One of the best known Hung Gar practitioners in modern times, Wong's lineage has received a lot of attention. As a physician, Wong practised and taught acupuncture and other forms of traditional Chinese medicine in Po-chi-lam, his private clinic in Foshan, Guangdong. A museum dedicated to him was built in Foshan. Wong's most famous disciples included Wong Hon-hei (his son), Lam Sai-wing, Leung Foon, Dang Fong, Wong Sai-wing and Ling Wan-kai. In folk tales, Wong is often associated with the Ten Tigers of Canton.
Biography
Wong was born on Mount Xiqiao, Foshan, Guangdong, during the reign of the Daoguang Emperor in the late Qing Dynasty. At the age of five, he started learning Hung Gar from his father Wong Kei-ying. When he was 13, he learnt the essentials of the Iron Wire Fist and sling from Lam Fuk-sing, a student of "Iron Bridge Three" Leung Kwan, after meeting Lam in Douzhixiang during a martial arts street performance. He learnt the Shadowless Kick from Sung Fai-tong later.
In 1863 at the age of 17, Wong set up his first martial arts school in Shuijiao. 26 years later in 1886, he opened his Po-chi-lam clinic at Ren'an. In 1919, Wong was invited to perform at the Chin Woo Athletic Association's Guangzhou branch during its opening ceremony.
Wong died of illness on May 24, 1924 in Chengxi Fangbian Hospital in Guangdong. He was buried at the foot of Baiyun Mountain. Wong's wife Mok Kwai-lan, and his two sons, along with his students Lam Sai-wing and Dang Sai-king, later moved to Hong Kong and established martial arts schools there. In legend, Wong was recruited by Liu Yongfu, commander of the Black Flag Army, to be the army's medical officer and martial arts instructor. Wong also instructed Guangdong's local militia in martial arts and once followed the Black Flag Army to fight the Imperial Japanese Army during the Japanese invasion of Taiwan in 1895.
Personal life
Wong married four times in his life. The personal names of his first three wives are unknown. He had four known children - two sons and two daughters.
- Spouses
- Wong's first wife was surnamed "Lo" or "Law". She married Wong in 1871 and died of illness three months after their marriage.
- Wong's second wife was surnamed "Ma". She married Wong in 1896 and died of illness. She bore Wong two daughters.
- Wong's third wife was surnamed "Sam" or "Sum". She married Wong in 1902 and died of illness. She bore Wong two sons.
- Wong's fourth wife, Mok Kwai-lan, married Wong in 1915. She died in Hong Kong on 11 March 1982.
- Children
- Sons:
- Wong Hon-syu, born to Wong's third wife.
- Wong Hon-hei, also born to Wong's third wife.
- Daughters:
- Wong Hon-lam, born to Wong's second wife.
- Wong Hon-sam, also born to Wong's second wife.
Wong was a master of Hung Gar (also called Hung Fist). He systematised the predominant style of Hung Gar and choreographed its version of the Tiger Crane Paired Form Fist, which incorporates his Ten Special Fist techniques. Wong is famous for using the Shadowless Kick. He named the techniques of his skills when he performed them. Wong was adept at using weapons, such as the staff and southern tiger fork. One tale recounts how Wong defeated a group of 30 gangsters on the docks of Guangdong with a staff.
Wong is sometimes incorrectly identified as one of the "Ten Tigers of Canton". His father Wong Kei-ying was one of the ten but he was not. Wong is also sometimes referred to as the "Tiger after the Ten Tigers".