Grand Master Wai Lun Choi
Master Wai Lun Choi, was born March 29, 1939, in Toi Shan prefecture in Kwangtong Province of Southern China. He moved to Hong Kong in 1954. He began his martial arts study in 1957, which would encompass the external arts of Lama, judo, Thai boxing and ultimately Liu Ho Ba Fa. Master Choi studied Lama under Chan Kuen Ng, giving annual demonstrations for the Hong Kong Welfare Department New Year Celebrations.
As a pupil of Master Chan Keun Ng, Wai Lun Choi appreciated the awesome strength of this external system, he felt it necessary to understand the elements of other styles. This lead him in the study of Thai Boxing and in acquiring a brown belt in Judo.
He continued his study in Ma Jow Lau Horn and Northern Shaolin under Poon Mao Yung, who was the top graduate of Shanghai' Ching Mo School. Under his tutelage, Choi studied herbal medicine and chiropractic theory, in which he was later granted his certificate from the Chiropractor Academy of Hong Kong in 1968. Under this training, he became well versed in the application of herbal medicine and accupressure techniques in the treatment of stress-related alignments..
Because of his love of the martial arts, Master Choi, always would seek out the best exponents of various styles. It was one day that a fellow classmate in his Lama school, that he was informed of Master Chen Yik Yan. However, becoming a student of this master would prove to be a difficult journey. In fact, this journey took well over a year of entertaining Master Chen, in which time, the mention of martial arts was forbidden. Wai Lun Choi was finally accepted as a pupil, the year was 1963. As Chen student, he studied the four branches of the internal arts (Tai Chi, Pa Kua, Hsing-I and Liu Ho Pa Fa).
Wai Lun Choi remained under the guidance of Master Yik Yan until he open his school in Chicago in 1972. While in Hong Kong, Master Choi taught at the Hua Yuek Shin Yih Institute of Physical Culture (1965-69) and then opening his first martial art studio in 1969, (Choi's Kung-Fu Studio), where he taught Liu Ho Ba Fa for the first time to the general public. However, it would not be until Singapore that he would gain his famous "Canon Fist" nickname.
In 1971, Wai Lun Choi, as part of the Hong Kong delegation, participated in the Southeast Asian Hand-to-Hand Martial Arts Tournament. This was the premier martial tournament lasting eight days. On the fourth day of competition, Wai Lun would go up against the reining champion, Wong Chai Leung, nickname "Crazy Horse". A reporter for the Singapore News described the intensity of the fight. "Choi's strikes were resounding over the audience making each move a potential lethal end to this competition"
It was after the results of this competition that convinced Grand Master Chen Yik Yan, to designate Wai Lun Choi successor to the Hsing I Liu Ho Ba Fa System.
Wah Yuen Sum Yee - First and foremost the eight methods begin with all components of the body must be used in unison, the entire body utlizing spring like power, moving like that of a swimming dragon. Treasure these for they are the jewels of the six harmonies and eight methods system. Only you are capable of in heriting leadership, this document is hereby bestowed to Wai Lun worthy candidate - Fall 1971 - Chen Yik Yan
In 1972, Master Choi opened the first martial arts school in Chicago's Chinatown. His initiation into the community would be an old fashion experience. Like in the olden days of China, Master Choi would have to prove to the Chinese public his credentials. During open house, in the basement of the Chinese Community Center, what he thought were 36 interested spectators turned into 36 challengers. Nevertheless, in little over 30 minutes, Master Choi took on and easily defeated these 36 distractors; however, the night was not completely lost, he did gain 26 new students!
Throughout his career, Master Choi has enjoyed world-wide recognition, giving seminars across the United States and Europe. He has been featured in numerous magazines in Chinese and English. He has authored, and been the subject of, many articles. Below Master Choi is seen receiving his induction into the Chinese Kuoshu Federation by General Wu Hung-Chang of Taiwan. As vice-president for the Kuo Shu Federation, Master Choi was put in charge of standardizing the grading system for instructors, where he also sits on the board of examiners.
Vice President of the United States Chinese Kuoshu Federation
North Regional Director, United States Chinese Kuoshu Federation
Member of Executive-Committee, United States Chinese Kuoshu Federation
Mr & Mrs Chen Yik Yan with Wai Lun Choi
After forty years of practicing martial arts, Grandmaster Choi understands well the teaching of his predecessors. Throughout his education, he has been fortunate to learn first hand from such high level martial artists. It is his hope and life's work that he can remove the mysticism and so-called secrecy of martial arts out of the minds of the practitioners, and reeducate those through proper techniques and skills based on physics that will bring about a fundamental understanding to the real basis of Chinese martial arts. It is his desire to share his knowledge with the public.
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Grandmaster Wai Lun Choi
