Traveling West on I-10 from Phoenix to Los Angeles takes an average of six hours. Since moving to Phoenix from Los Angeles years ago, it is a trip I have made often. This time, however, was very different. This trip was dedicated to Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun.

I was fortunate to accompany Sifu Richard Loewenhagen to Los Angeles, where we were to meet Grand Master Garrett Gee and Master Benny Meng. During the next three days the knowledge gained of the Chum Kiu skill level was expected to be huge. For sure, we were not disappointed!

After a six-hour drive, we navigated our way though downtown LA and ultimately to our hotel in Chinatown. Once there, we met with Grand Master Gee and Master Meng. To our delight Sitai Sunmi was with them. After all were checking in and the luggage was put away we ventured out for dim sum. Over the course of our meal many interesting things were discussed. In awe of the company surrounding me, it was all I could do to eat a little and listen a lot!

With satiated appetites and a kung fu mindset, we retired to the hotel and training began. The first order of business was related to the forthcoming book Mastering Kung Fu: Shaolin Wing Chun. Many book details were discussed. The conversations were deep with philosophy, history, and detailed explanations of HFYWC principles and concepts. After expressing kung fu through words the masers were more than eager to express it through their bodies. With Grand Master Gee leading, Master Meng and Sifu Loewenhagen began learning the advanced training of Chum Kiu reserved for indoor HFYWC family members. This arduous training session lasted approximately five hours. With a workout this intense came intense appetites.

Signing the contract for Mastering Kung Fu
(l/r) Master Benny Meng, Grand Master Garrett Gee, Sifu Richard Loewenhagen

Apparently pleased with both masters' progress, Grand Master Gee suggested that we break for dinner. As I found to be the norm, dinner conversation was rich in discussions on Wing Chun history and philosophy.

After dinner we proceeded to the LA airport to pick up Sifu Allen Kong. Since we were in the area, Grand Master Gee suggested that we take in a midnight movie at the Howard Hughes Center. For those who have not seen it, this is a truly magnificent structure and a testament to Los Angeles architecture.

Once back at the hotel, a couple of additional hours of Chum Kiu training ensued. This was indeed a good way to close the day.

Saturday morning training start time came quickly, By seven-thirty we were back in workouts. With plans of meeting with Sifu Robert Chu and his students canceled by Sifu Chu (and unable to reschedule) our syllabus was clear... train, train, train! Following this three to four hour training session, dim sum sounded really good. And not surprisingly it was!

To take advantage of the good weather we headed out to a local park for more training. Master Meng and Sifu Loewenhagen went right back to training the Chum Kiu. (I was fortunate to spend time examining HFY Daan Chi Sau with Sifu Allen Kong.) In addition to examining structural details of Chum Kiu, Master Meng and Sifu Loewenhagen were closely guided on the applications of those details by Grand Master Gee. For the groups of people who often stopped by to watch this was a site to see. Unfortunately they had no idea what they were truly witnessing.

Training kung fu in the part lasted a good thee to four hours. Before returning to the hotel we decided to take a quick tour of Hollywood. We took the drive down Hollywood Boulevard and saw many famous sites. Not least of which was the historic Mann's Chinese Theater. Following a brief intermission, back to the hotel we headed for more training and kung fu discussion.

As evening fell we were honored to meet Sitai Sunmi for a celebration dinner. We celebrated at an exclusive Korean BBQ restaurant in the heart of Korea Town. After dinner we retired to a traditional Korean teahouse to enjoy dessert. The after dinner tea time was the epitome of kung fu life. Surrounded by the most senior members of our kung fu family, I was again awestruck. Our discussions of world mysteries, philosophy, history, kung fu, heigung, and more changed that feeling of awe to one of belonging and a deeper sense to the roots of our kung fu family.

Celebrating at Korean Barbecue dinner
(l/r) Master Benny Meng, Grand Master Garrett Gee, Allen Kong, Sifu Richard Loewenhagen, David Escarcega

By this time it was Sunday, early Sunday. Needless to say, this night we all got some well-deserved rest. Another perfect end to another perfect day. Sunday was a very exciting day. We began with a couple of hour of Chi Sau at the hotel. Many discussions on details and energetics of HFYWC chi sau were had. Included were details on advanced testing of energetics (to be employed after completion of Daan Chi Sau Initials). After working up an appetite, we headed for our final dim sum meal of this trip. In the interests of time it was a quick meal.

As soon as we finished, we headed to a local park within walking distance of the hotel. Once there we trained more kung fu. The Masters trained more chi sau and details of the Chum Kiu form.

With flight times quickly approaching Grand Master Gee closed this training session by leading us though the Siu Nim Tau form. As we began the second section, a slight rain began to fall. It was invigorating working on Hei development with a Grand Master via the Siu Nim Tau form in the light mist. I can't imagine a more perfect ending to this kung fu weekend in LA.