NG WAH SUM

• Ip Man
• Leung Sheung
• Ng Wah Sum

Sifu Ng Wah Sum was a master and teacher of Wing Chun, as well a renowned practitioner of beimo- rooftop or alleyway sparing where the contestants practiced and compared their skills. Ng Wah Sum first a passion was Hung Ga, he was instantly captivated by its exaggerated, dramatic movements. It’s physical style boasted an impressive display of power, making it a highly entertaining martial art to observe. He was determined to hone his martial arts skills and master the style of Hung Ga.

After gaining several years’ experience, he decided it was time to put his abilities on display in beimo – a traditional form of combat that typically took place down backstreets or up rooftops. Little did he know it would eventually alter the course of his life! At the start of Beimo, Ng Wah Sum made a powerful lunge towards his rival. However, was taken by surprise as his opponent connected with a flurry of punches. The combination both physically and spiritually humbled him.

After several months had passed, an unexpected surprise awaited him at a friend’s banquet; there he encountered his opponent! After being formally introduced and engaging in conversation, it was revealed that the man practiced Wing Chun under Leung Sheung – a renowned disciple of Yip Man. Back in the day, Wing Chun was often viewed as a predominantly female style. After engaging with an adversary however; Ng Wah Sum found himself surprisingly vulnerable to its chain punches – proving that this unique martial art form is more than capable of holding its own.

Although the battle with beimo had been a harsh lesson, Ng Wah Sum’s confidence in Hung Ga was shaken. After some time his friend Ho Gay introduced him to Leung Sheung’s martial arts school. When eventually made his way to visit Leung Sheung at his school. Little did he know that upon arrival at this new place – Sifu Leung Sheng had been expecting him. The school was located at 10 Liberty Road in Kowloon. The visit went well and he began to study Wing Chun under Leung Sheung in 1961.

Ng Wah Sum found the transition to Wing Chun a difficult challenge. He was accustomed to Hung Ga’s rigorous training and had difficulty adapting his style from hard physicality into something softer and more feminine. Fortunately, Sigh Leung Sheung provided guidance on how best to soften up – suggesting that he relax each day with gentle wrist shakes.

In its early days, Wing Chun was a relatively small martial art form. However, due to the dedication of Ng Wah Sum and other disciples of Yip Man’s teachings it quickly began to grow in popularity. After training together they would often observe or partake in beimos which provided an invaluable opportunity for all involved to develop their skills further.

Ng Wah Sum opened his own Wing Chun academy on Sai Yeung Choi Street in Kowloon and it soon became a popular destination for aspiring martial artists. Amongst the early visitors were Lee Wai Ming, Leung Yin, Leung Woon Lam, Wong Kwai Lun and Chung Kwok Chow mastering the art of this ancient Chinese practice under Sifu’s guidance.

The legendary Yip Man was known for his humility and modesty, even among peers. While in semi-retirement, he would drop by Ng Wah Sum’s school near his residence two to three times a week – not just to chat over tea but also enjoy games of mahjong or the occasional movie outing.

The 1970s saw the rise of Kung Fu star Bruce Lee to international superstardom, leading to a surge in demand for martial arts – particularly Wing Chun. As packed classes were held at Ng Wah Sum’s school occupying only 500 feet square worth of space, up to 40 students attended each day eager and ready to learn this traditional Chinese practice.