, Shanghai
with instructor Lau Tak Tai
Visit the World Expo, Shanghai
with instructor Lau Tak Tai
30 June 2010
Popularizing the genuine Wing Chun culture
to the La Salle College
26 June 2010
30 Google staff came to learn Wing Chun
A brief introduction
to Wing Chun
Practise in group
Practise in group
Master Sam Lau and
Instructor Lau Tak Tai
were demostrating Stick Hand
1 April 2010
Master Sam Lau is appointed as
District Fight Crime Committee (Yau Tsim Mong)
11 April 2010
Shenzhen Wushu Association 2009 Awards
26 February 2010
King of Lion Dance Championship
\
15 March 2010
Sidelight of Sam Lau's recent activities
Kwok Wong Wing Kei, District Officier,
is demostrating practise with wooden dummy
Beautiful and capable
District Commissioner,
Kwok Wong Wing Kei;
and Vice District Commissioner,
Lo Hou Wai
Kowk Wong Wing Kei,
the District Commissioner of
Yau Tsim Mong district
Photo with Donald Tsang,
the Chief Executive of
Hong Kong
Photo with Donald Tsang and others
Lau Yip Shing, Commander
of Yau Tsim Mong District;
Lau Kung Shing, General Manager
of the Shoestring Travel Limited
Lo Kok Kei, Commander of
the Tsim Sha Tsui District
Tsang Hou Kong, Commander of West Kowloon
3 May 2010
2010 Fu Yong Cup National South Lion Dancing Competition, Shenzhen Bao An
Speech on the opening ceremony
Lion Dance demostration
Participants are lining up
Participants are lining up
Prize winners
Prize winners
10 February 2010
2010 Lunar New Year Advertisement of the
Chinese Kung Fu International School
This advertisement will be on air during Lunar New Year, on Cable TV and the Eastern Boardcasting.
29 December 2009
Chinese Kung Fu International School
interviewed by TVB8
Photo with the shooting crew
Photo with the shooting crew
30 December 2009
BBQ Party on New Year's Eve --- Please sign up to us NOW!
All the students are welcomed to join this BBQ party! The time is from 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 31st, 2009 to 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 1st, 2010. The place is in the garden of Kong fu School, Mirador Mansion, 3/F. Besides the barbecue, we also arrange many activities such like mahjong games and karaoke. And it's all free! Students who are interested in this BBQ party, please sign up to us as soon as possible!
24 December 2009
Barbecue Party on Christmas Eve
Sam Lau had fun
with disciples and friends
Roasted suckling pig
Sam Lau was
performing ways of cutting
Sam Lau and his disciples
Our kung fu school held a barbecue party on Christmas Eve in the Mirador Mansion, Tsim Sha Tsui. There were more than a hundred disciples to participate in this party. Not only the general BBQ food, but also roasted suckling pig on-site! Everyone was satisfied and ate as many as he like. The guests all said that roasted pig has an extremely high standard, even much more delicious than the New Keung Kee Restaurant and Wing Hap Lung Restaurant.
Besides the barbecue, we also arrange many activities such like mahjong games and karaoke. Some disciples also took the opportunity to exchange the kungfu techniques with senior or junior fellow apprentices.
Everyone responds warmly to the event. They all enjoyed themselves that night. Therefore, we would like to hold another barbecue party from 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 31st, 2009 to 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 1st, 2010. Students who are interested in this barbecue party on New Year's Eve, please sign up to us as soon as possible.
21 December 2009
Last night in “Lung Moon Restaurant” The four senior disciples of
Wing Chun master Ip Man
get together and grieve for him
From Left: Chan Luen Lam, Yeung Wing, Lee Wai Chi, Lau Kung Shing
Sam Lau showing how to defend
using chopsticks and a bun
"Enter the Dragon Gate(Lung Moon)and be someone special. Enjoy the tasty dishes served with heart and soul." The Lung Moon Restaurant, located in the busy Wanchai district, had been open for 60 years. As the couplet suggests, besides delicious food, the most admirable element of the restaurant was its strong sense of neighborliness. Alas, as the Chinese saying goes, no banquet lasts forever. The restaurant opened for the last time on 30 November 2009 before its closure. That night, the restaurant hosted a banquet to say goodbye to old and new friends. Buoyed up by all the singing and dancing, guests drank toast after toast to each other. Though still with laughs and smiles on their faces, the guests were unwilling to bid farewell to the restaurant. Regular patrons took pictures to remember the place. The four senior disciples of Wing Chun master Ip Man (Chan Luen Lam, Yeung Wing, Lee Wai Chi, Sam Lau) also came to memorize the moments when their late master joked about fighting back enemies with lotus seed paste buns.
Ip Man, a kung fu master of the Wing Chun, was also a regular diner in Lung Moon. On the last night of the restaurant, his first generation disciples had a gathering in the restaurant to memorize traces of life with the master. One of the disciples, Sam Lau, recalled joyfully the times when the master would order lotus seed paste buns once he got there. He remembered the kung fu master's saying that as the dim sums served by Lung Moon were fresh from the kitchen; people could defend themselves by not just using chopsticks, but also by throwing the hot and freshlotus seed paste bunsto pull away enemies.
Lung Moon Restaurant opened in 1949, formerly known as "Dragon and Phoenix Restaurants". It operated 60 years.Today, it formally finished its business and exited from Wan Chai Johnston Road. In appreciation for the supports of regular customers these years, a two-day feast was held bythe restaurant.Last night was the final banquet, 40 banquets were full with guests.Some other fans even crowded outside the gate. There were also special arrangements for regular customers last night.Wan Kong, Lui Shan and other old singers performed for entertainments. Several famous actors from Chinese Artist Association of Hong Kong also had an impromptu. Lung Moon Restaurantwas bustling with noise, excitement and sentiment.
Reported from: WenHuiPo journalist - Cheng Kai Yuen, Hak Kwan Yi
14 December 2009
Yau Tsim Mong Sports Demostration Day
Wing Chun on stage
Stick Hand demostration
Receving souvenir
Instructing the disciples
9 December 2009
The Autumn Tomb-Sweeping Ceremony of Master Yip Man, 2009
The members of Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association pay respects to Master Yip Man at his tomb, 2009.
The Autumn Tomb-Sweeping Ceremony of Master Yip Man
The chairman of Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association, Master Sam Lau
Master Sam Lau made a speech
The chairman of Wing Tsun Athletic Association, Mr. Ka On Leung addressed in the ceremony
The leaders of Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association and Wing Tsun Athletic Association proposed a toast
Master Lau Kung Shing took
a picture with his Italian disciples
Photo with Lok Yiu's son,
Lok Wing Kong
Photo with Lok Yiu's son,
Lok Wing Kong
7 December 2009
Notice
Silver medal certificate
The chairman of Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association, Master Sam Lau, was invited to this competition from 8 December to 13. Eleven people participated inthe “Global Chinese Talents (Dragon and Lion Dance) Competition” together with Master Sam Lau. This competition was hosted by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council and undertook by GuangzhouJinanUniversity. These 22 Dragon and Lion Dancing teams are from 18 countries all around the world. They gathered in Guangzhou to fight for the champion.
Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association gave a very positive response to this Competition. Its purpose is to promote Chinese culture exchange and enhance the overseas Chinese national identity.
27 November 2009
The Martial Arts Communication in Foshan
Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association had a Martial Arts communicationin Foshan.
From Left: Lee Wai Chi, Yeung Wing, Lau Hon Lam, Lee Kin Yam,
Kwok Wai Cham,
Lau Kung Shing
In the BaomoGarden, Guangzhou
Visit the Yip Man Memorial hall
Took a picture with the Principals
of Peng Nan Memorial hall
Lee Wai Chi Exchanged pennant with
the curator of Peng Nan Memorial hall
Took a picture before Yip Man's bronze in the Lo Village
27 November 2009
The Martial Arts Communication in Shenzhen
Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association had a competition with the Shenzhen Martial Arts Association
The Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association take a group photo.
In the middle of left: Lee Wai Chi In the middle: Lau Kung Shing
In the middle of right: Yeung Wing
Master Sam Lau made a speech
The Performance of Italian instrustors
From Left: Yeung Wing, Lee Wai Chi,
Ma Chi Gau (President of Shenzhen
Martial Arts Association),
Lau Kung Shing
Dine together after the Martial Arts Exchange
President Ma is presenting souvenir
to Mr. Lau
President Ma flies the flag
20 November 2009
Notice
We are going to participate in the Yau Tsim Mong District East Asian Games Demostration Day on 22nd November 2009 (Sunday). If you are interested in joining the demostration, please wear black T-Shirt and black trousers, attend on-time at 15:15. We will receive souvenir at 15:30, and then demostrate Wing Chun at 15:45.
If you prefer to be an audience, you may come to the Urban Council Centenary Garden between 13:00 to 17:00.
5 November 2009
Notice
We are going to join a wushu convention with the Shenzhen Wushu Association on this Friday afternoon (6th November). The convention will take place at the Shenzhen Gongren Wenhuagong (Workers Culture Palace). Shenzhen Wushu Association will arrange a feast after the convention. 30 representative of our association will join the convention, please contact us if you wish to apply.
24 October 2009
Notice
The Autumn Tomb-sweeping ceremony organized by Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association Limited and Ving Tsun Athletic Association Limited will be held on
1st November 2009 in Hong Kong for a duration of 3 days.
All followers of Master Yip Man - local and overseas are cordially invited to attend this event.
Itinerary:-
1st November 2009, Sunday (First day)
0930 hours – Assemble at Nathan Road/Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, proceeding to Fanling Railway Station at own expenses. Escort by the tour leader to the destination where the Tomb–sweeping ceremony takes place, thence share the great taste of whole roasted pig meals with soft drinks.
1900 hours – dinner at a Chinese Restaurant.
2nd November 2009, Monday (Second day)
8:00AM –Assemble at Nathan Road/Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui transfer to Pangyu, China, visiting the Bao Mu Yuan with Chinese structures and magnificent scenery.
After lunch, proceeding to FoShan to visit the Yip Man Hall.
About 1700 hours - Check in the hotel.
1800 hours – dinner, thereafter free time.
3rd November 2009, Tuesday (Third day)
After breakfast will visit the local Martial Arts Associations and the Law's village to pay respect to Yip Man Bronze statue. Free time.
About 1700 hours return to Hong Kong.
About details and enquiries please contact your master.
Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association
18 Oct 2009
Master Sam Lau's Birthday
Yip Man's disciples
cut the birthday cake
blow the candles
Sam Lau sings his favourite song
Yip Man's first generation disciple
the Eldest disciple of Yip Man,
Mr
Chui Shang Tin
Lee Wai Chi singing
Yip Man's first generation disciple
cheers
cheers
cheers
17th October 2009
Asean (Wuzhou) International
Lion Dancing Championship 2009
monitor the event
announcing the commencement
of the event
Deputy Mayor Won Man Yum,
Vice Investigator Yung Dai Seng,
Chairman Lau Kung Shing,
Director Au Kin Wah
dotting the lion's eyes
21st September 2009
Children Wing Chun
Students learning Siu Lim Tou
Master Sam Lau is teaching
Wing Chun techniques
The instructor is correcting the style
Students are practising seriously
20 Sep 2009
The Parade of Yau Tsim Mong District
celebrating China's 60th Anniversary
Assembly at the Cultural Centre
Lau Kung Shing, Chan Luen Lam,
Lee Wai Chi, Lau Hon Lam
Stop and take photo
the junction of
Nathan Road and Haiphong Road
Siu Lim Tou, Wu Shou
Stick Hand at the junction of
Nathan Road and Haiphong Road
Passing through the Haiphong Road
Practising at Canton Road
Practising at Canton Road
Children practising Siu Lim Tou
Biu Chee, Xuan Ma
Foreign Practioner showing
how to train with a wooden dummy
Sam Lau introducting the wooden dummy
group practising
Chung Kwong Mo, chairman of the District Council
District Officer Kwok Wong Wing Kei, JP
councillor Chan Shiu Tong
Wan Kong, Prince of the Cantonese Opera
Sam Lau teaching Wan Kong to
train with the wooden dummy
some of the performers
18 Sep 2009
A banquet held by the Hong Kong Police Chinese Wushu Club
From left: Tsui Kin Cheung (Chief Superintendent of Police),
Yum Tak Wing (Vice Commissioner of Police),
Mr Lau Kung Shing,
Master Luk Chung Mou
14 Jul 2009
Teaching Wing Chun in Shandong Province
Photo with the students
Photo with the students
Opening ceremony
Speak to the students
Speak to the students
Chairman of Qingdao Wushu Association
and Kung Fu School representatives
Photo with some students
Photo taken during lesson
Photo taken during lesson
Photo taken during lesson
Photo taken during lesson
Demostrating stick hand
Instructing stick both hands
Demostrating Siu Lim Tou
Demostrating Lap Sau
Demostration of practising with
wooden dummy
Demostration of practising with
wooden dummy
Photo with Sun Gong, chairman of Shandong Wushu Institute
Instructors of the class
From Left: Master Lau Tak Tai,
Master Chui, Master Sam Lau
Vice Chairman of Qingdao Wushu Association and chief Instructor
Photo with representatives
of Shandong Wushu schools
Tour at Taishan
Dinner with Shandong Martial Artists
Dinner with Shandong Martial Artists
Celebrate master Leung's 70th birthday
Mr Shang, the Chairman of Shandong Wrestling Association, treated us a meal
Master Sam Lau and Master Lau Tak Tai
Master Sam Lau and Master Lau Tak Tai
8 Jul 2009
Invited by the Shandong Provincial Wushu Institute, master Sam Lau will go to the Tai An city with 8 coaches, to teach Wing Chun to the wushu instructors in Shandong. We will move on at 10th July, hope that we can make Yip Man Wing Chun to be more famous.
Ip Man’s first disciples visiting the hall of Ip Man
From Left: Lee Kui, Chung Yau, Lau Kung Shing, Ng Cham,
Siu Yuk Man, Pang Kam Fat, Yip Ching, Lee Wai Chi,
Lee Kin Yum, Lau Hon Lam, Kwan Kee
Ip Man Martial Arts Athletic Assn & Wing Chun Athletic Assn
before feast of Lo Man Kam
2nd row, from left: Mui Chung Chi, Derek Fung, Leung Pang,
Yip Ching, Siu Yuk Man, Man Yim Kong,
Chan Wai Hong, Kwan Kee
1st row, from left: Chui Shang Tin, Yip Chun, Lok Yiu,
Lo Man Kam, Lau Kung Shing
Ving Tsun Athletic Association Certificate (Click to Enlarge)
24 Apr 2009
On April 24, 2009, master Sam Lau, chairman of Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association, held a solemn ceremony formally acknowledging two Italians Furio and Silvio as well as two Chinese Wong Man Hong and Eugene Cheung as his disciples with over 10 first-generation disciples of Yip Man as witnesses. There were eight tables of guests and reporters from various TV stations and media that evening, making the ceremony an unprecedented one in the Wing Chun history.
Furio and Silvio have studied Wing Chun Kung Fu from several instructors for about 20 years in Italy and taught Wing Chun for 18 years, instructing people publicly in the 14 Wing Chun schools set up by them. They paid three special trips to HongKong and visited many Wing Chun masters in seek of authentic Wing Chun. By a lucky coincidence, they met master Sam Lau and had their deep-rooted mistaken forms and movements in the past years corrected under the instruction of Sam Lau, understanding authentic Wing Chun of Yipman accordingly.
3rd row (from left): Ka On Leung, Leung Hin Ming, Chan Luen Lam, Lau Hon Lam, Bo Kin Wah, Kwan Kee, Man Yim Kong, Chan Shiu Lung, Yeung Wing, Lai Ying Jou
2nd row (from left): Luk Di, Tam Yui Chi, Chan Wai Hong, Yip Ching, Lau Kung Shing, Siu Yuk Man, Lee Wai Chi, Tong Jo Chi
1st row (from left): Furio Piccinini, Silvio Gazzaniga, Eugene Cheung, Wong Man Hong
First generation disciples of Yip Man atteded this Baisi Ceremony
1st row from left: Siu Yuk Man, Lee Wai Chi, Yip Ching, Chan Wai Hong, Tong Jo Chi
2nd row from left: Kwan Kee, Man Yim Kwong, Chan Shiu Lung, Lau Hon Lam,
Yeung Wing, Bo Kin Wah
Silvio shows respect to the wife of master
Baisi scene of Furio
Chi Sao instructon after Baisi
Master Sam Lau interviewed by the media
New and old disciples
14 May 2009
Particpate the Shanghai Sanlin International Dragon and Lion Dancing Competition
Photo with Italian representatives
Photo with Indian representatives
Photo with the mayor of Zhongshan city,
the chairman of Zhongshan Dragon and Lion dacing association, chairman of
Macau Wushu Association
Giving the prize to a member
of the Zhongshan team
Photo taken after giving the prize
to the champion team
Prize giving to China 2nd team
Photo taken after giving the prize
to the champion team
Photo with the 1st runner up team
Miss Manner requested to take photo
with master Sam Lau, the junior alumnus
of Bruce Lee
Chairman of the Chinese Wushu Association - Wang Shao Lin (center) visiting
Ip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association and taking this photo with
Chan Wai Hong, Ip Chun, chariman Lau Kung Shing,
Lee Wai Chi, Yeung Wing (from left 2).
27 Mar 2009
Yip Man is Wing Chun, Wing Chun is Yip Man
Ip Man Wing Chun is China Wing Chun
Yip Man Wing Chun is the self-defensive Kung fu of attack and defense practiced by most people in the current society. Among the Wing Chun prentices, more than ninety-five percent are from Yip Man’s Faction. Wing Chun is also the Chinese Kung fu with most foreign prentices.
China is one of the world civilized ancient countries with a resplendent culture of five thousand years. In order to enhance the national power, besides social prosperity and technological development, China as a great power shall meanwhile intensively and extensively promote cultural and traditional techniques in different fields, so as to foster friendliness and admiration of foreigners to Chinese, which is a great help for diplomacy and feelings of foreigners to Chinese.
Fortifying and promoting culture is an investment which will carry an everlasting benefit to the country. When the attractive culture infiltrates into somewhere of the heart, it will bring positive reaction and resonance, and therefore the local people will appreciate and be willing to promote it, which is very favorable for the country in many terms. Among different traditional techniques, Kung fu, which especially represents the long-standing cultural foundation of China, can take permanent, infinite and profound effects.
Kung fu represents healthy bodies and a technique of bare handed attack and defense. This is the cultural quintessence of a unique gymnastics. In fact, the culture of Chinese Kung fu has infiltrated into different places around the world. Traditional martial art of different styles has been spread all over the world, especially Wing Chun, which receives the most attention. Now millions of foreigners all over the world are practicing Wing Chun. They come from afar and live on a frugal life just for the purpose of mastering a good Kung Fu technique. Wing Chun is one of the most popular Chinese Kung fu in the world at present, especially because it can strengthen bodies with superior abilities of attack and defense. Up to now, many departments of military, police and security in foreign countries regard it as a "secret weapon".
Wing Chun originated from Shaolin and Master Yip Man went to Hongkong in the 1950s’ with this special technique. After continuous improvement, a large majority of Wing Chun enthusiasts at present are the offspring of Master Yip Man. However, due to the difference in techniques of many coaches, many prentices just make up the number with different types of strange techniques. There are not many prentices who can practice genuine and good Kung fu. They even consider what they practice is genuine. Actually, it is a waste of money and time. What dispirits them most is that they follow several coaches but each coach has different technique. Due to the big difference in technique, prentices are uncertain which one they should follow. They can finally create their own distorted Wing Chun to give prominence to themselves. Later they name the Kung fu with their names or countries. The culture of Wing Chun will be plagiarized by foreigners and becomes the culture of foreigners ultimately. Some even try to register it in the United Nations as their heritage.
In order to maintain and enhance this unique and excellent culture of Kung fu, all Chinese shall stand up. It requires admitting talents with genuine martial art, and collecting suggestions and advices from folk people who have practical experience of Wing Chun and boxing so as to integrate Yip Man Wing Chun all over the world. Unified standard shall be set up, and classification and ranking systems shall be adopted in test so as to enable prentices to positively make progress and improve overall techniques, and meanwhile to turn it into the most effective and powerful empty-handed device. Therefore all Wing Chun enthusiasts in the world have genuine technique to follow, to believe and to normalize. Primary and middle school students not only can practice karate or taekwondo,they also have another alternative ── Wing Chun.
Leaders of our country all mention to protect and develop Chinese traditional culture on different occasions, therefore, I suggest that General Administration of Sport of China shall adopt effective measures to protect and develop this excellent culture. I believe Wing Chun may become a sport in the Olympic Games someday in the future if we promote it seriously, because Wing Chun is actually a sport practiced by many foreigners. I believe all enthusiastic Chinese have responsibility to support and develop it.
20 Feb 2009
Lynn Hung, Master Sam Lau, Donnie Yan
Lynn Hung, Master Sam Lau, Donnie Yan
20 Feb 2009
Master Sam Lau, Donnie Yan
Master Sam Lau, Donnie Yan
30 Jan 2009
09 annual dinner with Ip Man Martial Arts Athletic Assn
photo taken during annual dinner
photo taken during annual dinner
photo taken during annual dinner
photo taken during annual dinner
photo taken during annual dinner
photo taken during annual dinner
photo taken during annual dinner
21 Jan 2009
Our recent photos
Wing Chun class for kids
in Alpha House
Wing Chun class for kids
in Alpha House
Photo taken when
learners are practising
Wing Chun
Photo taken when
learners are practising
Wing Chun
Indoor group photo
Outdoor group photo
Photo taken before
Lion Dance practising
During Wing Chun class
26 Nov 2008
Master Sam Lau participates the 3rd International Wing Chun Chi-Sau competition
as the arbitation officier. Mr Jin Jia Hong (3rd of the right hand side) is the
chief judge in this competition.
3 Nov 2008
Master Sam Lau in the 3rd Traditional Wushu Competition
(click to enlarge)
Headline of a local newspaper
local newspaper reported this event
From left: Arbitration Committee Li De Yin, Wu Bin,
Jiang Bai Long, Zhang Shan (Chairman), Sam Lau
From left: Sam Lau, Li De Yin, Wu Bin, Jiang Bai Long, Zhang Shan,
Officer
Wang Yu Long, Department Head Li Xiao Jie
The heads of Chinese Wushu Association take photo with the judges
Arbitration Committee Sam Lau
List of the arbitration committee
12 Aug 2008
Bui Chi
Recently many magazine editors invite me to narrate the history of Wing Chun and some purposes of Wing Chun Kuen technique. I show no interest. Firstly, I do not instruct Wing Chun Kuen by means of books. I know the historical events through Grandmaster Ip Man or other antecessors. It is hard to distinguish whether they are true or false. Therefore, I can only talk about what I have heard with my own eyes. As to the theories and technique purposes, because different people have different physique and culture, it cannot explain in the same way. Domestic and foreign experts and masters who compose books to the market, and I believe most of them plagiarize with each other. However, when a great number of similar expressions appear on the market, people gradually believe they are the truth, which are later accepted by the public.
Except chopsticks and lotus seed paste buns which can be acted as weapons as I once said, there is till Bui Chi. Why? Because my opinion on the functions of Bui Chi differ greatly with opinions of most Wing Chun disciples. Several years ago, I drank coffer with Master Bo Kin Wah and another Taichi master in Delifrance, Hyatt Regency Hotel in Beijing Road. Related to Bui Chi, people generally believe Bui Chi is an attacking technique, while I believe Bui Chi shall mainly be a defeat technique. Master Bu felt quite surprised at that time and asked me whether this opinion is the instruction of Grandmaster Ip Man or my personal research conclusion. After my explanation, master Bu came to accept my opinion. Master Bo Jianhua is the excellent prentice of Master Liang Xiang. After being instructed for over forty years, his prentices enjoy high status in Wing Chun circle.
As to Bui Chi, I hear all day that Bui Chi is the most serious and profound technique. Focusing on finger tip, we believe we can defeat the opponent at one stroke with very serious effect. However, I believe that in the formal flight, both we and the opponent will not pay any sympathy and will go all out in every stroke. While whether strength can exert depends on function and routine practice. In actual flight, one really has no time to think about countermeasures and gestures keep changing. You really have no time to focus all your strength on your finger tip, then to make a fatal stroke to the opponent. In this condition, it is meaningless whether to focus all strength on Bui Chis.
Any Kung Fu has attacking and defending gesture. I believe the functions of Bui Chi are beating when attack, dealing with the emergency when defeat. The function of defend is more than the function of attack.
When practising "gwai jang" (the elbow in biu jee), the most difficult angle to generate power is vertically from top to bottom. When a practioner is able to generate power at this angle (after rigorous practice), generating power at all other angles (side / diagonal) is simple.
Demostration: Jeran Cho (click thumb to enlarge)
31 July 2008
Story of bun
I was asked by some readers about my photo on the front cover of the 13th issue of 2005 of the New Martial Hero Magazine: holding on my left hand a Chinese bun and on my right hand grasping a pair of chopsticks – what was the trick behind? In fact there was a story behind it and perhaps I should reveal it here to the readers and the younger generation. Normally people appearing on the front cover of the Magazine look sharp and strong, some even show a murderous look on their faces making people feel unapproachable. One day, I was having Chinese tea at Luk Yu Tea House in Central when the boss of the Magazine was also there after finishing his work. He took out his camera and took a photo of me for showing off in the future. Naturally, there would not be available martial art tools on the sport as Luk Yu was not a martial club. On the other hand, the place was simply not right for showing off martial art. Then I thought of my master Ip Man’s posture when he had Chinese tea at Lung Fung (Dragon and Phoenix Restaurant): he looked very smart and very much like a scholar, profoundly skilled in martial art yet concealed. He frequently held in his left hand a lotus paste bun with his right hand holding a pair of chopsticks, eating and chatting, sometimes playing with his pair of chopsticks, so that I was very curious and paid much observation on him. I subsequently discovered that the chopsticks could even be used as short knifes or club, and if strong enough and used as two single ones, could serve as Ba Zhan Do, so that it is an invisible disposition of disposition combat forces.
When one is being attacked and has to save oneself, first throw the tea cup or the bun onto the face of the attacker to mask his sight, then use the pair of chopsticks to directly pierce his throat and flee! If being attacked by knife, stand firm and set down a bit to assimilate the attack, and then use the chopsticks to pierce his chest or eyes. Further, if the chopsticks are strong enough, split them and use both as Ba Zhan Do. Of course, the skill in the use of the Do must be through, and when coupled with the right foot – steps, they could perform what one wants but only as short knifes.
The chopsticks could be a life – saver when in emergence if the strength of them could be gathered at their tips and pierced at the opposite party. They could even be used as darts to prevent the other party from escaping.
29 June 2008
Wing Chun demostration in a function
that related to Olympic Games
