What It’s Really Like to Train Chow Gar Mantis in Hong Kong

train Chow Gar Mantis in Hong Kong

Hong Kong trip from a student's perspective.

by Phil Bridges

Recently, I was fortunate enough to visit Hong Kong twice to train with the Gatekeeper of Chow Gar Mantis, Grandmaster Ip Chee Keung. Training mostly took place in an unassuming looking building that hides the Mo Kwoon, rich in history and instantly recognizable to practitioners of Chow Gar. Training also took place in hotel rooms, and even outside on one occasion.

Training followed a similar pattern every day. First, meeting with Grandmaster for yum cha, something he really enjoys. Then we headed to the school for training. Chy Sau, Doi Chong, and Sam Bo Gin were the focus.

Grandmaster explained that without power, the art is empty, so a great deal of time was spent on these very important basic methods. At times, Grandmaster would explain something in more depth. On one occasion, he gave a detailed lesson on the turn and how it has changed over time.

Other times he would demonstrate releasing power, something which is far more impressive in person, or suddenly tell me to film him doing Sam Bo Gin so that I could study it later.

After training, we would have coffee and sometimes a little more training, or we would go for dinner. Occasionally, he would share an anecdote about his training, or a story about his father and his students.

There were often valuable little lessons within these stories.

It was almost never just the two of us. I benefited from the experience of students from Hungary, England, and Australia, all with decades of training, as well as Grandmaster’s student Ken.

I was also lucky enough not only to meet Zoltán and Atilla in Hong Kong, I also got to train with them. Having the opportunity to practice with them, to feel different power levels, and to have them and the other foreign students offer corrections and insights was incredibly valuable.

Watching Grandmaster train with everybody was truly impressive, and when Grandmaster extended his bridge and say “Phil, come…”, I was blown away by how strong he is. Nothing, not words, pictures, or videos, prepare you for how powerful he is. Yet, so often I would hear him say “Phil, I’m not good enough, I’m not strong enough.” His humility and desire to be better is inspirational.

Training in Hong Kong isn’t like the old kung fu movies. It is simple and lacks any mysteriousness. The focus on basics and putting in the work really pays off.

The corrections and advice Grandmaster gave me on my first trip made a huge difference. On my second trip, I was told my Sam Bo Gin etc. showed signs of improvement. It was, for me, tangible proof that the small details make all the difference.

If you have the opportunity to visit Grandmaster Ip Chee Keung and train with him, don’t hesitate.