Lee Kam Wing: A True Master

by Robert T. Tuohey

Practicing martial arts for forty years and living in Asia for fifteen has taught me many things about the martial arts. One truth stands out for me: finding a real master of the martial arts is as rare as seeing a full eclipse. What do I mean by "master of the martial arts"? I base my judgment on three criteria. First, of course, is physical expertise. Next is depth of knowledge: history, strategy, insight into application. Lastly, is the spiritual aspect. This is difficult to convey, but for me, three words sum it up: Humanity, Dignity, and Courtesy. A master of the martial arts embodies great fitness and fighting ability, extensive knowledge of the arts, and a strong humanity. Indeed, a rare person! Lee Kam Wing, of the Seven Star Praying Mantis system, is a master of the martial arts.

Route to Hong Kong
Twenty years ago, I was still living in my hometown of Danbury, Connecticut. I had been studying martial arts since I was seven, and at 24 was ranked as Sandan (third degree black belt) in Okinawan-Te under Sensei Parker Tallman. Living fairly close to New York City, I would make periodic excursions to Chinatown. My plan was simple: visit every martial arts store in sight and pick up a couple of good Chinese meals along the way. Then, late in the day and with loot in hand, I would catch the last train home. Back then neither the internet nor the extensive ads in MA magazines existed. Only those lucky enough to live close to one of the big Chinatowns could find training equipment, traditional weapons, and MA books. For a martial arts aficionado like myself, these places were seventh heaven. During one such outing I found a treasure: the book "Master Lee Kam Wing's Seven Star Praying Mantis." Here, possibly for the first time, was a comprehensible, beautifully illustrated volume detailing the legendary Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Such a find was like gold to me. Praying Mantis was one of those Shaolin styles everyone had heard of and yet no one knew anything about. In fact, most of what we "knew" of such esoteric Chinese styles came from old Shaw Brothers flicks like "Shaolin Mantis." But those weren't the real deal, and we knew it. This book was. Shortly thereafter I discovered "Secrets of Seven-Star Mantis Style," by Lee Kam Wing. The techniques and drills of the first book I had learned to the best of my ability?and now here was an advanced course.

Naturally, I had a hundred questions. I needed to go to Hong Kong, where Lee Kam Wing had his school. Over the next several months I worked over-time and saved every penny I could. When I boarded the plane I had nothing more in my travel bag than a few hundred dollars of spending money, a Baedeker's Guide, and Lee Kam Wing's book.

Sifu Lee
No sooner had I checked into my Nathan Rd. hotel room than I set out to tour Hong Kong. Tiger-Balm Gardens, Victoria's Peak, and other notable sights beckoned, but I also had a long list of kung fu schools. All things considered, it's just as well that Sifu Lee's school was not the first that I visited. It gave me the opportunity to become acquainted with two other types of Hong Kong instructors. The first suffered from the delusion that we were still living in the Qing Dynasty and that it was his "patriotic duty" not to teach any non-Chinese. I've never had much patience with these cultural throw-backs. The second type was happy to take on foreign, short-term students?provided they could make a sizable contribution to his new Shaolin Temple. Thus, when I finally knocked on Sifu Lee's door, I thought I'd seen it all. I was wrong.

From the very start, I found Lee Kam Wing to be open, friendly, and a real gentleman.

He asked how I had heard of his school. I said I had read his books. He seemed somewhat surprised and rather pleased at this. Had I learned anything from them?

I went through a few techniques.

Smiling, he nodded his head, and gestured for me to continue. I did so.

Had I managed to learn Pung Po (the beginning-level Mantis form given in the second book)?

I shook my head. No, I hadn't been able to do so.

Lee Kam Wing immediately stepped out onto the floor and began to instruct me.

The first thing that struck me about his technique was his stance: deep, very solid, and yet fluid. As any experienced martial artist will tell you, stance and footwork are the foundation of the arts. The interdependent aspects of solidity and mobility are the very wheels of the "martial arts car": without them, no matter how powerful your engine, you'll go nowhere.

In my decades of experience, the only practitioner I've seen with better stance and footwork than Lee Kam Wing is former world heavyweight karate champion Joe Lewis. And, that's saying something.

As I observed Lee more closely, I began to see the beauty and classical purity of his motion. Whether he was executing a punch, a kick, or even a simple stance change, every movement breathed of Seven Star Mantis?and yet was completely natural.

Lee, through a lifetime of dedication to a single style, had incorporated that style into his very muscles, bones, and blood. To see a true master of a single style is impressive enough?but to see it in today's world, where the eclectic stylist reigns, is even more impressive.

An hour flew by as I studied Pung Po. A light knock on the door interrupted us and a young woman led an elderly man into the room.

"Ah, I must?." Sifu Lee said, scratching his head for the right English. He walked over to the couple, speaking in Cantonese.

I hadn't a clue. Must do what? Teach this old fellow some kung fu?

Sifu Lee pointed to a row of certificates on the wall. "I am also a doctor," he said. Indeed, as I was to learn, Lee Kam Wing is a much-respected practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture, herbology, and massage).

I didn't want to intrude on his work. Giving the customary kung fu salutation (left hand covering right fist), I said, "Sifu Lee, I would like to study with you while I am in Hong Kong."

He extended his right hand. I shook it. "Yes, you please come," he said, smiling. He then pulled aside a white curtain covering the doorway to a small side room and led the elderly man in.

It wasn't until I was halfway back to the hotel that it occurred to me he hadn't mentioned money. Not even once.

The Way of the Mantis
A regular class was scheduled that evening at 7PM. Somewhat to my surprise, there were only about eight students (three of whom were foreigners). I realized Sifu Lee's school is not large and only about 12 people could comfortably train there. Later I found out that Sifu Lee conducts large public classes at a different location.

Lee Kam Wing's classes at Shamshuipo are not of the formal, regimented type, but rather individualized, with each student working on different material. But, let me warn you, as soon as Sifu Lee thinks you have a plausible grasp of one technique he'll teach you the next. There are two good reasons for this quick pace.

First, if you are only going to be in Hong Kong for a short time, like most foreign students, Sifu Lee considers it his obligation to teach you as much as he possibly can. Second, with a system as extensive as Seven Star Mantis, you've got no time to lose. There are 81 forms divided between empty-hand and the 18 classical weapons, iron-palm training, information on strategies, vital points?.

A number of kung fu instructors I've trained with teach little simply because they know little; Sifu Lee teaches much because he knows much.

My first visit to Hong Kong was only for about a month, and yet Sifu Lee managed to teach me all three forms included in his second book. If you know something of kung fu forms, you'll appreciate that accomplishment.

I'd like to say a word about Sifu Lee's iron-palm ability. While most think this skill is best judged via a breaking demo, I know a better way: watch the man in question train. I've watched Lee Kam Wing work the sand bag and wooden man and felt the room shake with his strikes. Further, as he instructed me, I could sense the power of his hands and forearms?and always under complete control. Very impressive.

The Way of the Man
That first night after class I wanted to take Sifu Lee out to dinner as a small gesture of thanks. I had some trouble talking him into it (said he'd already eaten, and so on). But I knew that the Hong Kong Chinese have a particular fondness for evening snacks, and that there were many restaurants in the area specializing in these dim-sum delicacies. He finally agreed.

I had no idea where to go, so I left it up to Sifu Lee. "Bring us to a nice restaurant," I said. "One that you like." So, where did he lead me? Around the corner to a street-side noodle vendor!

"Ah, no?this is not?." I began.

But Sifu Lee had already ordered. Quickly, two bowls of tasty, steaming noodles were served up, and I paid the modest bill. I remember thinking that, in his own way, this Lee Kam Wing could be very tricky.

As we ate, we talked over various matters. Sifu Lee's English was limited, but functional. What came through clearly, however, was the man's honesty and courtesy.

Meal concluded, I thanked Sifu Lee for everything, said I would definitely study with him while I was in Hong Kong, and finally asked which way to pick up a taxi.

"Taxi?" he said, looking vaguely astonished. "But the subway is there!" He pointed off into the darkness.

Indeed, it was. About five minutes away through a tangle of dark side streets. No, I didn't want to waste the time looking for it.

"No trouble," Sifu Lee said. As he took me by the arm and led the way, I knew that I had had the good fortune to meet a true master of the martial arts?Lee Kam Wing.

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	Mantis master Lee Kam Wing

About Robert T. Tuohey:
Lee Kam Wing can be contacted at Un Chau Street, 1st Floor Block B, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 00852 2777 2161 www.leekamwing.com. All photos in this article are copyright Lee Kam Wing.

Robert T. Tuohey was born in 1961, Danbury, Connecticut. He has studied psychology at the State University of New York in Albany (1988), and California Coast University in Santa Ana (1993). In the U.S. Bob worked in the field of mental health; for the past 15 years, he has lived abroad (in Japan and China) teaching English at the tertiary level. His current position is Foreign Expert in the Languages Department of Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P.R.C. Bob's published works include an introductory textbook on English literature (From Beowulf to Joyce, Taiyuan University Press, 2001), many short stories (easily locatable via any search-engine), and his bi-monthly chess column on forgotten players of the Royal Game. His training in the martial arts began when he was eight years old, his first system being Okinawan-Te under Parker Tallman (7th dan). He gradually moved through the ranks of this style and, in 1985, after 16 years training, was awarded the 5th degree black belt. Bob has also trained extensively in Korean karate with Frank Zaccagnini (7th dan). During his time in the Orient, he has practiced various styles (aikido, Seven-Star Mantis, tai chi, ba gua). To this day, however, Tuohey still considers himself primarily an Okinawan karateka. In his spare time, Bob plays chess, tries his hand at a bit of blues guitar, and collects DVDs. His e-mail is: jadedragon61@hotmail.com