Martial Art Institute

Master's Column

Master Wai-Po Tang, Wing Chun Kung Fu Club,P.O. Box 628, Richmond,Surrey,TW9 1FF,England,UK.
Tel: 07976 610901 (UK) ; +44 7976 610901 (International)

 

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Path of Knowledge and Friendship

Wally Jay (Left), Cynthia Rothrock, Wai-Po Tang, Eric Lee (right)
at the Banquet of the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Ohio.

One of my (Wai-Po Tang) favourite martial art activities is meeting with other martial artists or artists whom have worked very hard in their chosen discipline (and does not trip over their inflated ego).

I have had the pleasure to meet some very special people whom are open minded, and down to earth but also excellent martial artists. I learned that travelling to different countries has enriched my knowledge of martial practice.

None of us really have all the answers or most of the answers to combat. That is why when meeting people whom specialise in a particular area of combat becomes fascinating. I have been humbled by some highly reputable Masters when I attended the 'USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame' in Ohio.

Wally Jay (Left) and Wai-Po Tang

Great names such as Professor Wally Jay and Eric Lee was very warm and friendly during my stay in America. I remember their great performance at the Hall of Fame, and their combat training philosophies. Several years later, I still have personal correspondences with Professor Jay. Eric came to London a couple of years ago to visit me. To this day, I hold them in high regard. Also, I had the pleasure of meeting Retired Captain of US Marines John Denora - plenty of fighting spirit.

Wai-Po Tang (left), Eric Lee (centre), John Denora (right)

Professor Wally Jay was demonstrating 'Small Circle JuJitsu' finger joint manipulation,- it was amazing to see such subtle intrinsic movements in the form of realistic application. Eric demonstrated the aesthetic performance of screen fighting, and his movie showreel was a real eye opener.

Coming across talented martial artists were no different to meeting other artists of other industry such as music or photography. Another great moment was when I was asked to do a martial art pose for 'Vogue Hommes International'. Here I was working with a very famous photographer 'Jurgen Teller' - he was having a great time doing martial arts in between the shoot. I just can't believe how many rolls of film he used just for one photo.

Jurgen Teller and Wai-Po Tang

I guess the analogy would be the martial artist repeating a million times on a punch to produce that 'one punch knock out'.

This brings to an end of another masters column, it is well worth remembering that treading the path of others can open paths of discovery.

 

Master Wai-Po Tang, Martial Art Institute International, Wing Chun Kung Fu Club Classes, P.O. Box 628, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1FF, England, UK.
Tel: 07976 610901 (mobile- UK) ; +44 7976 610901 (mobile-international)

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