UK Chin Woo Northern Shaolin

Oscar and Misha, your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed — thank you for everything you’ve done.

Really appreciate the effort you both put in, Oscar and Misha — great job!

Well done, Oscar and Misha — your commitment and teamwork make a big difference!

Dear Members and Parents,

We’re excited to announce that the 18th World Chinwoo Championship will be held in Bernau, Germany, from 6th to 11th August 2026.

This prestigious international event brings together Chinwoo athletes from around the world to showcase their skills, spirit, and unity. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our members to represent UK Chinwoo on the global stage, experience cultural exchange, and strengthen friendships across borders.

We encourage all interested members and families to start planning ahead. Further details regarding selection, travel, accommodation, and costs will be provided as soon as they become available.

Let’s make this a memorable journey together!

Warm regards,
Master Lee
President,
UK Chinwoo Athletic Association

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY !

The UK Chinwoo logo and name are trademarked in Britain, which ensures exclusive rights to their use within the country. This strengthens the franchise by protecting the brand and providing franchisees with a well-established and legally secured identity. Franchisees will be authorized to use this trademark in their marketing, signage, and promotional materials, enhancing brand recognition and credibility.

In creating a UK Chinwoo franchise, it's essential to highlight that the UK Chinwoo Athletic Association is officially recognized and affiliated with the World Chin Woo Athletic Federation, lending credibility and prestige to the franchise. Additionally, Yoke Wan Lee, the founder of UK Chinwoo, is an elected executive member of the World Chin Woo Athletic Federation, which ensures that the franchise adheres to global standards of excellence in martial arts training and education.

This affiliation can be used to:

Attract More Students: The global recognition can inspire confidence in students and parents that they are part of a respected international organization.

International Opportunities: Franchisees and their students can participate in international events, competitions, and training programs organized by the World Chin Woo Federation.

Leverage Global Networks: Franchisees benefit from connections to other Chin Woo schools worldwide, opening the door to exchange programs and global collaborations.
The UK Chinwoo logo and name are trademarked in Britain, which ensures exclusive rights to their use within the country. This strengthens the franchise by protecting the brand and providing franchisees with a well-established and legally secured identity. Franchisees will be authorized to use this trademark in their marketing, signage, and promotional materials, enhancing brand recognition and credibility.
Email:
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Team UK performed exceptionally well at the 17th World Chinwoo Competition in Malaysia, showcasing their dedication and skill. Their success is a testament to their hard work and commitment to the art of Kungfu. Now, they are eagerly looking forward to further enhancing their abilities with the upcoming training exchange at Tianjin Chinwoo in April 2025. This opportunity will allow them to learn from some of the best in the field and continue their journey of excellence.

"The legend of Master Lee Yoke Wan "

Lee Yoke Wan's journey is more than just the story of a martial artist; it is the embodiment of a life committed to the preservation and transmission of ancient wisdom. Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, and later shaped by the cultural richness of Kuala Lumpur, Lee’s early exposure to Chinese traditions and martial arts set the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of deeper meaning through physical discipline.

His move to London in 1980 was not merely a geographical shift but a philosophical one. By leaving behind the familiar landscapes of Malaysia, Lee Yoke Wan sought to bring the profound teachings of Chinese Kungfu to a place where they were less known. His mission was not just to teach fighting techniques but to share a way of life rooted in balance, respect, and self-cultivation.

The founding of UK Chinwoo in 1987 can be seen as a manifestation of his belief that martial arts is more than a physical practice—it is a form of living philosophy. Through UK Chinwoo, Lee Yoke Wan has been able to instill in his students the idea that Kungfu is a path to self-discovery. Each movement is not just a technique but a meditation, a way to connect the mind, body, and spirit.

Lee’s philosophy is grounded in the understanding that Kungfu, like life, is a continuous journey. It is not about the destination but about the process of refinement—of oneself and one’s understanding of the world. His teachings emphasize humility, discipline, and the pursuit of inner peace, encouraging students to look beyond the surface and find deeper meaning in their practice.

In essence, Lee Yoke Wan has dedicated his life to sharing a philosophy that teaches resilience, compassion, and the importance of harmony. His work in the UK has transcended cultural barriers, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to experience and appreciate the profound lessons that Chinese Kungfu has to offer. Through his life’s work, Lee Yoke Wan has shown that true mastery lies not in the perfection of technique but in the cultivation of a wise and compassionate heart.

A profile of Ray Park’s martial arts journey with
GM. Yoke Wan Lee.

Ray Park started his martial arts journey when he was just seven years old. His father introduced him to martial arts, and he began training in Northern Shaolin Kungfu, one of the most well-known styles of traditional Chinese martial arts, with a focus on powerful, extended movements. Later, Park expanded his skills by learning Wushu, a more performance-oriented martial art with a strong emphasis on acrobatics and speed.

Yoke Wan Lee's training at UK Chinwoo was integral to Park’s mastery of these styles, especially as he advanced in his use of weaponry, such as staffs and swords—skills that became iconic in his portrayal of Darth Maul. The double-bladed lightsaber duel in *Star Wars: The Phantom Menace* is often considered one of the most memorable fight scenes in the saga, largely because of Park’s martial arts background.

Outside of *Star Wars*, Park's martial prowess helped him land more action roles. In *X-Men* (2000), he portrayed Toad, another villain known for agile combat and his skill in martial arts. In *G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra* (2009) and its sequel, Park played Snake Eyes, a silent ninja warrior with complex fight choreography, once again showcasing his extensive martial arts training.

Apart from Ray Park, Yoke Wan Lee’s influence through UK Chinwoo likely inspired many other martial artists who went on to have successful careers in teaching, competing, or working in the entertainment industry.

Yoke Wan Lee’s training philosophy revolves around several key principles that are deeply rooted in traditional Chinese Kungfu. His dedication to preserving the authenticity of martial arts while also adapting to the needs of modern practitioners has shaped his approach to teaching and influencing students. Here are some key elements of his training philosophy:

1.Discipline and Focus:
Yoke Wan Lee places a strong emphasis on discipline, both mental and physical. He believes that true martial artists must develop a strong sense of self-control, focus, and commitment to their craft. This is not only reflected in the technical training but also in how students approach challenges, both in and out of the training hall.

2. Physical Conditioning and Flexibility:
Lee’s training method ensures that students are physically conditioned to perform at a high level. Flexibility is a core aspect of his teachings, which is particularly important for martial arts forms that require fluid, dynamic movements, such as Wushu and Northern Shaolin Kungfu. This combination of flexibility, speed, and power is evident in students like Ray Park, whose acrobatic skills have been showcased in films.

3.Weapon Training:
One of the distinctive features of Yoke Wan Lee’s instruction is his emphasis on traditional weaponry. Students under his guidance train with weapons such as the staff, spear, broadsword, and straight sword. Mastery of these weapons not only helps develop a deeper understanding of Kungfu but also provides students with unique skills that can be applied in performance arts or film stunts, as Ray Park has demonstrated.

4.Holistic Development:
Lee views martial arts as a means to develop both the body and the mind. His training goes beyond physical techniques to include meditation, breathing exercises (Qigong), and internal energy cultivation. This holistic approach helps students develop mental clarity, focus, and a sense of inner peace, which is essential for the spiritual aspect of martial arts.

5.Cultural and Historical Awareness:
A key part of Yoke Wan Lee’s philosophy is ensuring that students understand the cultural and historical significance of the martial arts they practice. He educates his students about the rich heritage of Chinese Kungfu, including its origins, philosophical foundations, and legendary figures like Huo Yuanjia, who inspired the Chinwoo movement. This grounding in tradition helps students connect with the deeper values of Kungfu.

6.Adaptation to Modern Needs:
Although Yoke Wan Lee is committed to traditional martial arts, he also understands the importance of adapting to modern needs. His students often go on to apply their martial arts training in various fields, from competition and self-defense to stunt work and acting. By balancing traditional values with practical applications, he prepares his students for success in today’s world.

Yoke Wan Lee’s teachings have had a profound influence on the spread of traditional Chinese Kungfu in the UK. Through UK Chinwoo, he has helped establish a network of schools and instructors who continue to teach and promote martial arts to new generations. His dedication has not only kept the art alive but also expanded its reach, contributing to the popularity of Kungfu and Wushu in the UK.

His influence is particularly evident in the entertainment industry, where his students, like Ray Park, have brought Kungfu’s fluid, dynamic movements to the big screen, making it more accessible to audiences worldwide.

Hi master Lee..good morning

Firstly I do apologise for not coming to kung fu for the last few years.

Life changed dramatically for me and family.

Dad sadly lost his job.. I took a risk to be a pilot and it paid off. Today I fly as an airline pilot.

I do miss kung fu a lot. And I have been practicing and stretching and making myself stronger again to return back to kung fu shortly.

Atm I am trying to stabilise myself and support family.

I will continue to train at home to regain my fitness. But I will be back for sure.

I hope everything and everyone is doing well?

I'm just off to the airport now 😊

I also wanted to thank you incredibly for giving me the mindset to get through life and conquer challenges in both physical and mental aspects. I now realise the great impact kung fu and your teachings have made on me.

Respectfully.
Rohit

The photos of the UK Chinwoo team at 17th World Chinwoo carnival capture the joy and pride of the athletes as they celebrated their hard-earned victories. From photos with their medals, these images reflect the dedication, hard work, and passion that went into their success. The team’s smiles and expressions of accomplishment speak volumes about their experience at the 17th World Chinwoo Carnival and their contribution to promoting Chinwoo martial arts on an international stage.

The achievements of the UK Chinwoo team at this event not only highlight their talent and commitment but also serve as an inspiration to martial artists worldwide, proving that dedication and a deep respect for martial arts traditions can lead to outstanding success.