In
Chinese martial arts, an instructor or master is addressed as 'Sifu' ('See Foo' = Master). Sifu
Patrick Luong is a fourth generation Shaolin Chow Ka kung fu master. |
Sifu
Patrick Luong was born and raised within the large Chinese community that
grew in Vietnam following the Japanese invasion of China in WWII.
Sifu Patrick began training at the age of five under 'Si Gung' ('See Goong' = Grandmaster) Lau
Kim Churng. Sifu Patrick was one of Lau Kim Churng's most trusted and talented students
for approximately 15 years.
This continuity was unfortunately broken by the social and political turmoil that had consumed Vietnam
by the 1980's. With little more than the clothes on their backs, Sifu Patrick and his family decided
to immigrate to Australia.
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Sifu
Patrick started teaching kung fu with his brother Sifu Quyen in 1988. Sifu Quyen had previously
established classes at the Marangaroo Buddhist Temple the year before.
In 1989, they began training at the Nollamarra primary school grounds. One year later,
they moved to the Mt.Lawley community sports hall. They continued teaching in Mt.Lawley
for four years, until they again moved to the Bentley community sports hall in 1994.
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During
1994, the Luong brothers took on many more students. As a result, they were forced to
train new students at their respective homes. This informally marked the
expansion of their Chow Ka school into the North Perth and South Perth branches.
In 1995, Sifu Patrick opened his South Perth branch at the Cannington Town Hall and finally
established a permanent training hall in Carlisle a year later.
The South Perth branch currently trains 45 to 50 students. His brother, Sifu Quyen,
currently trains students at his North Perth branch in the Bedford/Inglewood area.
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As
an Australian citizen, Sifu Patrick believes that Shaolin Chow Ka kung fu
should be available to all interested students, regardless of ethnic origin.
His school is not a 'closed' or 'secret' school solely for Chinese or Vietnamese
students.
Multiculturalism is valued by the school as it facilitates the contribution
and acceptance of Chinese culture into mainstream Australia. |
The
Shaolin Chow Ka Kung Fu School was established (and continues) as a non-profit organisation.
All fees go towards maintaining equipment, purchasing new equipment, and other
expenses necessary for running the school.
Sifu Patrick is committed to passing his skills and knowledge to all students
who are dedicated, honest and worthy of receiving the Shaolin Chow Ka kung fu
legacy. |
