A joint statement from Sifus
Lam Chun Fai and Frank Yee
An Important Announcement for All Hung Gar Practitioners
PREAMBLE
In recent months, a debate among the different Hung Gar
lineages concerning historic issues has distracted many
of us. We live in a free society and constructive debates
are part of the democratic process in which issues are discussed
and resolved. This debate, however, has generated strong
feelings, which are threatening to damage the unity of the
Hung Gar family as a whole.
At a closed door meeting, Frank Yee, Grandmaster of the
Tang Fong/Yuen Ling Lineage, and Lam Chun Fai, Grandmaster
of the Lam Cho Lineage, agreed to issue this joint statement.
In this joint statement, the Grandmasters call upon all
members of their lineages to act in accordance with their
decision, so as to set an example for all. The Grandmasters'
goal is to maintain harmony within the Hung Gar family and
to promote the Hung system.
STATEMENT
- Each Hung Gar lineage has its own
teachings and history.
- The Lam Cho Lineage and Tang Fong
Lineage agree that while their respective histories may
not coincide in
some areas, neither family wishes to impose its teachings
or history on the other.
- We advise all members of the martial
arts community to follow the teachings and history of
their own lineage.
- We see no purpose in one lineage trying
to discredit the teachings or history of another lineage.
In the end, the propagation of our great art should be
our only goal.
- Accordingly, we call upon members
of our respective lineages to rise above any further such
disputes, and acknowledge that other lineages have their
own teachings and histories. We ask that all members of
our respective lineages cease public debate of the accuracy
of the teachings and histories of other lineages.
CONCLUSION
Constructive debate is a good thing as long as the goal
is to enrich our great system. We understand that no one
is ever afraid to disagree and to debate any issue. At the
end of the day, however, we must never forget that the different
lineages within the Hung Gar family should come together
and unite as one. All Hung Gar lineages trace their roots
back to Wong Fei Hung, Wong Kei Ying, and Hung Hay Goon.
This should be sufficient common ground for all of us in
the Hung Gar family.
April. 17, 2001 |
