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 9 (the final book)
- Type: The founding legend of Wing Chun, its many versions, and what historians say, with a lesson per chapter
- Formats: Kindle and paperback (coming soon)
- Best for: Wing Chun students, martial arts history readers, women in martial arts, book clubs and classes
- Not for: Readers who want the legend presented as proven history
What the book covers
The book runs to 58 chapters in five parts. Part One, The Traditional Story, sets the legend in Qing-era China, separates the real Shaolin Monastery in Henan from the legendary Southern Shaolin, and retells the Ip Man lineage’s version: Ng Mui at the White Crane Temple on Daliang Mountain, Yim Wing Chun and her father Yim Yee in the bean-curd shop, the bully, the training period and the challenge, and her marriage to Leung Bok-chau, who according to tradition named the art. Part Two, The Story Passes On, covers the name Wing Chun Kuen, the Red Boat figures Wong Wah-bo and Leung Yee-tai, Jee Sin and the long pole, Leung Jan (where documented history begins), Chan Wah-shun, Ip Man (born in Foshan in 1893, teaching in Hong Kong from 1950) and the written account attributed to him. Part Three, What Historians Say, weighs the Southern Shaolin claims, the Heaven and Earth Society, Ng Mui in other styles and in an 1890s novel, Fang Qiniang of White Crane, the Cheung Ng, Jee Sin and Red Boat theories, Fujian roots, and whether Yim Wing Chun existed. Part Four, The Philosophy, links the legend to structure, the centreline, chi sau, economy of motion and the forms. Part Five, Legend and Legacy, covers women in martial arts, the 1994 film Wing Chun and other screen versions, common myths and how to read a legend. Extras: a conclusion, a group guide, a timeline with legendary dates marked, recommended reading and viewing, and a glossary.
Who should read it
- Wing Chun students who heard the Ng Mui and Yim Wing Chun story in their first classes and want to know where it came from.
- History readers who want legend and documented history kept clearly apart, with the main alternative origin theories laid out.
- Women in martial arts or thinking of starting, who will find a female master’s view of an art named after a woman.
- Newcomers and groups since no martial arts knowledge is needed and the book includes a guide for book clubs and classes.
How to use it
No prior knowledge is assumed: a short introduction to Wing Chun and a note on sources and legend come before Part One. Each chapter ends with a short lesson, and each part closes with a workbook of reflection questions and a notes prompt. For a group, the book suggests reading one part between weekly meetings, picking one or two lessons to try, and using the workbooks as discussion starters; it also offers ground rules and discussion questions. Read the opening Parts for the story, Part Three for the history, and keep the timeline and glossary at hand, since the timeline flags which dates belong to legend.
A short excerpt
“Love the story, but seek the truth. Being curious about where stories come from makes us wiser readers and better students.”
Where to get it
Ng Mui & Yim Wing Chun: The Women Who Began It All 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 Ng Mui & Yim Wing Chun: The Women Who Began It All?
Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra, who has trained in Wing Chun 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.
Were Ng Mui and Yim Wing Chun real people?
The book says we do not know: no record from their own time confirms either woman, and historians treat them as figures of legend. It also notes that it is impossible to prove they did not exist, since many poor working women left no records.
Where does the documented history of Wing Chun begin?
According to the book, in the nineteenth century in Foshan with Leung Jan, a physician whose student Chan Wah-shun became Ip Man’s first teacher.
Is it available yet?
It is coming soon to Amazon in Kindle and paperback.