History and curiosities of Ip Man
Ip Man (also known as Yip Man) is a legendary figure in the world of Chinese martial arts, and his name is intrinsically linked to the style of Wing Chun. As a grandmaster of this southern martial art, Ip Man left a lasting legacy that still continues to influence millions of practitioners around the world today.
Throughout his life, he not only perfected the techniques of Wing Chun, but also taught some of the greatest masters and martial artists, such as Bruce Lee, Wong Shun Leung and Moy Yat. In this article, we will explore the fascinating life of Ip Man, his important influence on Wing Chun, and how his martial and moral teachings remain alive to this day.
Ip Man was born on October 1, 1893 in Foshan, Guangdong, China, to a wealthy family. From a young age he showed an interest in martial arts, but it was not until his adolescence that he began to study Wing Chun under the tutelage of Chan Wah Shun, who was the master of this discipline at that time. After the death of Chan Wah Shun, he subsequently continued his training with other masters such as Ng Chung-Sok, perfecting his skill in Wing Chun.
An anecdote tells that during one day the young Ip Man witnessed with a colleague how a police officer was mistreating a woman, the young man felt that he had to intervene in the attack and immediately defended the woman by knocking down the officer using Wing Chung techniques. He then escaped with his friend, the companion told what happened to an older man in the neighborhood, the intrigued old man ended up inviting Ip Man to learn more about the story and his style.
In a private meeting Yip Man demonstrated the Wing Chun techniques that he knew, to which the older man responded that they were not entirely correct and that he would teach him the correct way, this older man was Leung Bik, son of the great master. Leung Jan (Chan Wah-shun’s teacher).
Scene from the movie Ip Man: The Legend is Born, showing the moment the young man visits the old man Leung Bik.
The Wing Chun style, known for its effectiveness in close combat, economy of movement and quick response, was ideal for self-defense. Over the years, Ip Man perfected the Wing Chun forms, which are the basis of the system, and began teaching his own students.
Shortly after marrying his wife Cheung Wing-Sing, his comfortable life was confronted by two great wars:
First, the Second Sino-Japanese War, and then the Chinese Civil War. In the latter, the Communist Party took control of China, forcing Ip Man to flee his hometown of Foshan. During the war, he lost his fortune and, as he was a member of the Kuomintang Party (which was the enemy of the Communist Party), he was forced to leave his home and flee to Hong Kong.
As he settled in Hong Kong in 1949 due to the civil war in China, Yip Man was able to open a Wing Chun school, where he shared his knowledge with a new generation of students. It was in Hong Kong where his fame grew exponentially, and his influence as a Wing Chun grandmaster was consolidated.
In his early years in Hong Kong, he began teaching discreetly, offering classes to a small number of students. At first, his Wing Chun school was not well known and had hardly any resources. However, as time went by and thanks to his incredible skill, Ip Man soon began to attract more students.
Scene of a demonstration sparring match between Yip Man and his student Wong Shun Leung. Source: Ip Man 2 movie starring Donnie Yen
During the first years of his stay in Hong Kong, he also had to face certain challenges related to the British colonial authorities. Although he was never directly persecuted for his teachings, political tensions in the city and the relative lack of support for the development of traditional martial arts made the situation somewhat difficult.
The plot of the film Ip Man 2 revolves around his early years in Hong Kong and the tensions between the Chinese and the British authorities.
Ip Man’s Wing Chun system is characterized by its pragmatic approach and speed of attacks. Wing Chun forms, such as Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu, and Biu Jee, are essential to understanding and practicing the style. These forms are designed to develop internal strength, energy control and refined technique.
Ip Man's most notable students
Throughout his career, Ip Man trained numerous students who would become great masters and ambassadors of Wing Chun. Some of the most famous include:
Bruce Lee
One of Ip Man’s most famous students was Bruce Lee, who began his Wing Chun training with him at an early age, forming a great friendship with his Si Hing Wong Shun Leung.
Although Bruce Lee would later develop his own style of martial arts, known as Jeet Kune Do, his training in Wing Chun under Ip Man was instrumental in his development as a fighter. Bruce Lee deeply admired his teacher, whom he considered not only an expert in martial techniques, but also a source of wisdom and philosophy.
Curiosity: Master Yip Man did not like taking photos with his students.
Wong Shun Leung
Wong Shun Leung, another of Ip Man’s most notable students, is known for his exceptional combat skill and practical approach to Wing Chun.
Wong was one of the first disciples to teach Ip Man’s style to others and played a key role in the expansion of Wing Chun in Hong Kong.
He was known for his skills in actual combat and for his direct, unvarnished approach to Wing Chun, which made him a highly respected figure within the martial community.
Curiosity: Wong Shun Leung was known on the streets of Hong Kong as “The King of Talking Hands.”
Moy Yat
Moy Yat was another of Ip Man’s most important students. Born in Hong Kong, Moy Yat moved to the United States in the 1960s, where he helped popularize Wing Chun in America.
He was responsible for training numerous students around the world and, through his school, brought Wing Chun to a global audience.
His teaching style has influenced several generations of practitioners.
Curiosity: Moy Yat was not only an outstanding martial artist, he was also a virtuoso in other arts such as painting and writing.
Recent years
Ip Man died on December 2, 1972, at the age of 79, due to complications from throat cancer. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lived on through his disciples, who continued to expand Wing Chun throughout the world.
Before dying, the master was very clear about his wishes for the future of Wing Chun: that the art continue to be practiced with integrity, and that its teachings be faithfully transmitted to new generations. His last renowned disciple, Leung Ting continued to develop Wing Chun globally and founded one of the most influential schools. In his last weeks of life, he even filmed several videos of the Wing Chun forms and the wooden dummy.
As a tribute, on November 9, 2002, the Chinese government founded the Foshan Cultural Council and the Yip Man Tong (Yip Man Museum) in Yip Man’s hometown, Foshan (Guadong), with the help of his disciples. . Hoping to keep his memory alive and remember his contribution to Chinese Martial Arts.
Recommended movies about the life of Ip Man
Yip Man’s legacy not only endures in the history of martial arts, but also continues to be a cultural reference, thanks to his impact on figures such as Bruce Lee and other great masters. Today, his name remains synonymous with excellence, humility and dedication to the art of Wing Chun. In this last decade, many films have been produced that pay tribute to his life and his teachings, some of the most recommended are:
Ip Man (2008)
Protagonist: Donnie Yen
Director: Wilson Yip
Synopsis: This is the film that popularized the figure of Ip Man in modern cinema. The plot focuses on Ip Man’s years in Foshan, China, during the Japanese invasion, and shows how he fights to protect his family and his people. Donnie Yen masterfully plays Ip Man, showing both his martial skill and his humble character.
Ip Man 2 (2010)
Protagonist: Donnie Yen
Director: Wilson Yip
Synopsis: This sequel tells the life of Ip Man after his arrival in Hong Kong, where he must face new challenges, including a British rival. The film also shows how Ip Man becomes a Wing Chun master and establishes his martial arts school in Hong Kong.
Ip Man 3 (2015)
Protagonist: Donnie Yen
Director: Wilson Yip
Synopsis: In this third installment, Ip Man faces a new challenge: defend his Wing Chun school and protect his family from a dangerous businessman. Additionally, the film includes a memorable confrontation between Ip Man and a young Bruce Lee, played by actor Danny Chan.
Ip Man 4: The Finale (2019)
Protagonist: Donnie Yen
Director: Wilson Yip
Synopsis: The fourth film in the saga shows Ip Man traveling to the United States in search of a better future for his son, but he faces problems related to racial discrimination and tension between cultures. This is the last film that Donnie Yen stars in as Ip Man.
The Legend Is Born: Ip Man (2010)
Protagonist: Dennis To
Director: Herman Yau
Synopsis: This film is a story of Yip Man’s early years, showing his youth and training in Wing Chun. It’s not part of the main series starring Donnie Yen, but it offers a different take on Yip Man’s life.
Ip Man: The Final Fight (2013)
Protagonist: Anthony Wong
Director: Herman Yau
Synopsis: This film is set in the final years of Ip Man’s life in Hong Kong, where he faces several challenges, including his own health problems. Anthony Wong plays an older, more experienced character.
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy (2018)
Protagonist: Max Zhang (Zhang Jin)
Director: Yuen Woo-ping
Synopsis: This film focuses on Cheung Tin-chi, a character who appears in Ip Man 3, played by Max Zhang. The story follows Cheung after his confrontations with Yip Man, who attempts to leave the world of martial arts behind, but is forced to return due to the conflicts that arise around him. Although it is not a film directly about Yip Man, it is in the same universe as the saga.
