The Brief History of Ip Man Wing Chun in Hong Kong

In the 79 years of his life, Grandmaster Ip Man (October 1893 – December 1972) left a distinguished mark in the development of Wing Chun martial art. His prominence has since attracted worldwide interest among Wing Chun practitioners and martial arts enthusiasts and innumerable writings have been published dedicated to the Grandmaster. Some discussed techniques, while others studied historical development or gave interesting narratives. The author writes this memoir in the hope that it will serve as a noteworthy reference for the future.

This memoir focuses on the historical development and contribution of the Grandmaster to the art of Wing Chun. His academic, career and other activities beyond martial arts, however, are only recorded in brief. It is a brief glance at the highlights of his life in Hong Kong.

Macau and Hong Kong, aged 56 (1949)

After the Mainland liberation, the Grandmaster decided to go to Hong Kong via Macau. During his half month transit in Macau, he was put up by a friend in his bird shop on Cho Tue Street. A new chapter in the life of the Grandmaster began on his arrival in Hong Kong.

5Hong Kong, aged 57 – 60 (51950–1953)

The Grandmasters first Wing Chun class in Hong Kong took place in July, 1950 at the Restaurant Workers Association on Tai Nam Street in Shum Sui Po. This was after an introduction by his fellow villager, Lee Mun. The beginning of this class saw no more than a total of 8 of the Association’s workers as students, Leung Sheung and Lok Yiu among them. Soon afterwards, the class expanded to include Chu Shong Tin, Yip Po Ching, Chiu Van, Lee See Wing, Lo Bing, Man Siu Hung and others. This became known as the Early Period of Restaurant Workers Association. Another teaching venue was then established at the Associations security branch in Sheung Wan, with students including Lee Wing, Sei Mei King, Lee An Foon and others.

Hong Kong, aged 72 – 79 (1965–1972)

With the conclusion of the Tai San Restaurant school, Grandmaster Ip spent most of his time at home on Tung Choi Street. No subsequent schools were set up. Age had led the Grandmaster to contemplate retirement. Nevertheless, he still gave private tuition at home from time to time. His private students in this period included Wong Chung Wah (Yat Oak Kui See), Wong Hei, Hon Tsak Chuen and others. In addition, the Grandmaster also taught in the following four places:

• Wing Chun Athletic Association – Established in 1967 as a non-profiteering limited company, the Association was the first Chinese martial arts organisation officially registered in Hong Kong. Grandmaster Ip was asked to direct the Associations Wing Chun class. Albeit short-lived, lasting three months, the class was supported by assistant instructors such as Fung Hon, Wong Hon Chung,Eiancis Wong and others.
• Chan Wai Hon’s home on Waterloo Road, Kowloon – In addition to academics Chan Wai Hon and Chan Siu Lung, Wong Tse On, Chan Kum King, Chung Yau, Lau Hon Lum, Man Yin Kwong and others were also students there.
• The rooftop terrace of Lau Hon Lum’s home on Freedom Road in Mongkok, Kowloon – This is an extension of the Waterloo Road period. Lau offered this place for the group to practise after Chan Wai Hon was unable to continue. New students in this period included Wong Tse Ming and a female student,  Ng Yuet Tor.
• Yip Sing Cheuk’s home at Siu Fai Terrace on Stubbs Road, Hong Kong Island – Most students were lawyers including Yip Sing Cheuk himself. This was practically the Grandmasters final location at which he taught Wing Chun.

Grandmaster Ip Man passed away peacefully at his Tung Choi Street home at the age of 79 on 1st December, 1972.

This extract was translated from the Chinese version taken from the ‘Memoir of Grandmaster Ip Man in the Ip Man Wing Chun Genealogy’