Tsui Seung Tin |
Tsui Seung Tin (or Chu Shong Tin)'s first martial art was Tai Chi, which he began training in as a child. He practised it for seven years but developed no real appreciation for the logic behind martial arts. It was not until he came into contact with Wing Chun when he was older that this happened.
He took up Wing Chun after watching Yip Man's class at Sham Sha Po, which was conducted in the building where he worked as secretary of the H.K. Restaurant and Beverage Workers' Union. His first class was on January 1, 1951, and he has practised the art from morning until night ever since.
In his early days, he enjoyed putting his Wing Chun skills to the test against other fighting styles by taking part in invitation bouts. No protective body gear was worn and Great Grandmaster Tsui never lost a bout.
Tsui Seung Tin was one of the four closed door students of Yip Man and the longest serving. During this time, he conducted most of Yip Man's classes on his behalf. His diligent training and incredible insight into the art of Wing Chun saw his skills surpass those of his master, as Yip Man admitted in a newspaper interview before his death. This earned Tsui Seung Tin the unofficial title of "King of Sil Lim Tao", also spelt 'Siu Nim Tau'.
Today, Great Grandmaster Tsui still teaches to a small, select group in Hong Kong. His is regarded as a living legend in Wing Chun circles and is without doubt the most knowledgeable Wing Chun master alive today.
Great Grandmaster Tsui is continually asked to tour the world to appear at Wing Chun schools. However, these days, his only regular appearances are at the schools of his longest training and most senior student, Grandmaster Jim Fung. He still continues to instruct Grandmaster Fung personally as he wishes to see the authentic art preserved and higher standards of skill achieved. |
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