Chan Hon Chung

Chan Hon Chung was born in 1909 in Hing Ling county, Gwondong province. When he was 12 years old he moved to Hong Kong and began his training in Hung Kuen under the famous Lam Sai Wing at his school in Central District. Master Lam was a student of the legendary Wong Fei Hung.

Chan Hon Chung’s self discipline and dedication to Hung Kuen was immeasurable. He soon became known as the best fighter in the club, unbeatable at sparring.

Master Chan spent many years under Lam Sai Wings tutelage.

After a stint training swordsmen for the military, Master Chan opened the Hon Chung Gymnasium in Mong Kok district in 1938. He taught Hung Kuen openly with traditional values passed on from his teacher and was one of the first Hong Kong masters to accept non-Chinese students.

In 1970 Master Chan organised the establishment of the Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Association. In 1973 he received a medal from Queen Elizabeth II for his services to Hong Kong. Master Chan was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club and was tireless in his charitable works throughout the colony. He trained many individuals in Hong Kong’s kung fu movie industry. He also advised on the Hung Gar and appeared in the first ten films in Kwan Tak Ying’s Wong Fei Hung series. In recognition of his skills as a bone setter there is a hospital wing named after him in China.

While the patron of Orthodox Hung Kuen was a ferocious warrior, his good heart and charity towards others earned him the nickname “Mr Kindness”.

Chan Hon Chung passed away in March 1991.