JESSE ENG SIBOK VISITS

ENG SIBOK VISITS AGAIN FROM NEW YORK CITY

Hong Kong, Mar 25, 2011 --

Jesse Eng Sibok was one of seven people who made disciple ceremony to the late Lam Sang in New York City's Chinatown circa 1955.  At that time, Lam Sang Sifu was kungfu master for the Hip Sing Merchant Association.  Over the years hundreds of Hip Sing members trained downstairs under Lam Sang's guidance.  But, only seven members were taught privately as upstairs 'inner gate' disciples.  In fact, those disciples all lived together with Lam Sang in a three bedroom apartment on Broom Street in Chinatown!

Originally from Hong Kong, Eng Sibok immigrated to the USA as a youth and became a naturalized USA citizen. He still has family in Hong Kong and makes regular trips to visit.  On the above occasion he and I (RDH) spent the day discussing - guess what - mantis!

The pictures below were made during a 2007 visit and are a few shots from Lam Sang's 18 Point form.  You can see that the first generation of Lam Sang's teaching is a bit different than the second and third.   One of the differences is the monkey stepping and kicking seen in the first generation.

Some have said Lam Sifu taught at the Hip Sing for just a few months, however, as can be seen in the photograph below, the Hip Sing Association was active under his guidance as chief instructor for a number of years before he accepted post at the Chinese Freemason Association circa 1963.

In the mid 90's, with protracted effort, I finally tracked this 1958 photo and article down to a Seattle Newspaper.  After their library and archive search, I was able to purchase the photo and subsequently gave copies to my mentors from the Hip Sing who framed and hung it on their walls!  Since then, it has been widely plagiarized to my dismay and the Seattle Newspaper.

(From the new  www.bambootemple.com  site - still under revision) --- RDH

Looking forward to Jesse Sibok's next Hong Kong visit!

For more info use the Contact form above.

Roger D. Hagood

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