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DONALD MAK Kwong-kuen is a 'kung fu nephew' of the late great martial arts legend Bruce Lee. The principal of the Hong Kong Wing Chun Institute (HKWCI) learned his skills from Master Chow Tze-chun, a 'kung fu brother' of Lee.

'I call him my kung fu uncle,' says Mak of his relationship to Lee in the Wing Chun family tree, which shows how knowledge about the ancient martial art has been passed down through the ages.

Mak's title is sifu , which means 'teacher-father', and one gets the impression that the Chinese art of Wing Chun - a version of kung fu - is paternal by nature.

Mak is a business executive who runs the institute in his spare time. Since 1992, he has guided a procession of disciples in the art of Wing Chun as developed by grandmaster Yip Man, the man who taught Bruce Lee and Master Chow.

Now the 40-year-old is passing on those teachings to under-12s with what he says is a new, flexible style of Wing Chun that appeals to a younger age group.

'The training for kids is a little different to the traditional method which can bore young minds,' says Mak.

He says juniors must accept that Wing Chun is a discipline, but within the rules there can be freedom. 'There shouldn't be any rules within the boundary of a system. I encourage expression in my classes.'

Beginners are taught with a modern approach that emphasises plenty of communication between teacher and student.

'Traditional Wing Chun requires a lot of patience and determination. Kids don't have that in abundance.'

Mak thought hard about how he could adapt his classes to inspire juniors, and how to tailor the practice sessions.

He settled on a 12-week course that balances the necessary warm-up and stretching routines with the more intriguing aspects of Wing Chun.

'The main aims are to introduce kids to the Wing Chun of channelling energy into a positive force, developing social skills and learning self-defence in a safe environment,' he says.

The HKWCI has an international feel. Although Mak is from Hong Kong, he says all his lessons are conducted in English to boost students' language proficiency. His former students from the United States, Canada and Hong Kong are now instructors at the HKWCI who help out in English. 'We use Cantonese when it's required, but this is a way to help them improve, and good support for what they learn at school.'

Mak, who gained an MBA in the US, has even tutored students from Poland and Russia in Wing Chun. He will soon hold a seminar for enthusiasts in Moscow, where he will share the methods he has learned from Master Chow.

'People have different interpretations of Wing Chun,' he says.

'We emphasise economy of motion, less movement with maximum result which is different to the modern concept of exercise.

'There is no correct version in the world. Like most things, all have their advantages and disadvantages,' he says.

Mak holds classes for children every Saturday afternoon in Yau Ma Tei. Call 8103 8541 for details.



Kung fu for kids