The History of Jin Wu Koon: The Shaolin Story

Orphaned at the age of ten, Jin Wu Koon's Grandmaster, Chan Keng Wan, was adopted by Tai San's Sifu Serng, Master of the Hong Ga Fist Style. Sifu Ng Serng recognised the valuable qualities of patriotism, respect for tradition and endurance in his protégé and began grooming him as the future Jin Wu Koon Grandmaster. The Shaolin Buddha Fist Style, the Short and Long Arm back fist strikes, Single Head Dragon Pole, Broadsword, Spear and the generations old Shaolin Die Da medical skills for treating bone injuries comprised the impressive repertoire taught by Sifu Ng Serng.

Chan Keng Wan continued his pursuit of Kung Fu skills in SunHui with Sifu Chan Ngai, Master of the Jin Wu Academy. Sifu Chan Ngai taught the traditional Shaolin Choi Lee Fut styles and also the Six and a half step pole.

Two years later, at 22 years of age, Chan Keng Wan established his own academies in Suihui, ZhongSan, TaiSan, HaiPing, YenPing and HocSun. At this time he met Sifu Ng Dak Sam of Guangxi Province from whom he learned the Northern Style of Double Dragon Fists, Double Flying Butterfly sword, the Willow Sword and the Deadly Eighteen Step Spear.

During the 1930's, while China was at war with the invading Japanese army, local military officers organised guerrilla fighters of their districts into the Chinese Army. Chan Keng Wan was recruited at this time into the 19th Army led by Zau Hon Leng of Sun Hui. Sifu Chan was soon appointed as the Broad Sword combat instructor, leading raids into enemy camps.

When peace was declared in 1946, Sifu Chan returned to teaching his academies where he had been appointed, now as chief instructor. Later the same year, the Jin Wu Koon establishment was officially registered with the Canton local authorities at JianMen.

After China was liberated by the Communists, Grand Master Chan Keng Wan went to Hong Kong where he established the Keng Wan Gymnasium and Dia Da Medical Clinic for the treatment of bone injuries. Whilst living in Hong Kong, Grand Master Chan Keng Wan accepted the position of voluntary Die Da Medical Consultant for Hong Kong's largest football association. He also accepted the position of voluntary doctor at the headquarters for Hong Kong's Department of Health and Hygiene.

Grand Master Chan was invited to welcome the noble emissary, Prince Phillip to Hong Kong in 1949. All his disciples joined in the formal demonstrations to commemorate the occasion.

In 1967 Grand Master Chan was employed by the Malaysian Karate Budokan headquarters as medical advisor, and as instructor for the Chinese Double Dragon Pole, Broadsword and Spear. As Master of the Buddha Fist Style, he often traveled back to Hong Kong to give public demonstrations of his unique Double Dragon Fists, considered to be the best even amongst Kung Fu Masters.

It is this background of skills that was passed onto his youngest son, Master Cheuk Fai Chan. With this knowledge, Master Cheuk Fai Chan literally fought his way to the top. He competed in karate, kung fu and kickboxing, winning many tournaments and titles and the respect of other martial artists. It is this incredible history of traditional knowledge and his influence of practical experience that Master Cheuk Fai Chan has used to found the Jin Wu Koon Australian Headquarters in Sydney. To find out more about Master Cheuk Fai Chan, click here.

Grand Master Chan Keng Wan