Biography
Don't let the mere fact that you only see (2) films under his name fool you, he has been a busy man. More of a teacher than a kung-fu star, the mention of his name alone, can strike up "decades" of tales and anecdotes. At age (12), he began studying an art form that would change his life in more ways than one. He studied "Monkey Kung Fu (Tai Shing) for nearly (30) years under Grandmaster Kan Tak-Hoi and became his top "Closed-Door" student. Learning all (5) Monkey Kung-fu styles, as well as the "Monkey Staff" - he is one of the most well-known and well-respected teachers in Hong Kong.
He opened his first school in 1954 at age (22) and was one of (4) students (and the youngest) that his Sifu allowed to teach their true art (the other (3) have since died). One of Master Chan's most famous students is Chen Kuan-Tai, who would later go on to become a successful movie star with Shaw Bros' studios. When it comes to Monkey antics and gestures, nobody beats this guy, he's so short, and his movements are almost flawless. What he may lack in height, he more than makes up in talent and dedication to his craft. As a teenager, I remember seeing him in articles back in the mid-70's that talked about Monkey Kung Fu; I just never knew how good, he really was.
He opened his first school in 1954 at age (22) and was one of (4) students (and the youngest) that his Sifu allowed to teach their true art (the other (3) have since died). One of Master Chan's most famous students is Chen Kuan-Tai, who would later go on to become a successful movie star with Shaw Bros' studios. When it comes to Monkey antics and gestures, nobody beats this guy, he's so short, and his movements are almost flawless. What he may lack in height, he more than makes up in talent and dedication to his craft. As a teenager, I remember seeing him in articles back in the mid-70's that talked about Monkey Kung Fu; I just never knew how good, he really was.
He was the Vice-President of the Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Association, President of the Hong Kong Kung Fu Association, and Head of the Ta Shing Pai Kua Mun. One of his Chief instructors was another excellent Monkey stylist (and his former student), Pomson Shi. With uncanny timing and excellent movement, he was a joy to watch. And though he was more of an Instructor than an actor, the few movies that he starred in were excellent vehicles to show his skill. He had (1) starring role in the film, Monkey Fist, in the early 70's.
In 2000, his school was the only Hong Kong school invited to the International Kung Fu Tournament. Then, on Dec. 9th, 2000, he formed the "Tai Shing Pek Kwar International Kung Fu Federation" to continually promote his art for generations to come. He and his son (Chan Kai-Leung), are the only ones that know all (5) Monkey Kung-fu styles. They gave seminars on their art in 2001 in New York, Seattle, Florida, and California. He is known as the "Monkey King" and as you can tell, he truly lives up to his name.
In 2000, his school was the only Hong Kong school invited to the International Kung Fu Tournament. Then, on Dec. 9th, 2000, he formed the "Tai Shing Pek Kwar International Kung Fu Federation" to continually promote his art for generations to come. He and his son (Chan Kai-Leung), are the only ones that know all (5) Monkey Kung-fu styles. They gave seminars on their art in 2001 in New York, Seattle, Florida, and California. He is known as the "Monkey King" and as you can tell, he truly lives up to his name.