Felix Leong
Felix Leong or Cheok Son is a Grandmaster of the Chinese martial arts of the Wing Chun style and one of the few disciples certified by all three Wing Chun martial artists, Sum Nung, Pan Nam and Ip Chun.[1] In 2015 Leong's academy was nearly incinerated after over 30 years of operation.[2]
Felix Leong | |
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Felix Leong with Ip Chun on his 95th birthday celebration in China | |
Born | Guangdong, China |
Other names | Cheok Son |
Residence | Adelaide, Australia |
Style | Wing Chun |
Teacher(s) | Sum Nung, Ip Chun and Pan Nam |
Rank | Grandmaster |
Website | http://www.grandmasterleong.com/ |
Early life
Leong was born at Foshan in Guangdong province, China to a martial arts family. He was influenced at an early age, especially by his grandmother, who was regarded as a high level master in martial arts.
Career
In 1974 Leong established his martial arts academy in Adelaide. His club had a background in all 3 lineages of Wing Chun along with Muay Thai, Wu Shu, Tai Chi and Qigong. Many of the world's foremost martial artists have taught at Leong's academy, including Ip Chun, Yuttana and Li Jun Feng. Leong is one of the few disciples of Sum Nung successor of Yuen Kay Shan. Leong was taken as a disciple because Leong held a national and pacific championship titles in martial arts. Nung's hobby was fighting birds he would not feed the ones that couldn't fight hence why he took on Leong as a disciple.[3]
Fire
A fire started in the basement of Leong's Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy at 12:13 PM on 2 September 2015. It spread throughout the building. Leong had no insurance.[4] Five months later Melbourne Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy owner Maurice Novoa[5] donated two special handmade wooden dummies (crucial to teaching Wing Chun) to Leong's Academy. A child-sized dummy was one of 5 made in the world exactly like the larger size.[2] Many of Leong's students donated and visited from overseas to help the academy recover.[1]
Rebirth ceremony
Felix Leong's Rebirth From the Ashes ceremony in Adelaide hosted State Members of Parliament Jing Lee and David Pisoni as honoured guests. Lion dancing and a roast pork traditional feast were provided.[1]
Lineage
Wing Chun Lineage | |
Sifu | Sum Nung Pan Nam Ip Chun |
Felix Leong | |
Direct students in Australia:
Rinky Leung |
References
- Diaz, Raquel (26 May 2016). "Donación de Mauricio al maestro de Kung Fu en Adelaida". The Latin Australian Times (National print edition). Latin Australian Times. LAT. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
- Stanley, Jessica (27 November 2018). "Destroyed martial arts club rises from the ashes". National 9 News (TV Exclusive National News). © Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2019. 9 News. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
- Diaz, Raquel (10 November 2016). "Ceremonia del renacimiento de las cenizas en Adelaida". The Latin Australian Times (National print edition). The Latin Australian Times. LAT. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
- Dillon, Meagan (2 September 2015). "Adelaide CBD fire: Large blaze behind Grand Chancellor Hotel, Hindley St". The Advertiser (Online). News Corp Australia. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
- Kelton, Sam (22 January 2016). "Martial heart as phoenix rises from the ashes". Adelaide Advertiser (Print edition page 32 news). News Corp Australia.