After recent idle, and ignorant, chatter on the internet about the life of Master Chan Hon Chung, one of his family students, James Uglow, travelled from London to Hong Kong for discussions with his teacher's family in October 2011. For the sake of historical accuracy, and to protect Chan Sifu's legacy from those who would use his name for personal gain, Mr Uglow has been asked to clarify a number of points about the master's life. It is stressed that this is the full story, as sanctioned by Chan Sifu's family.
Chan Sifu died in 1991 after a short illness. In his last three weeks, he suffered from a stomach condition, but otherwise remained healthy despite his advanced age. Chan Sifu was still teaching select students, including Mr Uglow, up to three weeks before he died, demonstrating both the physical and mental agility for which he was renowned. Apart from his kung fu, he also treated patients in his clinic until he died, even leaving his sick bed in his final days to do so. It is clear from this that Chan Sifu remained strong and fiercely passionate about all he did right until the end.
Chan Sifu has left a lasting legacy of Hung Gar treasure to the world, through his most valued and dedicated students. While there are a number of these teaching the system today — generally characterised by the quality of getting on with the training rather than indulging in cheap talk and personal aggrandisement — it is noted for the record that his only follower, in the traditional sense, was Kong Pui Wai.
A full statement is being prepared now with the family.