Foshan, Jing Wu Hui & More
Seven hours journey by fast train from Hangzhou bought us to the 3rd part of our China tour took us to Foshan where ShiFu Dale has many good friends in Wulin & more.
It was quite a busy time in Foshan with many activities arranged. Joining the team in Foshan was our Eagle Claw Simo Meng xianghui which meant both Master Chen junxin and his wife were with us as family altogether
The team were welcomed by the Foshan Jing Wu Association members and descendants (son & daughter) of late Master Zun cun (rip) of Eagle Claw fame in Foshan who had been a long term friend of Shifu Dale since 2007
We started with a visit to the famous Zumiao temple, first built in the Song dynasty during the reign of Emperor Zhezong, in the Yuanfeng Era (1078-1085), but was ruined towards the end of the Yuan Dynasty. It was rebuilt in the 5th year of the Hongwu Era of the Ming Dynasty (1372).
A stunning Temple with different aspects and facets, truly worth visiting for anyone going to Foshan
Next was a welcome event and martial arts culture exchange arranged by Foshan Jing Wu (Chin woo) association and Foshan Taiji Quan association. Many performances by different local groups and also members of our Eagle Claw family were given inside the famous Jing Wu Martial arts building . Some of the martial arts styles showcased were: Choy Li Fut, Hung gar, Yang style Taiji, Eagle Claw, Dragon boxing, Chen style Taiji, Liu He Ba Fa, Wu Dang Taiji, Ba Gua Sword, Wu style Taiji sword Jian an exhibition of pushing hands, weapon forms (Tao Lu) demonstrations and more.
Welcome gifts and friendship banners exchanged by all, new friend’s made and old friends happy to see each other again.
Dinner with the son of late Eagle Claw Master Zun cun (Rip) a long term freind to our family
Meeting old friends, Shifu Dale was delighted to meet again with his good friend from the Hung Sing Choy Li Fut School Leung Sifu and his disciples, visit their Wu Guan kung fu school, drink tea , exchange martial arts discussion. It was here that new bonds of friendship were made as ShiFu Dale introduced his Eagle Claw Teacher Chen Junxin Shifu to his friends of the Choy Li Fut school.
Leung Shifu and his students kindly took us around Foshan where we toured the famous Choy Li Fut Museum and visited a unique and special water well in Foshan called The Tapo Well located in front of the “Tapo Zen Temple”. It is said that it was dug when the “Jingtang Temple” was first built in the Tang Dynasty, where all are encouraged to wash hands, head etc to receive blessing. Tapo Street is located in the jurisdiction of Zumiao Street. It is one of the oldest streets in Foshan. It has a suggested history of 1,000 years.
The TaPo Well has never dried up since the Tang Dynasty, making it one of the oldest historical sites in Foshan. “Having crossed the Tapo Water, wash from head, hair to face, then hands and legs, one will enjoy smooth sailing,” is the heartfelt wish of the people of Foshan for a prosperous life and sincere blessings for guests from all over the world. The TaPo Temple not only enshrines Buddha but also the “TaPo Gong” 塔坡公，who is actually a deity. Washing your face or hands with water from the TaPo Well is believed to enhance wisdom, as it is particularly spiritual.
The students of Leung Shifu and the Choy Li Fut school are an exemplary representatives of their teacher, Kio who is one of the most senior disciple has always been a great friend and help to us over the years
We also met with our good friend Liu Shizhen Shifu who is a well know 7 Star Praying mantis teacher in Foshan
No city visit is complete without shopping and fine dining, Foshan is great for this and all opportunities were taken to visit local markets when free time allowed
Another must do while in Foshan is visit Nanhai Xiqiao Mountain and the large Buddha at the top of the mountain. The climb is not for the feint of heart and on a hot day quite a challenge, the views are quite stunning across Foshan and allow for quiet reflection.
Next stop is Hong Kong and where Shifu Dale first started his journey into the world of Authentic Chinese Martial arts in 1990 following 6 years of Kung Fu training in the UK since 1984