ANNOUNCEMENT

The International Wing Chun Academy will continue to run casual classes and full-time courses as usual following the recent passing of the Academy's Founder and Principal Instructor, Grandmaster Jim Fung.

It was Sifu Jim's wish that his life's work be carried on by his dedicated senior instructors and family. Many of our seniors have 20 years or more experience of learning under Sifu Jim and are well equipped to ensure his legacy continues. The standard of Wing Chun possessed by even our junior instructors has been proven on several occasions to be equal to or greater than that of many masters of other Wing Chun schools.

The Academy's ties with Sifu Jim's master, Great Grandmaster Tsui Seung Tin (Chu Shong Tin), remain as strong as they ever were. Sifu Jim's skills were second only to those of Sigung Tsui, who is the world's most esteemed and knowledgeable practitioner. Sifu Jim spent most of his life building the Academy into one of the world's largest and most respected Wing Chun schools. Sigung Tsui, on his many visits to our Academy, always praised the professionalism with which the Academy was run and the high standard of our instructors' skills. He said that through Sifu Jim's efforts, Wing Chun had become famous throughout the world.

Sifu Jim passed away peacefully in Sydney on March 18 after a long battle with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Unfortunately, at the time he was diagnosed in February, 2004, the cancer had already spread to other parts of his body and his prospects did not look good. However, he continued to run the Academy as usual and trained with his instructors right up until a few days before his death. Only a few of his closest staff and instructors were aware of his illness because he viewed it as a weakness he could overcome.

His incredible strength and positive focus aided him in his fight against the cancer and helped him to live well beyond medical expectations. Every day, while he was still able to stand, he practiced the form and his punches and kicks. He spent many hours at home discussing Wing Chun techniques and training with our oldest son, Tristan, who is soon to sit his Level 3 assessment.

I would like to thank those of you who have sent messages of condolence to our family. Sifu Jim was buried privately last Friday. A memorial service, honouring his life and contribution to Wing Chun, will be held at the Sydney Town Hall from 10:30am to 1:00pm on April 14th, 2007. This will give all his friends, students and business associates a chance to pay their last respects. All IWCA students and instructors must wear full uniform out of respect for Sifu Jim.

Sifu Jim was a generous donor to cancer research during his illness. Anybody wishing to pay homage to his memory can do so by contributing to the Sifu Jim Fung Memorial Fund for Cancer Research at their local branch or state office. Proceeds from the fund will be passed onto the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the Oncology Department of St Vincent's Hospital.

It is our promise to Sifu Jim that the Academy will continue to grow and flourish. With your support, that can – and will – happen.