Among the most respected names in traditional Chinese martial arts, Grandmaster Chiu Chi-ling (趙志凌) stands as a bridge between the heritage of Southern Shaolin Kungfu and the modern martial arts world. Renowned globally as a master of Hung Gar Kung Fu, an actor, a teacher, and a cultural ambassador, Grandmaster Chiu has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the authentic spirit of traditional Chinese martial arts.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Grandmaster Chiu Chi-ling was born on January 20, 1943, in Hong Kong into a family deeply rooted in martial arts and traditional Chinese medicine. His father, Chiu Kau (Chiu Kow), and his mother, Chiu Shiu-ying, were both distinguished masters of Hung Gar Kung Fu and practitioners of Dit Da (traditional Chinese bone-setting and herbal medicine).
From the age of six, young Chiu began his martial arts journey under their guidance. The Chiu family lineage traces directly to the legendary Wong Fei-hung through Master Lam Sai-wing, making Chiu Chi-ling part of one of the most authentic and respected Kungfu lineages in Chinese martial history.
The Hung Gar Tradition
Hung Gar (Hung Kuen) is one of the most powerful and enduring styles of Southern Shaolin Kungfu. Known for its deep stances, explosive power, and combination of hard and soft techniques, Hung Gar embodies the essence of both strength and grace.
Grandmaster Chiu Chi-ling has not only mastered this system but has also become one of its greatest living representatives. His teachings emphasize not just physical skill but also moral discipline, humility, and the balance between internal energy and external strength.
Through his instruction, Chiu Chi-ling continues to preserve classic forms such as Tiger and Crane Fist (Fu Hok Seung Ying Kuen), Iron Wire Set (Tit Sin Kuen), and Five Animal Fist (Ng Ying Kuen) — pillars of the Hung Gar tradition that connect practitioners to centuries of Shaolin wisdom.
A Global Ambassador of Kung Fu
Grandmaster Chiu’s influence extends far beyond his homeland. Over the decades, he has conducted seminars, demonstrations, and workshops in more than 60 countries, inspiring thousands of students across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
He founded the Chiu Chi-Ling Hung Gar Kung Fu Association, with headquarters in both Hong Kong and San Francisco, California (USA), ensuring that authentic Hung Gar Kung Fu is practiced and passed down around the world. His open-minded approach and dedication to sharing traditional martial arts have earned him respect from martial artists of all backgrounds and disciplines.
From Martial Arts to the Silver Screen
In addition to his teaching career, Grandmaster Chiu Chi-ling is a celebrated film actor and action choreographer. His unique charisma and traditional training brought authenticity to numerous Kungfu films, earning him recognition among martial arts cinema legends.
He has appeared in over 70 films, including classics such as:
- Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow (1978)
- Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
- Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013)
- The Mermaid (2016)
Through these roles, Grandmaster Chiu helped introduce authentic Hung Gar Kung Fu to international audiences, continuing the legacy of martial arts on the big screen with the same integrity and spirit he shows in the training hall.
Philosophy and Teachings
Grandmaster Chiu’s philosophy reflects the deep wisdom of traditional Chinese martial arts — martial virtue (Wu De), respect for one’s teachers, and the pursuit of harmony between body, mind, and spirit.
He often reminds his students that Kungfu is not simply about combat, but about character development and balance in life.
“Kungfu begins with the body,” he says, “but its true goal is the heart.”
In his classes and seminars, he integrates Dit Da medicine, Qigong, and internal training, preserving the complete system of Hung Gar as both a martial and healing art.
Recognition and Legacy
Today, Grandmaster Chiu Chi-ling is recognized as one of the last great masters directly connected to the Wong Fei-hung lineage. His lifelong dedication to Kungfu has earned him awards, honorary titles, and global recognition as a cultural ambassador of Chinese martial arts.
He continues to teach and mentor students internationally, maintaining the traditional spirit of Kungfu while inspiring a new generation to honor its roots. His work perfectly represents the mission of the World Kungfu Federation — to unite practitioners worldwide under the shared values of respect, discipline, and excellence.
Grandmaster Chiu Chi-ling is more than a master of Hung Gar Kung Fu; he is a guardian of a living tradition. Through his teaching, acting, and lifelong commitment to the martial arts, he has helped preserve and share the beauty of Kungfu with the world.
The World Kungfu Federation proudly recognizes Grandmaster Chiu Chi-ling as a shining example of martial virtue — a living legend who continues to embody the essence of traditional Kungfu in the modern era.