Established in June 2002, our studio is completely dedicated to the study of the Choy Lai Fut kung fu style – this is the reason why we’ve even given it an English name after the kung fu style. In Chinese, the name of our school is 雄勝功夫學院, which is roughly pronounced in Cantonese as “Hung Sing Gung Fu Hok Yuen”.
We are traditionalists who enjoy studying the Choy Lai Fut (aka Choyleefut) not only as a martial arts system, but also because it’s important to us that we help preserve aspects of the Chinese culture. To us, it’s a way of life that is healthy, positive, and constructive. It teaches us not only to focus and have self discipline, but also to respect every human being regardless of ability or background.
The Instructors
The instructors, Hali Wong and Carmen Choy, started out as training partners studying as Grandmaster Wong Ha’s disciples at his Chinatown school for many years. They have spent years working on all of the different aspects of the style, including numerous fist and weapon forms as well as hand to hand and weapon combat. They were also the first all-women lion dance team in Vancouver.
Sifu Hali Wong
黃美師傅
Sifu Hali has dedicated over 40 years of her life to the study of Choy Lai Fut, which includes over 35 years of teaching experience. She has won awards in numerous tournaments for her fist and weapon forms, and in 1993 won the Pacific Northwest Grand Championship. However, she left the tournament circuit soon afterwards to devote herself to training 7 days a week under Grandmaster Wong Ha, who is considered the Grandmaster of Choy Lai Fut in Vancouver. She has taught kung fu and self defense in various locations, including Strathcona Community Centre, Hon Hsing Athletic Association, the University of British Columbia, and the Wong Ha Athletic Association (Grandmaster Wong Ha’s own school).
Sifu Carmen Choy
蔡嘉明師傅
Sifu Carmen studied Choy Lai Fut directly from Grandmaster Wong Ha for over 10 years in the first part of her martial arts career, and has been immersed in the style for the past 30 years. Her teaching experience spans 26 years. She has been invited to take part in various master’s exhibitions in both Vancouver and Seattle. In addition to teaching at Grandmaster Wong Ha’s own school, she has also taught self-defense courses with Sifu Wong at the University of British Columbia. She has been involved in the Hung Hsing Choy Lai Fut Federation of Canada for many years, and served as president from 2007-2008.
Assistant Instructors
Kevin Ngan has studied Choy Lai Fut under Sifus Hali Wong and Carmen Choy since 2003. When Kevin first started Choy Lai Fut, he constantly asked his mother if he could stop learning. However, after several classes, he began to enjoy Choy Lai Fut. Kevin consistently works on his kung fu skills every week, which shows through his attention to detail and teaching. Kevin is working to become a knowledgeable practitioner who is able to apply what he has learnt when it is necessary. Kevin has completed his joint Criminology and Psychology degree and is looking to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Daniel Singh has studied under Sifus Hali Wong and Carmen Choy since 2000. Daniel became interested in Choy Lai Fut thanks to his friends. He found it great for exercise and stress relief. Daniel has found joy in helping younger students too. Learning Choy Lai Fut helped Daniel develop confidence and learn how to perform for an audience. Even after years of practising Choy Lai Fut, Daniel is impressed with how much is there left to learn in lion dance, sparring, and weapon and fist forms.
Liam Wou has been a part of the Choy Lai Fut Martial Arts Hall since 2004. Studying Choy Lai Fut under Sifu Hali Wong and Sifu Carmen Choy has helped Liam cultivate self-discipline. Liam has also learned lion dance and is part of the school’s performance team.
Owen Wou has been doing Choylaifut under Sifus Hali Wong and Carmen Choy for over 14 years. Over the years it has taught him many things, from self-defence to self-discipline. Through Choy Lai Fut, Owen has learned how to work towards goals that take time and dedication. Owen is presently pursuing undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia.
Verna Yam has studied Choylaifut under Sifus Hali Wong and Carmen Choy since 2007. While Verna first took up martial arts for self-defence purposes, she has found practicing Choylaifut immensely important to her personal growth as it has helped her develop self-confidence and discipline. Verna assists the school from Ottawa, Canada.
Our Lineage
Sifu Hali Wong and Sifu Carmen Choy are both disciples of Grandmaster Wong Ha.
An Important Note
We have heard claims that Peter Wong has claimed credit for the kungfu taught at the Choy Lai Fut Martial Arts Hall. This is categorically false. Though Sifu Hali Wong studied for a very short time initially under Peter, she spent many months undoing this learning and starting all over again under Grandmaster Wong Ha’s careful guidance and teaching. Sifu Carmen never learned from Peter Wong at all. Therefore, every form, every technique, and every skill is directly a product of Grandmaster Wong Ha’s teaching — and this is what is passed through to our students at this school. We work very hard to preserve the art and integrity of the Grandmaster’s teachings.
