On Saturday, August 20th the St. Louis area was very lucky to host Kung Fu Grandmaster and Movie Star, Chiu Chi Ling. Grandmaster Chiu was brought to St. Louis from his home in Alameda, California (just outside of San Francisco) by his student, Sifu Wayne Judge owner of Iron Dragon Kung Fu: 2100 Bellevue in Maplewood.

After a rousing evening the night before at Little Saigon Cafe in the Central West End, students and Chinese Kung Fu enthusiasts from St. Louis and Illinois and as far away as California and Arizona met to learn the foundation and basic principles of the Hung Ga Kung Fu style. No one is better suited to teach these principles than Grandmaster Chiu Chi Ling. Master Chiu comes from a Kung Fu Family, both his Father and Mother were famous Masters in Hong Kong and were taught by the great Lam Sai Wing, himself the disciple of the legendary Wong Fei Hung. Chiu Chi Ling has starred in over 70 movies, and worked with Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Sammo Hung (Kam Bo), and most recently played the "Tailor" in Kung Fu Hustle.

"Hung Ga has a reputation of being very hard and aggressive." Said Grandmaster Chiu, "But Hung Ga can also be very soft, it is all about balance." Students at the seminar were treated to insights rarely seen outside of China and elements of proper footwork, balance, soft power, and connection of movement between body, mind, and spirit were covered. Many of those who attended were heard to say; "If I can remember and practice only ONE of the things the Grandmaster showed us today my Kung Fu will be 10 times better than it was before." In addition to Kung Fu basics, seminar attendees were treated to a freestyle demonstration by the Grandmaster and an exhibition of his amazing Lion Dance drumming skills. Grandmaster Chiu was very pleased with the turn out and the warm welcome he received and Sifu Judge will be bringing him back annually for seminars on the great Hung Ga style.

Grandmaster Chiu was also paid respects by Long Time Masters of Chinese Martial Arts, important members of the Chinese Community, people like: Master Cai Ying, Sifu Justin Meehan, Sam Lin (of Oriental Ginseng and Gifts), May Wu (of St. Louis Chinese American News), and many more. All who met him found themselves swept up by his charm and dynamic personality. His student, Sifu Wayne Judge of St. Louis' own "Iron Dragon Hung Kuen" school welcomes anyone who would like to learn more about the art of Hung Ga Kung Fu and Grandmaster Chiu Chi Ling. They are also the only Traditional Style Kung Fu school performing Lion Dance in the area. You can visit their website at: www.irondragonhungkuen.com