“Practice courtesy and righteousness – Serve the society and respect your elders.” - Wingchun Grandmaster Ip Man
Ip Man: The Grandmaster of Wing Chun
Ip Man (also known as Yip Man) was born on October 1, 1893, in Foshan, Guangdong, China, into a wealthy family. The third of four children, his parents were Ip Oi Dor and Ng Shui. His siblings included his older brother Ip Kai Gak, older sister Ip Wan Mei, and younger sister Ip Wan Hum.
Early Life and Wing Chun Training
At age 13, Ip Man began learning Wing Chun Kung Fu under Chan Wah-shun, a renowned master. Due to Chan’s old age, much of Ip Man’s training was overseen by Ng Chung-sok, Chan’s second eldest disciple. After three years, Chan passed away, but his final wish was for Ng to continue Ip Man’s instruction.
At 15, Ip Man moved to Hong Kong, where he attended St. Stephen’s College, an elite school for affluent families. During this time, a pivotal encounter shaped his martial arts journey. According to his sons (Ip Chun and Ip Ching), Ip Man intervened when a foreign police officer assaulted a woman. After subduing the officer with his skills, a classmate introduced him to an elderly man—later revealed to be Leung Bik, the son of Leung Jan (Chan Wah-shun’s master).
Leung Bik, recognizing Ip Man’s potential, challenged and defeated him in Chi Sau (a Wing Chun training drill). Humbled, Ip Man continued his training under Leung Bik, refining his techniques. By 24, he returned to Foshan with vastly improved skills.
Career and Later Life
In Foshan, Ip Man worked as a police officer and informally taught Wing Chun to friends, relatives, and subordinates. Two of his students, Kwok Fu and Lun Kai, later became prominent instructors, preserving Wing Chun in the region.
During the Japanese Occupation, Ip Man sought refuge in Kwok Fu’s village. After the war, he resumed police work but fled to Hong Kong in 1949 following the Communist victory, leaving his family behind due to his ties with the Kuomintang.
Teaching Wing Chun in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, Ip Man opened a Wing Chun school, though initial success was slow. After relocating twice—to Hoi Tan Street and later Lee Tat Street—his reputation grew as his students began defeating rival martial artists. Among his most famous disciples was Bruce Lee, who later popularized Wing Chun globally.
In 1967, Ip Man co-founded the Hong Kong Ving Tsun Athletic Association to promote the art. However, by 1972, he was diagnosed with cancer. Weeks before his death on December 2, 1972, he attempted to film the complete Wing Chun system for preservation. Due to his weakened state, he only demonstrated Sil Lim Tau, Chum Kiu, and the Wooden Dummy form. His sons and student Lau Hon Lam halted further filming to spare him strain.
Legacy
Ip Man’s teachings revolutionized martial arts, ensuring Wing Chun’s global spread. His life inspired numerous films and documentaries, cementing his status as one of history’s most influential kung fu masters.