M ChanThe Wah Lum Sifu Test
I have been a kung fu student my entire life. I still feel like a novice. I didn’t become a serious student until I was about 16 years old.
Closer to 50 than 40 years old, my body reminds me I am no spring chicken. Last week I watched my almost 87-year-old father jump off a bench into the garden. If you have read previous blog posts over the years, I have established: He is superhuman.
Every three years, Wah Lum instructors from around the globe gather to the Temple headquarters to take the Sifu Test. Whether it is their first or tenth test, they must demonstrate their knowledge of the Wah Lum curriculum. Everyone is a student first.
Spanning three days, instructors display an array of weaponry, forms, and self-defense application. We also study Wah Lum history, philosophy, and best practices for running a school. While it is a test, it is also a family reunion.
Over the years, Grandmaster Chan would proctor the entirety of the test. Once I was in my 20s, I began to assist him. My superpower might be organization. I helped him make the test more efficient and kept systematized records. Over time, I have taken on the responsibility of organizing and conducting the tests under his supervision.
While my father is superhuman, it is now unreasonable for him to test over 30 hours of kung fu in three days.
Currently the test is conducted by a senior test panel, comprised of me and my three kung fu brothers, Bob, George, and Tu. We lead workshops, engage in practice sessions, and teach the students. It takes four lifelong martial artists to quasi equal one Grandmaster Chan.
It is a great responsibility to test individuals who’ve poured their time and energy into upholding the Wah Lum standard. I feel the need to push myself twice as hard. I can’t say if I always succeed, but I try.
At 16, I made the decision to continue the legacy my father began. Martial arts made me who I am. It is an immense responsibility, and I cannot do it alone.
I am grateful for my kung fu brothers. I am also blessed to have a partner who has dedicated his entire life to both me and Wah Lum. My husband, Oscar, started his Wah Lum journey 23 years ago. In the same way my mother was a pillar of support for my father, he is my rock. Not only is he supportive, but his intense study of both kung fu and tai chi qualify him to assist with preserving the Wah Lum system.
One of the many characteristics I respect about my kung fu brothers is their enthusiasm to collaborate with me. We’ve come a long way from women not being allowed to learn kung fu. Even a few decades ago, a female sifu leading a kung fu system was rare.
A few tests ago, my father said that we as ‘seniors’ did not have to formally test. He requested we continue to train together and met often. My brothers motivate me. Over the past decade we have been researching the depths of Wah Lum through countless hours of training and discussions.
The senior panel decided that we will continue to test. We believe in doing ourselves what we ask of others.
A couple of weeks ago, Bob, George, Tu, Oscar and I took our sifu test. We performed every aspect of the standard Wah Lum curriculum. It was several hours of intense kung fu. My brothers who are all older in age than me gave me inspiration. They pushed their bodies to the limit.
Grandmaster Chan was there to observe at his discretion. We were honored that he watched the entire test!
Since he didn’t walk out in disgust, we presume we passed. In all seriousness, I have seen him leave mid testing out of frustration. I was thrilled to see him quietly write notes and on occasion, nod in approval. Dare I say, he even seemed proud.
I was excited about my test this year because I felt more prepared than ever before. For the past three years, my brothers and I have been training together weekly. Perhaps my body wasn’t as prepared as my mind, but in the end, I made it through without injury! Win.
I credit the Theragun for keeping my legs moving during the test. As the administrator of the Wah Lum system, I don’t physically train as often as people presume. People falsely believe I do kung fu all day. Not even close.
The low sweeps, kicks, and acrobatics that are prevalent in upper level Wah Lum forms are a challenge. By design, the ability required for advanced forms are ideal for a young body, but students don’t learn them until they have studied for over twenty years. Why? Mind over body? My father secretly laughing at us? Who knows!
Watching my dad perform is mesmerizing. One of the most impressive performances of his career was when he was around 65. He performed one of my favorite forms and glided and jumped across the stage like he was a 20-year-old. By that standard, I hope to peak in another 15 years! Superhuman I am not, but determined, I am.
Perpetuating the Wah Lum system is arduous. Much like a parent understands the profound responsibility of raising a child and a business owner lives their work around the clock, it is similar to a marriage of these two commitments.
The extensive time needed to keep the Temple flourishing, my personal training takes a back seat. I want to change that. I am working on prioritizing myself, so that I can be a better teacher for my students and the system. It’s the concept of putting on your own oxygen mask first on the plane. I have preached that philosophy to many people, but struggle to follow my own advice.
I’ve written about the sifu test in the past. See this 2017 blogpost. Some of the public comments criticized why instructors should have to test every three years even as seniors. I replied in kind, but honestly, am exhausted by outsiders speculating about our policies, rules, or methods.
In reference to Wah Lum, the only opinions that matter are those who are making the effort to preserve our traditions.
I share these insights to help students appreciate the dedication their instructors bring to providing authentic instruction. Wah Lum schools are carrying on the traditions as my father intended, to the best of our ability.
Perhaps I sound defensive, but I’ve dealt with criticism about my aptitude to carry on the style my entire life. I’m exhausted explaining myself to others.
The people that matter provide me with reassurance. I am grateful for my brothers who give me confidence and encouragement. I am thankful to Oscar for his support. Most importantly, I know my parents would not have entrusted me with this task if they didn’t believe I was capable.
I’m proud of passing my sifu test this year. It’s more than just a formality—it’s a reflection of the time, effort, and dedication I’ve poured into preserving Wah Lum traditions. Every step in the test challenges me to live up to the standards my father set, and it serves as a reminder that this journey is about constant growth, not just a checklist of skills.
Wah Lum is a way of life.
