The Teacher of IP Man: A Look into the Roots of Wing Chun

Ip Man, the renown Chinese martial artist who popularized Wing Chun, had instruction from a number of instructors during his lifetime. However, Chan Wah-shun is without a doubt the most significant. Chan was a talented fighter who also worked as a tea merchant. He taught Wing Chun to a small group of students, among them Ip Man.

Chan Wah-shun, also referred to as “Money Changer Wah,” was a Wing Chun expert. He belonged to the Red Junk Opera Troupe, renowned for its feats of acrobatics and martial arts prowess. Chan combined the Wing Chun techniques of his own master, Leung Jan, and those of his fellow Red Junk members.

The Japanese word “soke” refers to the founder or supreme leader of a martial art. Since there is no centralized governing body for Wing Chun, there is no Soke in this context. Instead, an instructor or a master are referred to as Sifu or Sigung, respectively.

A black belt is a sign of advanced status and mastery in the martial arts field. Those who have shown a high degree of skill, understanding, and dedication to their art are often given it. However, there is no belt system in Wing Chun. Instead, practitioners are ranked according to their level of expertise and experience, with Grandmaster or Sifu being at the top.

The Japanese word “sensei” means “teacher” or “instructor.” It is frequently used to refer to a black belt who has attained a certain level of proficiency in Japanese martial arts, such as Karate and Judo. In Wing Chun, a teacher or master is referred to as Sifu rather than Sensei.

In Chinese martial arts, Bodhidharma, also referred to as Da Mo, is a mythical figure. He is claimed to have journeyed from India to China in the fifth or sixth century to instruct Shaolin monks in Buddhism and martial arts. Although there is considerable disagreement regarding Bodhidharma’s ancestry, it is widely accepted that he was Indian or descended from Indians.

Ip Man learned Wing Chun from Chan Wah-shun, and his impact can be observed in the way Ip Man taught and performed the martial art. Because there is no centrally located governing body for Wing Chun, there is no Soke. In Wing Chun, Grandmaster or Sifu is the highest rank. Wing Chun practitioners use the title Sifu to denote an instructor or master, whereas the term Sensei is frequently used in Japanese martial arts. Finally, although there is some disagreement on Bodhidharma’s ancestry, it is generally accepted that he was Indian or descended from Indians.