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Yip Man began his training at age seven from Chan Wah Shan who taught only sixteen disciples over 36 years.
Chan Wah Shan was one of only three students of his master, Leung Jan, who had become very famous due to his skill and proficiency with the martial arts and also as an herbal doctor. He was challenged by many kung fu masters, and all were defeated. Leung Jan's other two students were his two sons.
Leung Jan learned his kung fu from Leung Yee Tai in the mid-1800's. During this time of revolutionary activity in China, it was common to inconspicuously travel aboard ships known as "red junks". It was on one of these vessels that Leung Yee Tai met Chi Shin, who was a Shaolin monk traveling in secrecy disguised as a cook. Chi Shin taught Leung Yee Tai the Shaolin long pole techniques.
Wong Wa Bo was part of an opera troupe that used the red junks to tour and he befriended Leung Yee Tai. Together, they shared their martial arts knowledge and incorporated long pole techniques into Wing Chun kung fu.
Wong Wa Bo had been trained by Leung Lan Kwai, an herbal doctor who had learned Wing Chun from Leung Bok Chau, the husband of Yim Wing Chun, after whom the martial art system was named.
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