How Ip Chun, son of Hong Kong martial arts titan Ip Man, is carrying on his father’s legacy at the grand age of 95
- Folklore behind late Wing Chun master and teacher of kung fu star Bruce Lee is explored in new 45-minute documentary
- Film’s maker reveals how Lee was turned down when he asked his master to teach him some moves which he had not learned
In a quiet Wing Chun dojo in Hong Kong’s Prince Edward, the dull rhythmic thuds of hands striking wood ring out, first slowly, then gradually increasing in pace. The lightning jabs, from a flurry of angles on the muk yan jong – or wooden dummy – come from Ip Chun, 95, son of the legendary Ip Man.
“The principle of using softness to subdue power is something that you can apply in life. It’s a spirit you can use at work and in other aspects,” Ip says. “I feel that the best students are those from the mainland. They respect their teachers and they are so from the heart.”
The principle of using softness to subdue power is something that you can apply in life
The essence Ip expounds and his father – who is almost synonymous with Wing Chun thanks to a series of biographical films starring Donnie Yen Ji-dan – are captured in the documentary The Legacy of Ving Tsun.
Dr Lee Ka-man from Hong Kong Shue Yan University, who produced the 45-minute film with HK$110,000 (US$14,000) from The Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, reveals more historical nuggets: “When he was young, Ip Chun was not interested in learning Wing Chun from his father. And Ip Man did not force him.”
Lee, who is from the university’s journalism and communication department, spent four years on the documentary, based on extensive interviews with Ip Chun after shadowing him during classes in the city and on the mainland. Parts of the film will be shown at the university this Saturday, while full screenings for the public will take place later this year.