Master Cheuk Fung on Yi Chuan

by Steve Ehrenreich
April 2009

The following interview has been assembled from Master Fung's teachings and conversations I have had with him over the years as his student. The questions and answers on the following pages have been selected to give you a broad overview of Master Fung's teaching philosophy and his perspectives on Yi Chuan.

Master Fung's Background

Student: How did you first get involved in Yi Chuan?
Master Fung: Through a mutual friend I was introduced to Master Tang Er Quan, a wealthy businessman with a passion for Martial Arts who was a student of Yi Chuan's founder, Master Wang Sheng Chai. Master Tang took time out of his busy schedule to teach a small group the Jam Jong, sensing strength and stepping methods of Yi Chuan.

Student: This was in Hong Kong?
Master Fung: Yes, about 1963. Master Tang taught us very directly. His time was valuable and he wanted us to get the most out of it. When he was in town a group of us would get together, get a few tips and pointers then go to yum cha (lunch or dim sum) to discuss what we learned. At that point I had been studying Gung Fu for many years so this way of learning was very effective for me.

Student: What other styles did you study before Yi Chuan?
Master Fung: Primarily Hop Gar. As a child I was very fortunate to be accepted as a direct disciple in the Poon Kam lineage of Hop Gar. My teacher, after many years, encouraged me to investigate and study other martial arts in order to continue unfolding what I learned from him. So investigating arts like Yi Chuan was originally an extension of my Hop Gar training.

Student: Was Master Tang your only Yi Chuan teacher?
Master Fung: No, I have learned Yi Chuan from several other teachers, thanks to Master Tang igniting my interest in Yi Chuan.

Student: Who else have you learned Yi Chuan from?
Master Fung: In 1975 I became a student of Master Han Sing Hwan who taught me both in San Francisco and Hong Kong. Master Han was considered one of the top students of Master Wang and was famous for his fighting ability. In the early 1980's I further studied with Professor Peng-Si Yu and his wife Madam Yu. Professor Yu was considered another top student of Master Wang and known for his abilities with energy. Both Professor and Madam Yu were both gracious enough to share their knowledge and understanding with me.

Student: How did you get involved with Mok Gar?
Master Fung: In 1965 I was introduced to Grandmaster Tsui Yiu Cheung, top student of both Grandmasters Lum Yiu Kwai of Dragon Style (Lung Ying) and Lum Yum Tong of Mok Gar and was lucky enough to be accepted as a disciple. From him I learned both Mok Gar and Dragon Style. Master Tsui was also known as the Mute Knight as he was both deaf and mute as result of a childhood sickness.

Student: Didn't that make learning from him especially difficult?
Master Fung: You would think so, but no. He was an exceptional practitioner and gifted as a teacher. Through signs, gestures and touch he would get his point across, sometimes the easy way and sometimes the hard way. On the other hand, some things were more challenging . . . like getting him to answer the door! The point is that learning martial arts is a very physical process, too much intellectualizing is not necessary.

Student: What other styles have influenced your Gung Fu?
Master Fung: Tong Bei and Tai Ji Chuan have had some influence. I often use routes or exercises from these arts to enhance our core methods. Over the years I've visited with and paid respects to many famous martial arts teachers and practitioners, picking up theories and methods that have helped me further my understanding. In particular Master Han Sing Chio, older brother to Master Han Sing Hwan who is also renown and respected in the martial arts community, was very kind in his willingness to share his knowledge with me.

Student: Have any other teachers influenced you?
Master Fung: Yes. For many years I have studied Esoteric Buddhism and its practices and principles have interwoven themselves into my approach. My primary teacher, the Venerable Dharma Master Yuen Hung guided me for many years as his disciple. Also, the Venerable Dharma Master Hsuan Hua's (founder of the City of 10,000 Buddhas) teachings and guidance have greatly influenced my personal cultivation and understanding.