Yip Man (Ip Man)

Yip Man (Ip Man) first learnt Wing Chun from Chan Wah Shun. At the age of fifteen he travelled to Hong Kong to study at St Stephen's College. While there, he continued to learn Wing chun under Leung Jan's son, Leung Bik. Through Chan Wah Shun and Leung Bik, Yip Man acquired complete mastery in Wing Chun.

Returning to China on completion of his studies, Yip Man became an army recruit. He was later involved in several bouts with other martial artists. In a volatile encounter with a policeman who challenged his skills, Yip Man grasped the man's revolver and forced the cartridge out on to the ground.

Yip Man's skill was already well known in China, and he was regarded as the youngest and last remaining Wing Chun master.

In 1949, after the Communist takeover in China, Yip Man returned to Hong Kong. Times were hard, but he found a friend in Lee Man, secretary of the Hong Kong Restaurant Workers Union, who allowed him to use the union premises to train students.

This is where he accepted his first batch of disciples in Hong Kong on a professional basis. As time passed and his knack for teaching developed, Yip Man's skills continued to improve.

Yip Man also taught Bruce Lee, who was a well-known martial arts actor in Hong Kong and Hollywood.