Honoring the Master Who Brought Kung Fu to the World
The World Kungfu Federation proudly honors Grandmaster Ip Man (Yip Man), one of the most influential martial artists of the 20th century, and a true ambassador of Chinese Kung Fu to the modern world. Best known as the legendary Wing Chun master and teacher of Bruce Lee, Ip Man’s legacy extends far beyond physical technique—his life embodied the moral code, discipline, and spirit that define authentic martial arts.
Early Life and Training
Born on October 1, 1893, in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China, Ip Man (葉問, Yip Kai-man) was raised in a wealthy and educated family. He began his Wing Chun training at the young age of 9 years old under the guidance of Chan Wah-shun, a disciple of the great Leung Jan, one of Wing Chun’s most celebrated figures. After Chan Wah-shun’s retirement, Ip Man continued learning under Leung Bik, the son of Leung Jan, deepening his knowledge of Wing Chun’s advanced theories and internal principles.
Real-World Application and War-Time Hardship
As a young man, Ip Man briefly served in the Nationalist government’s police force, where he had the opportunity to test and refine his Wing Chun in real-life confrontations. However, the turbulent times of World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War brought hardship and famine to his family and homeland. After the rise of communism in China in 1949, Ip Man relocated to Hong Kong, a move that would change the course of martial arts history.
Teaching in Hong Kong and the Global Spread of Wing Chun
In 1950, Grandmaster Ip Man began teaching Wing Chun in Hong Kong. His students came from all walks of life—workers, teenagers, scholars—and many went on to become great masters themselves. Among them, one student would go on to change the global perception of martial arts forever: Bruce Lee.
Though Bruce Lee did not complete the full Wing Chun system under Ip Man due to social barriers of the time, the foundational influence of Wing Chun stayed with Lee throughout his career, and he often credited Ip Man for shaping his martial spirit. Through Bruce Lee and other disciples, Wing Chun expanded to Europe, the Americas, and the rest of Asia, becoming a globally recognized and practiced kung fu style.
Legacy and Philosophical Contribution
Ip Man was more than a fighter; he was a philosopher of martial arts. He believed that kung fu was not simply for combat but for cultivating virtue, self-discipline, humility, and inner peace. He emphasized that a martial artist should first defeat his own ego before trying to defeat an opponent.
Before his passing, he recorded rare footage demonstrating the forms and techniques of Wing Chun, ensuring his legacy could continue to guide future generations.
Final Years and Passing
Grandmaster Ip Man passed away on December 2, 1972, in Hong Kong, shortly before the death of his famed student Bruce Lee. Yet his teachings live on in countless dojos, schools, and martial arts communities around the world.
Ip Man in Popular Culture
Ip Man’s story has been immortalized in books, documentaries, and films—most notably in the Ip Man film series starring Donnie Yen. While dramatized for cinematic effect, these films sparked a global resurgence of interest in Wing Chun and Chinese martial culture, introducing millions to the principles of traditional kung fu.