During the Li Cheng UK Estate period, Master Chow who had reached Chum Kiu level before the move from Yau Ma Tei, attended class daily and was taught the complete Wing Chun system by Grandmaster Yip Man covering all the boxing forms, wooden dummy form, Lok Dim Boon Gwun, kicking techniques, footwork and Baat Jam Dao form. This period spanned the years 1957 to 1962. Master Chow was also assisting Grandmaster Yip in teaching newcomers.
An interesting story lies behind Master Chow's learning of the wooden dummy form. As land in Hong Kong is limited, consequently living area for public housing was very small as it is still today. Because of this constraint, the wooden dummy could not be installed in the school. Rather Master Chow overcame this obstacle by installing the wooden dummy in the terrace of a small house at Kau Wah King. Grandmaster Yip then imparted to Master Chow the eight sections that comprise the wooden dummy form. To achieve a flawlessly high standard of performance, Master Chow could be found drilling the wooden dummy form every evening after his work shift. Such was Master Chow's dedication in mastering the wooden dummy that he even turned a disadvantage into an advantage. The wooden dummy was situated on an area grown with moss. Whenever it rained the damp moss would result in a slippery surface which made it difficult to move about without slipping. Despite this hazard, Master Chow took this as an opportunity to develop the precision and strength of his stances and footwork.
Master Chow was one of the first few disciples to be inducted by Grandmaster Yip Man into the hitherto highly secretive Baat Jam Dao form. Grandmaster Yip Man used a pair of wooden knives for teaching. Though the form was taught and its relationship to the boxing forms was mentioned, application of the knives against other weapons was not taught. Grandmaster Yip would also stopped instruction whenever someone else came in while teaching was ongoing. |