Wing Chun
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Hei Ban Wing Chun Kuen (Xi Ban Yongchunquan) translates to ‘Opera Wing Chun Kuen’. It is the name of the Wing Chun system that Leung Kwok-Keung, brought to the UK in 1993 from the Guangdong Province Opera troupe. Leung was born in 1926 and became a member on board the travelling opera boats at an early age. According to Leung, Hei Ban Wing Chun was a splinter branch mostly practiced by people within the travelling Opera boats. Leung Kwok-Keung Sifu, traveled and worked the opera house until 1983, following which he retired. He continued to teach people in a training hall at Cao Chang Road in Chao Ching City, wets of Canton, often teaching young street urchins and vagabonds for free.
Leung Sifu moved to London, England to be close to his family, although aged 69 he continued teaching HBWC privately in London for the remainder of his life. He taught a small but dedicated group of Wing Chun people, many of whom had studied under other Wing Chun teachers before coming across Leung Sifu’ system. The forma of HBWCK are lengthy with 10 sections perform. Like Fook Yeung’s system, this system also contains some elements form Chow Gar (Mantis) and makes heavy use of the Phoenix eye striking method. Siu Lien Tau form contains a stepping and kicking section, which underlies the importance of footwork in this branch of Wing Chun. Whilst additional sets were tackled on to Leung Sifus’ Wing Chun system curriculum, to provide longer range options for attack, it was acknowledged by Leung that the main forms were those that are commonly accepted Wing Chun forms. (Information kindly supplied www.wingchunpedia)
Leung SIfu passed away in December 2004 aged 78 and efforts are being made by his student’s such as Suki Gosal to preserve the teaching of this unique branch of Wing Chun
Suki Gosal teaches privately in the Fraser Valley area in BC. Canada and can be contacted by telephone 778 552 5955 or by e-mail truthhasnopath@hotmail.com
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