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: The Way of Wing Chun, Book 2
- Length: About 48 pages
- Formats: Kindle and paperback
- Best for: Practitioners of any lineage and readers curious about the origins of the art
- Not for: Readers wanting an academic monograph or technique instruction
What the book covers
Fourteen chapters in four parts. Part One examines the founding legend: the burning temple, Ng Mui and Yim Wing Chun, and why founding stories exist. Part Two follows the Red Boat Opera troupes of the Pearl River Delta, the Red Turban Revolt and the ban on opera, and the performers Wong Wah-bo and Leung Yee-tai. Part Three settles in Foshan with Leung Jan, surveys other branches of the Wing Chun family, and traces the road to Ip Man. Part Four covers Hong Kong from 1950, the challenge fights, Bruce Lee, the spread of the art worldwide and Wing Chun today. A brief timeline and a note on sources close the book.
Who should read it
- Wing Chun students who have heard the legend and want to know what can actually be shown.
- Practitioners of other branches, since the book makes room for lineages outside the Ip Man line.
- Martial artists of other southern styles who share the burning temple story.
- History readers looking for a short, clear introduction before tackling the scholarly works.
How to use it
Read it once straight through for the shape of the story, then keep the timeline at hand when lineage debates come up. The book labels legend, lineage tradition and historical evidence separately, which makes it a useful reference when sorting claims you meet elsewhere. For the life of Ip Man in detail, the companion volume The Life of Ip Man picks up where this book leaves him; the note on sources lists scholarly works for going deeper.
A short excerpt
“Every time a teacher passes that on to a student, the river runs a little further.”
Where to get it
The History of Wing Chun: Legend, Lineage, and the Journey to the World is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback: Kindle and paperback. Find it on Goodreads under Kung Fu Kendra and Kendra Mahon, or 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.
Frequently asked questions
Is The History of Wing Chun a technique manual?
No. It is a history of the art, from its founding legend through the Red Boat Opera, Foshan and Hong Kong to the present day. Techniques should be learned from a qualified teacher.
Does the book treat the Ng Mui legend as fact?
No. It tells the legend with respect, explains what it means and where it came from, and is clear about which parts of the story are legend, which are lineage tradition and which are supported by historical evidence.
Who wrote The History of Wing Chun?
Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra. She has trained since 2005, holds Master level (purple sash), and teaches Traditional Wing Chun as it was passed down to her by Master Brian Lewadny, who learned it from Grandmaster William Cheung.
Where can I buy The History of Wing Chun?
On Amazon in Kindle and paperback. It is Book 2 of The Way of Wing Chun, and the books can be read in any order.