Dr. Leung Jan of Foshan

When Leung Bok-Lao arrived in Dai Wan, a village next to Foshan, he noticed immediately how small it appeared in contrast to the highly populated Guangzhou. Bok-Lao took a room at the Fang Gong hotel. Knowing that "Fa Min" Kam was at the Ching Ping theater, Bok-Lao began to ask around, trying to find the location. He found that the Hung Suen (Red Junk) was docked at Lung Suen Wan, and so he went there in search of Kam. Kam was extremely happy to see him. Bok-Lao said that before, when they had discussed how to expand Wing Chun with Leung Lan-Kwai, the idea of Foshan sounded very good. Knowing that Kam was in this area, Bok-Lao had decided to come here first, hoping Kam could help him get settled. Kam knew many people in the Foshan area. Bok-Lao hoped he could introduce him to a good potential student. Kam reported that he did know of a man named Leung Jan who ran the Leung Sing Tong (Mr. Leung's Office) on Chopsticks Street. Kam said Leung Jan really liked the martial arts and, whenever they got together, he always asked questions about it. Leung Jan had not studied before because, although there were many martial art teachers in the area, they all taught the long bridges and big stances which he did not like and which required more time and space to practice then he had. Kam maintained that Bok-Lao's martial arts might be just what Leung Jan needed, something quiet and gentle and which could be practiced in only a small space.

"Fa Min" Kam told Leung Bok-Lao that he would take him to meet Leung Jan. Kam had previously spoken about Bok-Lao to Jan, and Jan was very interested. Jan had wanted Kam to speak to Bok-Lao on his behalf the next time he passed through Guangzhou, but since Bok-Lao had made the trip towards Foshan, this greatly simplified things. Bok-Lao was interested, but wondered aloud if Jan was a good person. Kam assured him, saying that, although Leung Jan was only 20, he was honest and truly liked the martial arts; he mentioned them frequently and was very interested. He said he was sure Jan would be a good student. Bok-Lao agreed to go meet him.

Leung Bok-Lao knew it was a bit unusual. He was to become Leung Jan's sifu, but instead of Jan seeking him out, he was going to Jan's place instead. He worried that if Jan was not a good person, he would not respect him for this. "Fa Min" Kam told Bok-Lao not to worry, that Jan was not like that and that Jan would respect him. He said he would introduce them, and everything would be fine. Bok-Lao asked when they would go. Kam said the opera had been performing in the area for four days. That night it was coming to an end and the next day they would finish and go back to Guangzhou. Each day, they did two shows, a matinee at noon, and an evening show at nine. Since it was nine in the morning at the time, they had time to go right away. Kam asked Bok-Lao to wait a few moments for him to clean up and change his clothes, and then he would take him to Chopsticks Street.

When they arrived at the pharmacy, "Fa Min" Kam went in first while Leung Bok-Lao stayed outside. Leung Jan was hard at work inside but was very happy to see Kam. Kam introduced Jan to Bok-Lao. Kam reminded Jan that a few days ago, Jan had asked him to look for a martial arts teacher for him. At that time, Kam had told Jan about a special system and a teacher named Leung Bok-Lao who might pass through Foshan. Luckily, because Kam was leaving the next day, Bok-Lao had arrived so Kam had made the introductions right way. Leung Jan was very happy, he said to Bok-Lao that he should have been the one to go to Guangzhou to meet him, but instead Bok-Lao had come to Foshan. Jan hoped Bok-Lao would excuse this. Bok-Lao told Jan not to worry, he pointed out that they were worldly people, and Kam agreed that there was no use being too prim and proper. Leung Jan, though a gentleman and businessman, truly liked martial arts. He said there were many schools in the area, but they were all long fit and spent months just sitting in a deep stance, and he didn't know if they were any good or not but thought they did not suit his lifestyle. He told Bok-Lao that the day before yesterday he had spoken to Kam, and Kam had mentioned Bok-Lao's Wing Chun system. He had been very interested and asked Kam to introduce them.

Leung Jan was very excited. He asked Leung Bok-Lao, since his office was so narrow, if there would be enough room to practice. Bok-Lao replied that it certainly was. He explained that while other styles used long bridges and big stances, his Wing Chun stance opened only 2.5 feet. Wing Chun did not believe in a lot of movement, and used stillness to overcome it. It also believed in using soft to overcome hard. He said they did not require a big place; the office was quite enough. Jan was very happy, and asked if the sitting room they were in was enough. Bok-Lao said it was. He maintained that it was the bridge which was important. With a Wooden Dummy in the corner for practice, the sitting room would be fine.

Leung Jan asked Leung Bok-Lao if he had any luggage. Bok-Lao said yes, but only one bag which he brought to town yesterday. Bok-Lao reported he was staying at a hotel and his bag was there. Jan said from that point on, he was Bok-Lao's student and Bok-Lao was his teacher. That night he decided to invite his close friends for dinner so they could know Bok-Lao was his teacher. Leung Jan told Bok-Lao he would send someone to pick up his bag and pay the hotel bill. He offered Bok-Lao, though there was not a lot of room, a place to stay at his office. "Fa Min" Kam smiled and said that would be convenient. They could practice until late with no problem.

Leung Jan bowed to Leung Bok-Lao. He offered Bok-Lao and "Fa Min" Kam breakfast. Jan asked Kam to join them that night for dinner. Kam replied he performed for the opera at noon, and again at nine, but Jan said they would eat at seven, and stressed he would really like for Kam to come and eat with them before starting his second show. Kam answered that though many in the opera could leave early, his role of "Fa Min" (Painted Face) meant he must stay on stage throughout the show, but said he would be sure to stay as long as he could. Kam then left to return to the opera.

Leung Jan asked someone to fetch Leung Bok-Lao's bags. Jan then asked a cook to ready three tables for dinner. Leung Jan had good friends and they all came that night. He introduced them to Bok-Lao, and his friends learned that Bok-Lao was Leung Jan's sifu. "Fa Min" Kam showed up at six thirty, and Jan told his guests that Kam had introduced him to Bok-Lao. Kam told everyone the history of Wing Chun, that it was a Shaolin system very suitable to gentlemen. Because many assembled were businessmen, they were all happy. After dinner and drinks they asked Bok-Lao for a demonstration. Bok-Lao was uncertain, saying that a martial artist should not show off, but since they had asked it was hard to refuse, so he must do a little.

Leung Bok-Lao said the important thing was the bridge, and he would show them that. He went into the kitchen and retrieved a rolling pin. With his right arm, he grabbed the wooden tool and hit his left arm with it repeatedly. The tool broke off inch by inch. The audience was startled, they had never seen anything like it before. They all said they were happy for Leung Jan to have found such a great sifu. "Fa Min" Kam had to leave early to make it back to the opera in time for the nine o'clock show.

These stories were translated by Rene Ritchie, and have been included here with his permission. Visit the Yuen Kay-San Wing Chun home page to see the originals.