The Real Wong Fei Hong

How Skilled Was the Real Wong Fei-hung?

In film and television, Wong Fei Hong is portrayed as a handsome and refined gentleman of the Qing Dynasty. He is also an evil-fighting hero who used his martial arts to champion justice. He was the perfect idol realised by many Chinese people.

But how skilled was the real Wong Fei Hong, and what kind of man was he?

Born in 1847 in Foshan, Guangdong, Wong Fei Hong was a grandmaster of Lingnan martial arts and also a compassionate physician devoted to helping the poor.

Wong’s father, Wong Kei-ying, was one of Foshan’s “Ten Tigers,” known for his martial prowess. Yet poverty often forced him to make a living by performing acrobatics on the streets. Knowing how hard such a life was, he was determined not to let his son follow in his footsteps. He wanted Wong Fei Hong to pursue an official career through the imperial examinations and bring honour to the family. But Wong Fei Hong’s heart was never in school. He had already found his calling — the way of martial arts.

Seeing that there was no changing his son’s mind, Wong Kei-ying began teaching him kungfu. To his surprise, the young Wong Fei Hong was soon able to perform with him on the streets. By the age of 12, Wong Fei Hong was already a well-known street performer in Foshan.

His First Famous Duel: Defeating the Veteran Master Cheng Da-xiong

Foshan was known as the “hometown of martial arts,” and street performers were everywhere. Among them was Cheng Da-xiong, a veteran fighter renowned for his Left-hand Fishing Rod Staff Technique. 左手钓鱼棍法 Cheng would set up a stage to challenge other fighters, but few took up his challenge. Those who did were defeated.

The young and reckless Wong Fei Hong stepped up to challenge him. Spectators cheered the brave boy on. Cheng decided to teach the boy a lesson but was defeated by Wong. From that day, Wong Fei Hong’s name spread far and wide.

His Second Master: “Iron Bridge” Sam

“Iron Bridge” Sam (Tit Kiu Sam) was one of the “Ten Tigers of Guangdong.” A highly skilled fighter from the Shaolin school, Master Tit saw great potential in Wong and generously taught the boy everything he knew. From then on, Wong’s martial arts reached new heights. His father was no longer his match.

At 16, Wong Fei Hong went to Guangzhou to make a living. There, he stood up for merchants and traders against bandits and gangsters. With a reputation of defeating the legendary Cheng Da Xiong, members from the underworld were open to negotiations chaired by him. To show their gratitude and to learn his skills, The townspeople pooled money to help him set up a martial arts school in Guangzhou, where he began teaching disciples.

Throughout his life, Wong Fei Hong befriended many renown pugilists and learned techniques from various schools. However, his heroism and apparent invincibility has been greatly exaggerated in the movies. According to some, he was more a teacher and counsellor than a fighter.