Chu Shong Tin (1933-2014) was the third student of martial arts teacher Yip Man in the discipline of Wing Chun, and remained at Yip Man's school to become his senior instructor.
He moved to Hong Kong in November 1949, started learning Wing Chun informally in September 1950. The 17-year-old Chu was a secretary at a restaurant at whose premises Ip held classes, which he audited. Chu became Yip's formal student in January 1951. As his health was not good, he took a concept-based form of the discipline.
He taught select students from all over the world, communicating with English speaking students through body language and hands on demonstration, or was assisted by other Chinese students, since he didn't speak English. Though he considered himself retired, he accepted students for the purpose of passing on his understanding of Nim Lik to ensure its survival. He wrote the book and has produced instructional DVDs.
He is known as the 'King of Siu Nim Tao', Wing Chun's most important form and its crucial foundation. This is because he believes that more time should be given to practise Siu Nim Tao than Chum Kiu and Biu Jee.
Our sources have sadly confirmed the passing of Chu Shong Tin at age 81.
Chu Shong Tin (Tsui Sheung Tin) was Yip Man's third Hong Kong student. He was known as the "King of Siu Nim Tao" for his dedication to the first set. He taught Wing Chun for over 60 years beginning his training under Yip Man at 17 years old.
His teachings of the hidden power of Siu Nim Tao, referred to as Nim Lik, continues to influence the art on a global scale across Wing Chun practitioners of many different lineages.
He will be missed in the Wing Chun world but his teachings will live on through his students across the world. All honor to his name!
Lineage
| Lineage in Wing Chun | |
| sifu | Yip Man |
Chu Shong Tin (徐尚田) | |
| known students |
Jim Fung
Mo Chiu Po (Frederick Mo) Ah Kuen Sifu William Lai Lit Leung Yiu Ma Kee Fai Sebastian Soza Alex Wong Kwong Sun Sun (Kang Sin Sin) Ting Kwok Wai(Thomas Ting) Susana Ho Cheuk Har Nima King John Cogan Heather Cogan James Colmer Kaming Yuen Lam Ping Hung |