The Story of Ip Man’s Wing Chun Kung Fu in Canada - My Sifu: Master Sunny Tang By: Liz Parry
On June 4th 2016 Saturday, Master Sunny Tang as one of the inductees into the Canadian Martial Arts Hall of Fame since its inception in 2006.
The influence of Grand Master Sunny Tang upon the world of Wing Chun Kung Fu and Wushu is international in scope, and spans across generations. In both his practice of the martial art, and in his way of life, Grand Master Tang espouses the core principles of Wing Chun ; rigorous discipline, loyalty to family and community, and genuineness in oneself and in others. For over five decades he has studied and instructed this unique form of Kung Fu.
Beginning in Hong Kong in 1960 Master Tang became a disciple of Grand Master Moy Yat, who in turn was a disciple of the famed Ip Man, who brought Wing Chun into the Twentieth Century, and is viewed as its modern progenitor. During this period Sifu Tang was in fact neighbors with Ip Man, and the two enjoyed a close association. No doubt Ip Man's friendship and guidance must have defined, in some part, his extraordinary journey through Kung Fu life.
In 1969 Master Tang opened his first Wing Chun school in Worcester, England. In 1971 he immigrated to Toronto. Today he stands as the preeminent representative of Wing Chun in Canada, with schools operating across the country. His tireless devotion to the martial arts is reflected by his many achievements and the promotion of Chinese Martial Arts in the community such as organizing the 10th World Wushu International Championships held here in Toronto in 2009. Currently Grand Master Tang sits on the International Executive Board of the International Wushu Federation. He is the President of Wushu Canada as well as the President of the International Moy Yat Wing Chun Federation. In 2012, Grand Master Tang received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in Toronto.
Grand Master Tang has been an active and much loved member within the Chinese community of Canada for over 40 years. He is often referred to and well known among the other local Sifu's and international circles as the (Si-Gong) In 1989 he was selected by the Cultoraterium Museum in Ottawa to perform a video and personal interview as a record of Canadian Chinese culture for the Museum of Civilizations in Ottawa. Grand Master was also featured on the cover of Wing Chun Illustrated as well as many newspaper articles.
Grand Master Tang extends Wing Chun principles to other aspects of his life as an artist, he has designed logos for the police cadets and Wing Chun clubs. He also enjoys playing music and Chinese calligraphy.
A truly unique and powerful individual, Grand Master Sunny Tang continues to inspire those around him. Through his courage, his generosity, and through his heart the special gift of Wing Chun is passed forward to future generations.
He has taught many generations of students including myself.
As his Disciple, I have been truly fortunate and grateful to have experienced thirty years of tutelage and friendship with my remarkable teacher who has been my greatest source of inspiration.
Photo: Behind Master Ip Man is Sunny Tang (with glasses) at around 1967 in Hong Kong