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 Lam
Cho came from Pan Chao in Guangshou. An orphan, he was adopted
and raised by his uncle, Lam Sai Wing. When his uncle went
to Hong Kong, he went with him to learn martial arts. He was
blessed with quick arms, a strong body, and superior physical
dexterity. His uncle loved him as his own son, and taught
him in the authentic martial arts tradition. He was highly
intelligent, and quick to understand all the different styles
of kung fu. Throughout his twenty years with his teacher,
he accumulated vast experience in kung fu and the art of Chinese
medicine. By virtue of his medical expertise, he helped thousands
of people.
As a young man, he was already helping his Sifu in teaching
at the Southern Martial Arts Association and eventually set
up his own kung fu studio. His skill was so well known, that
people thoughout the South referred to him as Sifu even as
a young man. He set up another studio in Kowloon, where thousands
of students trained.
His closest students set up studios
to teach as well; thus, those who had his teaching spread
across Hong Kong and Guangzhou, and the Hung Gar style became
a shining example of excellence in martial arts. Many of Lam Cho's students in turn become well known martial artists and respected figure within the Chinese Martial Arts circles around the world. Some of them have opened up
Kung Fu schools of great renown.
Grandmaster Lam was well respected and was invited to give
demonstrations for the Navy and Army. Both Chinese and foreigners
complimented his performance, and his photo was soon appearing
in London newspapers. The school of martial arts spread throughout
the globe, enhancing the reputation of the Lam family and
the Hung Gar style. Grandmaster Lam traveled far and wide,
and never tired of teaching the style his Sifu taught him.
He was especially happy and willing to help newcomers to the
art. Many of the students that he trained went on to develop
great reputations for themselves. All were grateful for his
noble deeds, but grandmaster Lam remained humble and peaceful,
and was therefore well respected.
 When
the Japanese invaded Hong Kong, grandmaster Lam's studio burned
down, and fighting broke out all across the city. Grandmaster
Lam helped maintain the peace and aided the people in their
suffering, and his deeds are still remembered to this day.
When Hong Kong fell, the Japanese forces went looking for
grandmaster Lam, so he returned in secrecy to his village.
When the people of his village heard of his return, they immediately
entreated him to teach martial arts. Finally, after Hong Kong
was liberated, he returned to Hong Kong and set up his studio.
He taught, gave medical care, and served as national martial
arts consultant for various unions and workers associations.
His medical skill was superb, and his principles were especially
admirable; he did not take more from the rich, but nonetheless
reduced his fees for the poor, to the point of providing free
service and medicine. He was compassionate and generous. He
accomplished a great deal in his youth, and still enjoys researching
and discussing medicine and martial arts every day. The future
still holds much in store for grandmaster Lam. His eldest
son, Lam Chun Fai, now carries on his Hung Gar teaching. |
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