The deep rooted connection between the hung mun and choy lee fut kung fu

[hskwarrior]

BY SIFU FRANK MCCARTHY - 2024


Throughout the annals of Chinese history, secret societies, collectively known as Hui/Wui, including the likes of the White Lotus, Red Spear Society, and Gelaohui, have played pivotal roles in the socio-political landscape of China. These societies were driven by dual objectives: resisting foreign domination and offering mutual support among members. A significant event in this context was the destruction of the southern Shaolin temple by the Qing Dynasty in 1761, a calamity that precipitated the founding of the Hung Mun (also known as the Hung Society or Hung League) by the temple's surviving monks. Their foundational aim was to dismantle the Qing rule and re-establish the Ming Dynasty, highlighting a blend of martial prowess and political activism.

This historical nexus between the Hung Mun and Choy Lee Fut is further illuminated through the lives of influential figures such as Chan Heung, his mentor Chan Yuen Wu—who is speculated to be a covert Hung Mun founder—and Li Yau San, Chan Heung’s second instructor and a disciple of Hung Mun pioneer Li Sik Hoi. Li Sik Hoi's legacy extends to founding the Red Spear Society and his prominent role in the resistance against the Qing Dynasty, showcasing the deeply entwined narrative of martial arts and political dissent.

Chan Heung’s establishment of the Great Sage School potentially serves dual homage to Zhu Yuanzhang, the Ming Dynasty’s progenitor, or reflects a deep-seated reverence for the Hung Mun society. His efforts in martial training for the revolutionary cause epitomize the intricate interplay between martial arts, religious beliefs, and political insurgency in the 19th century.

The symbolic gestures embedded within the Choy Lee Fut martial art, such as the salute commemorating the Ming Dynasty's restoration, hint at the profound affiliations between this martial art and the Hung Mun society. These elements suggest that Choy Lee Fut transcended mere self-defense to become a vessel for advancing the ideologies and aspirations against Qing dominion.

Exploring the Choy Lee Fut and Hung Mun connection can significantly enrich our comprehension of this martial discipline and the influence of resistance movements on traditional Chinese martial practices.

Cheung Yim’s/Cheung Hung Sing's (founder of Hung Sing Choy Lee Fut), integration into the Hung Mun secret society was catalyzed by his encounter with Ching Cho (The Green Grass Monk), a high-ranking Shaolin Monk and Co-founder of a the most notable Hung Mun Tong in southern China. The society, viewed as a threat by the Empire for its revolutionary aspirations, saw in Cheung Yim a worthy disciple to propagate their mission of Qing overthrow and Ming restoration. By 1841, upon meeting Cheung Yim, the monk, in hiding and under threat of capture, entrusted him with martial knowledge and revolutionary ideologies, marking Cheung Yim’s pivotal role in the Tai Ping Rebellion as Hung Sing—a moniker embodying the mission to dethrone the Qing.

The Fut San Hung Sing Kwoon, under Cheung Hung Sing’s aegis, weaves a unique salutation ritual encompassing homage to Heaven, Earth, and Man, a rite deeply ingrained with the Hung Mun societal ethos. The dojo's altar, adorned with elements like the incense burner and designated seating for the master and disciple, mirrors the society's cultural bedrock, underscoring respect, hierarchical order, and the perpetuation of wisdom. These ceremonial practices accentuate the martial art’s ties to the broader cultural and societal paradigms of the Hung Mun.

A deep dive into the symbology within Cheung Hung Sing's domain unravels a tapestry of cryptic messages and ideologies of the Hung Mun society encoded in martial patterns and poetic inscriptions. The intricate floor pattern of the Hoi Jong form and the emblematic hand shapes of the 5 Animals form serve as conduits for hidden meanings pivotal to the society's ethos and objectives. These nuanced forms of communication underscore the profound symbiosis between Choy Lee Fut martial arts and the Hung Mun, safeguarding a legacy of historical identity and clandestine discourse.

In conclusion, the rich tapestry that interweaves Choy Lee Fut with the Hung Mun society, characterized by symbolic expressions and esoteric messages, exemplifies the martial art’s role in preserving cultural legacy and secret societal dialogue. Amidst the contemporary challenges of sustaining these links, the enduring efforts to safeguard this rich heritage are indispensable for delving into the historical and cultural profundities of martial arts traditions.