Written by the author: This guide is written by Sifu Kendra Mahon (Kung Fu Kendra), who wrote this book. It describes what the book covers and who it suits. It is not an independent review.
At a glance
- Series: Masters of Kung Fu, Book 3
- Type: Life of Ip Man with a lesson in every chapter: 66 chapters, five parts, five workbooks
- Formats: Kindle and paperback (coming soon)
- Best for: Wing Chun students of any branch, film fans who want the real history, newcomers to martial arts, book clubs and classes
- Not for: Readers who want step-by-step training instruction, or the film version of Ip Man told as fact
What the book covers
Front matter explains the author’s approach to sources and legend and gives a short introduction to Wing Chun for newcomers. Part One, The City and the Teachers (Chapters 1–13), covers Ip Man’s 1893 birth into a wealthy Foshan family, the Ng Mui and Yim Wing Chun legend, Leung Jan, his first teacher Chan Wah-shun, senior student Ng Chung-sok, St. Stephen’s College in Hong Kong, his training under Leung Bik, and his return to Foshan in 1916. Part Two, Foshan Years and the Storm (14–23), covers his marriage to Cheung Wing-sing, his police career, private teaching, the poorly documented war years, his departure from Foshan at the end of 1949, and separation from his wife when the border closed in 1951. Part Three, Hong Kong and the Students (24–40), runs from his first classes for the Restaurant Workers’ Association in 1950 through students including Leung Sheung, Wong Shun Leung, William Cheung and Bruce Lee, the 1967 Ving Tsun Athletic Association, the 1972 footage, and his death on December 2, 1972. Part Four, The Philosophy (41–55), explains his teaching method, the stance, the three empty-hand forms, the wooden dummy, the long pole and butterfly swords, chi sau, the centreline, relaxation, humility and simplicity. Part Five, Legend and Legacy (56–66), compares the films with history, corrects common myths, and looks at the branches of the Ip Man family and Wing Chun’s spread around the world. Extras include a conclusion, a group guide, a timeline (1893 to 2024), recommended reading and viewing, and a glossary. It is a different book from the author’s earlier The Life of Ip Man (The Way of Wing Chun series), with its focus on how the art was passed on.
Who should read it
- Newcomers to martial arts: the book says no prior knowledge is needed, and a short introduction to Wing Chun comes before Part One.
- Wing Chun practitioners of every branch: the author belongs to one branch, Traditional Wing Chun, and sets out to be fair to all the others.
- Film fans: if you met Ip Man through the Donnie Yen films, Part Five explains where the films and the historical record part ways.
- Groups and anyone starting over: the lessons, workbooks and group guide suit book clubs, classes and teams, and his fresh start at fifty-six speaks to anyone who has had to begin again.
How to use it
Read it in order: the first three parts follow his life from Foshan through the war to Hong Kong, then Parts Four and Five turn to his teaching principles and his legacy. Each of the 66 chapters ends with a short lesson for daily life, and each part ends with a workbook of four reflection questions and a notes prompt. For a group, the book suggests reading one part between weekly meetings, choosing one or two lessons to try before the next session, and using the workbooks as discussion starters; it also gives ground rules, discussion questions and a note for teachers and leaders. Keep the timeline and glossary nearby for names and dates. It is a life story with lessons, not a training course: for the art itself, the book recommends a class with a qualified Wing Chun teacher.
A short excerpt
“The best place to meet Ip Man’s legacy is not a museum. It is any training hall where students stand in their stance and begin Siu Lim Tao.”
Where to get it
Ip Man: The Grandmaster of Foshan is coming soon to Amazon in Kindle and paperback. In the meantime, see Kendra’s other books on her Amazon author page or on Goodreads under Kendra Mahon, and read what students say on the Kung Fu Kendra reviews page. For other Wing Chun books, see our guide to Wing Chun books.
About the author
Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra, has trained since 2005 and holds Master level (purple sash). She teaches Traditional Wing Chun as it was passed down to her by Master Brian Lewadny, who learned it from Grandmaster William Cheung. She is the author of 13 books and counting, including the ten-book The Way of Wing Chun series and the Masters of Kung Fu series.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote Ip Man: The Grandmaster of Foshan?
Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra, a master-level (purple sash) Wing Chun teacher who teaches Traditional Wing Chun as it was passed down to her by Master Brian Lewadny, who learned it from Grandmaster William Cheung. William Cheung learned from Ip Man, which makes Ip Man the grandmaster of her own lineage.
Is this the same book as The Life of Ip Man?
No. The Life of Ip Man belongs to her series The Way of Wing Chun; this book, Book 3 of Masters of Kung Fu, looks at him from a different angle by following the art itself from Foshan to Hong Kong and around the world.
Did Ip Man really fight Japanese officers as in the films?
The book says the film scenes of him fighting Japanese officers in front of crowds are fiction, and there is no historical record of a public fight with a Japanese general. His war years are the least documented part of his life.
Is it available yet?
It is coming soon to Amazon in Kindle and paperback.