The world of martial arts is rich with diverse traditions, and among these, Choy Lee Fut stands out as a particularly compelling discipline. Originating in the vibrant Guangdong province of Southern China, this martial art represents a remarkable fusion of technique, philosophy, and cultural heritage that has captivated practitioners for generations.
The story of Choy Lee Fut begins in the early 19th century with Chan Heung, a remarkably talented martial artist whose vision would create a unique and comprehensive fighting system. Chan Heung was not content to simply learn from one master; instead, he sought wisdom from three exceptional martial arts experts. From Master Choy Fook, he learned the Choy Gar style, gaining insights into powerful striking techniques. Master Li Yau-San introduced him to the Lee Gar approach, expanding his understanding of movement and strategy. The most profound influence came from a Shaolin Buddhist monk named Chan Yuen-Wu, who shared the Fut Gar techniques that would complete Chan Heung's martial education.
The name Choy Lee Fut is more than just a title - it's a direct homage to these three influential masters. Each syllable represents a different martial lineage, symbolizing the art's diverse and holistic approach to combat and personal development. This unique synthesis created a martial art that was far more than a simple fighting technique; it became a comprehensive system of physical and mental cultivation.
What truly sets Choy Lee Fut apart is its extraordinary range of techniques and movement principles. Practitioners learn to generate power through wide, explosive stances that connect the entire body's energy. The art seamlessly blends circular and linear movements, creating a fluid and dynamic fighting style that can adapt to multiple combat scenarios. Unlike many martial arts that specialize in either hard or soft techniques, Choy Lee Fut embraces both, allowing practitioners to flow between powerful strikes and more nuanced, responsive movements.
The training in Choy Lee Fut is remarkably comprehensive. Students begin with fundamental stance work, learning to root themselves and generate power from the ground up. As they progress, they explore an extensive array of hand techniques, leg movements, and intricate forms that challenge both body and mind. Weapon training is particularly notable, with practitioners becoming proficient in traditional Chinese weapons like staffs, swords, butterfly knives, spears, and even chain whips. This weapon training is not merely about learning to fight, but about understanding movement, balance, and the deep cultural heritage of martial arts.
Physical benefits are immediately apparent to those who practice Choy Lee Fut. The demanding training builds incredible strength, enhances cardiovascular fitness, and improves flexibility and coordination. However, the mental benefits are equally profound. Practitioners develop extraordinary focus, discipline, and self-confidence. The art teaches more than just fighting—it provides a path to self-improvement, stress reduction, and personal growth.
In the modern world, Choy Lee Fut has spread far beyond its original Chinese roots. Schools can now be found across the globe, from North America to Europe, Southeast Asia to Australia. Each school maintains the core principles established by Chan Heung while allowing for subtle regional adaptations. This global spread speaks to the universal appeal of the art—its ability to offer practical self-defense skills, physical fitness, and a connection to a rich cultural tradition.
For those seeking more than just a workout or basic self-defense training, Choy Lee Fut offers a truly transformative experience. It is a martial art that demands respect, dedication, and continuous learning. Whether you are drawn to its fighting techniques, its philosophical depth, or its cultural significance, Choy Lee Fut provides a path of personal development that extends far beyond the training hall.
As martial arts continue to evolve in the 21st century, Choy Lee Fut remains a powerful testament to the wisdom of traditional Chinese martial culture. It reminds us that true martial arts are not just about fighting, but about understanding oneself, developing discipline, and maintaining a connection to a profound historical legacy.
In the rich tapestry of Chinese martial arts, few figures are as intriguing and influential as Master Tam Sam, the remarkable founder of the Bak Sing style of Choy Lee Fut. His contributions to martial arts represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of this dynamic fighting system, creating a distinctive branch that would captivate practitioners for generations to come.
Born in the late 19th century in Guangdong province, Tam Sam emerged during a turbulent period in Chinese history. The region was experiencing significant social and political upheaval, a context that would profoundly shape his approach to martial arts. Tam Sam was originally a studient of Lui Charn, himself a student of Cheung Yim (arguably the top student of Chan Heung). But unlike many martial artists of his time who remained strictly traditional, Tam Sam was a innovative thinker who believed in the practical application of martial techniques beyond mere form and ceremony.
The Bak Sing Style, which Tam Sam developed, quickly distinguished itself from other Choy Lee Fut branches through its unique approach to combat and training. Where many martial arts styles focused on elaborate movements and strict formal techniques, Tam Sam prioritized direct, efficient, and street-practical fighting methods. He understood that true martial effectiveness came from simplicity, speed, and adaptability rather than complex, overly choreographed movements.
Central to the Bak Sing Style was a revolutionary concept of power generation and movement. Tam Sam developed techniques that emphasized explosive, direct strikes that could neutralize an opponent quickly and effectively. His style incorporated distinctive circular hand techniques combined with powerful, low stance work that allowed for rapid movement and immediate counterattacks. This approach was particularly innovative, as it broke away from more rigid traditional kung fu interpretations.
One of the most significant contributions of Tam Sam was his emphasis on practical self-defense. He trained his students to understand that martial arts were fundamentally about survival and protection, not just aesthetic performance. The Bak Sing Style incorporated techniques that could be used in real-world confrontations, with a particular focus on close-quarters fighting and quick, decisive movements. This pragmatic approach set the Bak Sing Style apart from many contemporary martial arts schools.
The training methodology developed by Tam Sam was equally revolutionary. He believed in intense, rigorous training that pushed students to their physical and mental limits. Unlike some martial arts that relied heavily on forms and predetermined patterns, Bak Sing Choy Lee Fut incorporated extensive partner drills, realistic sparring, and conditioning exercises that prepared students for actual combat scenarios. This approach was ahead of its time, foreshadowing modern mixed martial arts training principles.
Geographically, the Bak Sing Style spread primarily through the southern regions of China, particularly in Guangdong and Hong Kong. As political and social changes swept through China in the early 20th century, many of Tam Sam's students became instructors themselves, including Master Leung Tze and Master Yim Sheungmo, who were both progenitors of our school of Choy Lee Fut since they became teachers of Master Lam Kamchuen, who in turn taught Sifu Raymond Rand, Damon's teacher.
The legacy of Master Tam Sam extends far beyond his immediate geographical and historical context. He represented a bridge between traditional martial arts and modern, practical fighting systems. His approach challenged existing martial arts paradigms, emphasizing effectiveness over form, and practicality over ceremonial complexity. Many modern martial artists, even those not directly practicing Choy Lee Fut, recognize Tam Sam's contributions to the evolution of Chinese martial arts.
Today, the Bak Sing Style continues to be practiced by dedicated martial artists who respect its rich history and practical philosophy. While the style has inevitably evolved, the core principles established by Tam Sam remain intact: direct techniques, efficient movement, and a focus on real-world self-defense capabilities. It stands as a testament to one man's vision of martial arts as a living, breathing discipline that must continuously adapt to changing circumstances.
Master Tam Sam's contribution to martial arts goes beyond technique. He represented a philosophical approach that saw martial arts not as a static tradition, but as a dynamic system of personal and physical development. His legacy is not just in the techniques he developed, but in the mindset he instilled in his students—one of constant learning, adaptation, and personal growth.
In the grand narrative of Chinese martial arts, Master Tam Sam and the Bak Sing Style of Choy Lee Fut occupy a unique and honored position. They remind us that true martial arts are about more than just fighting—they are about understanding oneself, developing discipline, and maintaining a connection to a profound cultural and historical legacy.