Grandmaster Chris Chan's U.S. Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy


	On Saturday, July 21st, 2001, the U.S. Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy presented its Grand Promotion Ceremony and Wing Chun kung fu exhibition in San Francisco, California. This historic event, attended by over 700 spectators at the Far East Cafe in San Francisco's famous Chinatown, featured what may have been the most comprehensive demonstration of the Wing Chun fighting system ever presented to the public. Grandmaster Chan's students demonstrated the entire Wing Chun system to a "standing room only" crowd of enthusiastic and excited spectators. The lucky audience was able to view first hand ALL empty-hand, weapon, and wooden dummy forms; the Wing Chun "chi sao" combat drills; fighting combinations; live "chi sao" competitions; and battles using the "8 chop knives," also known as the Wing Chun broadswords. In addition, the school presented a unique interpretation of the traditional Chinese Lion Dance (known as the "7 Emotions") incorporating Wing Chun techniques, as well as special demonstrations featuring all-women and all-children participants. Click on the text for photo pop up
	Advertisement Poster 2nd Level Sifu Ken Chun, a senior instructor under Grandmaster Chris Chan, acted as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Grandmaster Chris Chan presides over the Grand Promotions Ceremony. Sifu Mara Okita and Bob Minekheim performing a special lion dance- "7 Emotions of the Lion"- while Jake Ragsdale plays the drum. This was the first time for Sifu Mara. Sifu Mara lion dancing 2nd Level Student Manny Herschovich leads a group performance of the first form "Siu Nihm Tao." Sifu Yee Chan performs a "moving" version of the first form "Siu Nihm Tao" (little idea). Sifu Andrew Lee leads a group performance of the second form "Chum Kiu" (searching for the bridge). Sifu Dave Fontana performs a "moving" version of the second form "Chum Kiu." Sifus Andrew Lesko and David Lowth perform a "live" application of the Chum Kiu form techniques. Group performance of the third form "Biu Jee" (thrusting fingers). Event Coordinator Sifu Ken Chun performing a "moving" version of the 3rd form "Biu Jee" (thrusting fingers). Sifu Ralph Pinkerton performing a combination freestyle form combining techniques from all 3 Wing Chun traditional forms. Shannon Wolfe, Leo Alvarez, Allan Gonzalez-Ruiz, and Mark Duong demonstrating the Siu Nihm Tao Jong Sao, also known as the "Big Combo." Sifu Dave Nastari and Sifu Yodi Nin perform the 7 opening street fighting combinations. Assistant Event Coordinator, Sifu Tito Pedruco performing the "live" traditional 108 movements on the Wing Chun wooden dummy. Sifu Miguel Neri performing the secret 12 deadly "chi sao" hand techniques on the Wing Chun wooden dummy. Santa Rosa Chapter students Zack Smith and Julian Lovera performing freestyle "chi sao" combinations. Sifus Paul Yep, Molly McGee and Lisa Carroll during the group butterfly sword form. Sifu Rob Steiner performs a moving butterfly sword form. Sifus Molly McGee and Lisa Carroll display their strength and power in the 6 and 1/2 point pole form. Sifus Andrew Lee and Yodi Nin battle it out using butterfly swords. Sifu Andrew Lee in the 1-minute moving "teep san do" knife form. Sifus Andrew Lee and Yodi Nin in a street attack knife application. Sifu Mara Okita performing the "Siu Nihm Tao" form during the women's demonstration. Sifu Corine Casterline beginning her "Chum Kiu" form. Sifu Lisa Carroll performing "Biu Jee"- the 3rd and most deadliest form in Wing Chun. Children's demonstration of "Siu Nihm Tao" by Mark and John Pedruco. Children's demonstration of "Siu Nihm Tao" Gideon Wong, Anthony Magalit, Brandon Wong Sifu Gino Benetti (1998 U.S. Kuoshu National Super Heavyweight Full Contact Champion) strikes Grandmaster Chan on the right shoulder before falling down from his own forceful blow. Sifu David Garduno (1988 West Coast Super Heavyweight Full Contact Champion) strikes Grandmaster Chan's immovable "bong sao" block. Using both hands simultaneously, Sifu Gerard Clark (35 year veteran of the Chinese martial arts) striking Grandmaster Chan's impenetrable "Iron Shirt." Grandmaster Chan tames the lion utilizing the Wing Chun hand and foot technique. Grandmaster Chan executes one of the techniques of Sifu Morgan Alm. Grandmaster Chan demonstrates his ability to execute full power short range hand techniques with blinding speed. The "mook jong (wooden dummy") is one of Wing Chun's unique training devices that enables a practitioner to train their techniques while testing it's effectiveness through feedback. Grandmaster Chan concludes his performance with a presentation of the secret Wing Chun "dim mak (death touch)" pressure-point system and its application.