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over the years
"…Richard's father brought him to me and asked me to teach little Richard Kung Fu… His father Chak Man Tsim and myself are both directors of the same union, the Dong On Market Labor Union in the late 50s and early 60s in China. I taught him some of the Northern Shaolin Long Fist basics… He was kind of shy and quiet… but… when he moves… Oh!... that energy and intensity…"
Sifu Lung Chi Cheung
Northern Shaolin/Tai Chi
Yau Ma Di, China
1962
"…I have taught martial arts for many years… from Pak Mei to Wing Chun. When Richard trained under me, he was very intense and highly focused… very different from the other kids, playing in the streets or picking fights with other stylists…"
Sifu Leung Sheung,
Wing Chun
Ho Man Tin,
Kowloon, China
1966
"…Until you have the ability to move your body and adapt to whatever the object happens to be in front of you… you still haven't gotten your total efficiency… I think that Richard understands this concept of self-realization and total freedom… that is why he never asks if my Jeet Kune Do is better than Wong Yue's Karate…"
Bruce Lee,
Jeet Kune Do
Miramar Restaurant Press Conference
Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong
1971
"…After the Japanese invasion, I was on my way from Nanjing back to Shanghai…We met Hing Wo (Richard) and Yim Tong at Guangchou…Richard's Ba Qua Tai Chi is very different... His single and double changing palms, up and down footwork, hook and twisting are quick and effective… He is one of my top students who is able to roll his arm and body to generate "Gin"… this twisting movement (back and forth) gives an enormous amount of power and takes a long time to master...and is one of the major characteristics of Ba Qua…"
Professor Jiang Yung Chiu,
Ba Qua
Director of the Chinese National Martial Arts Center, Nanjing
Guangchou, China
1972
"…I saw him walk into the gym... he was sparring with the karate instructor, Frank… his footwork was like a cat, so light, so quick and effective… his punches were coming from the center of his chest, and were very powerful… at that time, I knew I had found my teacher…"
Dan Connelly,
LKD Blue Sash
University of Massachusetts, Boston
1975
"…I watched this tiny little guy… when he demonstrated his centerline attack in front of the crowd, I was stunned by his speed and power!"
Rev. Richard Visbisky,
St. Michael's Church
N. Andover, Massachusetts
1976
"…I haven't seen Richard since he left for the U.S. in the 60's. He called the other day and told me that he is on his way to Thailand to watch the fight between Yip Man's Wing Chun students and the Mui Thai kick boxers… I invited him to come to the Rotary Club Fund Raiser in which I was a member… He did his Lau Kune Do 36 Dynamic Movements for the audience… The forms looks like Sifu Lum Sai Wing's tiger and crane "Tit Shin" form except for a few modifications… very strong, solid and powerful. I can feel his energy across the room…"
Sifu Chan Hon Chung
Hung Gar
Miramar Hotel
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
1978
"…I visited Richard in the summer of 1973 in Los Angeles…he was on his way to Montreal, Canada to give a demonstration…he told me that the Chinese community (China Town) in Boston was looking for a head Kung Fu instructor and was interested in him…they would like him to take the position as soon as he graduated from Long Beach State…While we were in Canada, his friend Law Lit, an actor from Shaw Brothers Film Production Co. called and told us that Bruce Lee passed away in Hong Kong…I decided to go back to Hong Kong to attend Bruce’s funeral right away…but told Richard I would stay that evening to see him perform…Richard was demonstrating the Wing Chun traditional forms ‘Sil Lim Tau’ and ‘Chum Kiu’ and blindfolded himself to do sticky hands and trapping with two of his students…it was the first time I had seen him perform since he left for the States. His hands are quick and flexible and I particularly like the reflex of his ‘bong sau’…I can tell he spent a lot of time in perfecting it…I was able to feel his ‘Gin’ power in the audience…very impressive…in my opinion, Richard Tsim is the Teacher's Teacher and the Master's Master..."
Master Y.T. Chow
Chow Gar Kung Fu
Kowloon City, Hong Kong
1979
"…this guy barged in and challenged Sifu on the spot… he said that he wanted to see how good we were… the whole thing was over in less than a minute… Sifu turned around, and the guy was leaning against the wall and appeared to be hurt… I couldn't believe it… A few weeks later, I saw this guy's picture in one of the martial arts magazines…"
Mark Soll,
Police Officer, Redondo Beach
LKD Blue Sash
2nd degree black belt (Shotokan)
Long Beach, California
1982
“…I always admire Sifu’s martial arts skill and his sense of humor…one time he paired me with Stacy Baldwin and we were practicing the defense situations for the Lau Kune Do anniversary celebration and demonstration…he came to me and showed me how the ‘Locks’ and ‘take downs’ work…In a matter of seconds, he brought a guy almost twice his size to the ground…it was amazing…”
Erin Williams Burnett
LKD Yellow Sash
NBC Anchorwoman
Long Beach, California
1984
"…I was a little skeptical to meet this person people called Master, or Sifu… after several sessions, I gained respect for Sifu's freedom of movement… direct, fluid, no movements were wasted… most importantly… to find he is very humble, soft spoken man, but he carries an aura of confidence that inspires…"
Scott Thompson,
Long Beach Port Terminal Cargo Supervisor
LKD Blue Sash,
4th degree black belt (Tae Kwon Do)
Bellflower, California
1989
…with my Sifu's guidance, certain motions are becoming clearer to me… I'm beginning to see the flexibility of the Tan Sau, the spring power of the Bong Sau… and now I understand why he says that "learning is gaining, but Tao is losing…"
Dr. Ellen Marcy
Cornell University
LKD Brown Sash,
Acupuncturist
Santa Fe, New Mexico Temple Keeper
1990
"…During one of our private sessions, I watched as Sifu demonstrated his Tai Chi… it was incredible… he had all the grace and beauty of Rudolf Nureyev, or Jose Greco, yet it was completely masculine… he exuded strength and power… if it were a painting, it would have been a Michelangelo…"
Jim Lasanti,
High School Principal
1st degree black belt (Judo)
Long Beach, California
1995
"…Master Tsim has surrendered his life to pass on his teaching… what he has to teach is how to appreciate life… and his favorite quote "Kung Fu and Tai Chi is the exploration of the extreme possibilities of the human mind, body, and spirit…" in which the needs of the human spirit are embraced; something we all need…"
Dave Durr, MA
Counselor
Long Beach, California
2000
“… at that time I had already gotten my second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and Moo Duk Kwan… Then I have a few sessions with Sifu and he immediately gained my respect and totally changed my views about Kung Fu and Tai Chi. When I trained with him I found that his hands were amazingly fast and his footwork and sidesteps were quick and deceptive… Under his guidance I trained hard and won the International Lightweight Kickboxing Champion title in 1992… Over the years, the art of Lau Kune Do has never failed me. Nevertheless, it is Sifu Tsim himself, how he lives, and the way he handles life's challenges that impresses me the most …”
Sean Shafer
1992 International Lightweight
Kickboxing Champion
LKD Blue Sash
2nd Degree Black Belt Tang Soo Do
Long Beach California
2002
"…Lau Kune Do focuses a great deal on the trapping range of conflict, a range that most martial arts do not address. This is the range that lies between the punching and grappling (lock up)… It is probably the most uncomfortable range for an untrained fighter to remain in… Mastering the ability to function successfully within this range was one of Bruce Lee's greatest revelations… Sifu Tsim keeps this revelation alive…"
Dr. Joe Bannon
LKD Red Sash
Chief Defensive Tactics Instructor, Dept of Justice Bodyguard to the President of the United States
Special Government Anti Terrorist Agent within the U.S. Homeland Security
Long Beach California
2003
“… Before I met Sifu, I had some experience in Tai Chi Chuen… Yang's, Sun's style and all that… Sifu's approach is quite different, his two sets consist of some elements of Wu's Tai Chi Chuen… such as 3 point concentration, grasp the birds tail, and cloud hands, etc… but focuses a lot on grounding, shifting weight, and Qi Gong cultivation… After a few private sessions with him… I can feel my qi flow for the first time in my life… that sensation moves from my finger to my upper arm… as if experiencing a light electrical shock… amazing…”
Dr. Ella Glenn Burnett, Ph.D.
LKD Tai Chi ‘O’ Level
Professor, Department of Education
California State University, Long Beach
2004
“…In one of our private sessions, Sifu explained to me the concepts of ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’… the theory of conveying energy behind Kung Fu… he says it is similar to an iron ball linked to an iron chain, while swinging gently, it is calm and relaxed… however, when sped up, the energy would be switching from Yin to Yang very rapidly just like an empty hose, suddenly filled with water, hard and solid… He demonstrated by breaking a piece of wood with his back fist… it was a quick and powerful snap… when the wood broke… that cracking noise sounded like a firecracker explosion… it was stunning…”
Eric Hall, Esq.
Attorney at Law
Harvard Law School
LKD Yellow Sash
Long Beach, California
2005
“… While I was in Sifu's class, there was something about his confidence that inspired me… He possesses all of the qualities that he wishes to share with others: skill, confidence, discipline, persistence, humility and passion… He says having peace is about maintaining our inner balance no matter what happens in life…Sifu introduced me to Traditional Chinese Medicine and lit a fire in my heart which inspired me to become a Doctor of Oriental Medicine… Through the art of Lau Kune Do, we learn how to defend ourselves, and if we remain open we will also realize what we are capable of in all areas of our lives.”
Amy LeSage
Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncturist
LKD Red Sash, Tai Chi "A" Level
Long Beach California
2006
“… one of the key things Sifu continues to impress upon me is balance – physically, mentally and emotionally… As a corporate attorney for a Fortune 500 company, my life is very stressful and work has consumed a great deal of my time… Sifu has helped me gain balance over the past decade. Early on in my training, Sifu taught me sensitivity through sparring and the application of the art. He explained to me how muscles have memory and through consistent training in such techniques as rolling hands and sticky hands, they will react by themselves at the critical moment; like when fingers touch a hot object and retreat instantly.”
Margaret Howell-Benson, Esq.
Attorney at Law
LKD Red Sash
Long Beach California
2007
“…Sifu strikes me as an exemplary man of meaning, a man full of purpose, intent, and internal harmony…he pursues his vision with undeterred resolution…no matter what is happening, he does not waste psyche energy on doubt or fear…He is a man of serenity who has come to terms with himself…His purposefulness, resolution, and harmony have verified his life and given it meaning by transforming it into a unified, flowing experience, just like the art he teaches…he is an inspiration to all his students…”
Dr. Khonsura A. Wilson, Ph.D.
LKD Blue Sash, Tai Chi 'A' Level
Professor, Department of Black Studies
California State University, Long Beach
2008
“…After a decade's training Sifu started to talk to me about "Iron palm" training… one of the highest level techniques of Lau Kune Do… He explained to me about Bodi Da Mo's ancient transcripts (Yi Jin Jing and Xi Sui Jing) one of the strongest types of energy and muscle/tendon changing… how the training is done using a herbal formula externally (Dit Da Jow) in conjunction with still and moving exercises, chi gong exercises along with Taoist breathing to move Chi to a certain part of the body… and the three "P"s: passion, persistence, and patience… the most important mindset to be successful in "Iron Palm" training… A special thanks to my Sifu for creating the path for me…”
Sifu Corbin Spencer
Welder contractor
LKD "Blue Sash"
Pasadena, California, Temple Keeper
2009
“…Through my personal observation and experience over the past 18 years with the temple… Sifu's intent is to empower each of us to grow at our own pace… with his patient guidance and inspiration, through his wisdom, strength and understanding I was able to see the true Integration of Yin/Yang concept of opposing forces… there is an offsetting positive to every negative situation, like problem and opportunity they are co-existing… how it creates a complete balance for all things in life, commonly known as harmony…”
Sifu Paul McIntyre
Financial consultant
LKD Brown Sash
Newport Beach, California, Temple Keeper
2010
“…Sifu introduced the Wing Chun wood dummy technique to me back in the early 90's. The set has all the basic 116 movements (Yip Man's version) and plus a few modifications (added kicks, knee and elbow strikes). He talks about the Wing Chun three seeds of hand movements, Bong Sau, Tan Sau, Fook Sau, the Gin and the Qi Gong healing techniques... I consider him a legend and one of our national treasures in these modern times…”
Larry Lloyd, Long Beach City Official
Mui Thai kickboxer
Tae kwon Do black belt, 2nd Dan
Long Beach, California
2011
“…Over the years, with the help of Sifu I have come to recognize three main principles in the development of my Kung Fu and Tai Chi: Focus, Simplicity and Balance. He taught me how to effectively use my hip, elbow and wrist power to apply to the 1" and 3" hand breaking technique... as a CEO of an international company and a business executive, training in Lau Kune Do... the hard work allows me to overcome some seemingly unsurmountable obstacles in general, in my daily and professional life…”
Sifu Andreas Szabados
LKD Blue Sash, Tai Chi 'A' Level
Munich, Germany, Temple Keeper
2012
“…After attending a Tai Chi seminar with Sifu I was convinced to start Lau Kune Do... 3 years of my Kung Fu and Tai Chi practice have been a real journey and a great challenge for me. The challenge was not only on a physical level, but as well on a mental and spiritual level... Sifu teaches me a lot about myself. I learn more about my strength and my weaknesses, my boundaries and limits I create within myself... my mind and my actions become much quicker, sharper and wiser... I like Sifu's two people hand drills, it's about sensitivity, feeling energy, learning to read situations of the other person... through that be prepared to react the right way…”
Claudia Schwarz
Fashion Designer
LKD Yellow Sash, Tai Chi 'O' Level
Cologne, Germany
2013
“…Sifu Tsim's teaching follows the great tradition of "Zen". Early stage in my training in one of our private sessions, he told me the element of "no mind" is the key to the art of Lau Kune Do... since then I continue to work towards that state of being... he mentions "no mind", "no thought" and "no fear" and reminds me of the six words of advice by Tilopa (988-1069, C.E.) Founder of Kagyu - Tibetan Buddhism; "don't recall, don't imagine, don't think, don't examine, don't control, rest"... he said that all this through meditative practice, is key to reaching enlightenment…”
Professor Justin Richland
Department of criminology, law and society
University of California, Irvine
LKD Yellow Sash
Irvine, California
2013
“…Sifu, in addition to being an extremely accomplished martial artist, he is also a healer with a strong understanding of traditional Chinese medicine and a passion for helping others cultivate healthy life choices... Beyond that he is also a philosopher, possesses a strong sense of spirituality rooted in the timeless wisdom of the ancestors... I feel a sense of resolve to teach the art after 12 years with Master Tsim, and attempt to live up to the trust that he has put in me, without a doubt that the world can benefit from Sifu Tsim's teachings and I feel fortunate to be able to share them…”
David Armstrong
Computer technical consultant
LKD Tai Chi 'A' Level
Portland, Oregon, Temple Keeper
2013
“…I have a great deal of gratitude for the patience Sifu has afforded me over the years I have trained with him... and admiration for his adherence to his principles... he brought to me a clear understanding of balance... the importance of a clear vision... the skill to stop paying attention to things that don't help me, and to take action on those things that do, like my training in Lau Kune Do... he has inspired me to take the teachings of Lau Kune Do and pass them on in my home country of Australia... I trust I can pass on his teachings faithfully and in the spirit they were given to me…”
Sifu Paul Bennett
Computer programming consultant
LKD Blue Sash, Tai Chi 'A' Level
Sydney, Australia, Temple Keeper
2014
“…All these years, when Sifu shares his movements, they seem like secrets whispered from a distance, answers to questions yet conceived... when I'm fortunate to touch hands with him, it always reminds me why he's the master... it causes me to look at all the forms, both internal and external, from the beginning... Lau Kune Do won't give you the answers, but demonstrates a potential path for walking in the footsteps of our Sifu and his before him…”
Professor Jason Burton
Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles
LKD 'A' Level Tai Chi
Fresno, California, Temple Keeper
2015
A Tribute to my Sifu, Richard Tsim, on his “Lau Kune Do” 31st Anniversary
It was the year 1982. Shortly after I was discharged from the military and came back from Korea, I was looking for a place to continue my martial arts training. At that time, I had already gotten my 2nd degree black belt in Tong Soo Do and Moo Duk Kwan. However, hard as I tried, I had difficulty finding a good school. I met Sifu Tsim on a hot summer day, and, after a 30-minute interview, I was accepted as a student. We had a couple of sessions, and immediately he gained my respect and totally changed my views about Kung Fu and Tai Chi.
Sifu is very knowledgeable about the art. I also found that he is a very humble and soft-spoken person, with a great sense of humor. I remembered in mid-80's, during a TV interview, he told the interviewer that he did not feel comfortable being called “master”. His explanation was that one should never stop learning, so he should be called a “learner” instead. One time, my Sihing Mark Soll asked for Sifu Tsim's permission to nominate him as the instructor of the year in the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame. He slightly shrugged his shoulder and said, “No”.
When I trained with him, I found that his hands were amazingly fast and his footwork were quick and deceptive. Under Sifu's guidance, I trained hard. Eventually, I won the International “Lightweight” Kickboxing Champion title in 1992. Since then, I moved up to the Bay area and have continued my training and working out with Wing Chun Sifu Chris Chan. Sifu Chan is a student of Yip Man and Ken Chung, who was one of Sifu Tsim's classmates under Sigung Leung Sheung, back in the early 60's in Kowloon, China.
Over the years, the art of “Lau Kune Do” never fails me in fighting or defending myself. Nevertheless, I must say that it is Sifu Tsim himself, the way he lives, that has impressed me the most. On many occasions, I have seen how he handles life's challenges. He is a visionary and is always able to find the best in each of his students. I saw him quietly and single-handedly bring “Lau Kune Do” from its humble beginings on the University campus to now, with schools stretched across the US and into four other countries. I saw him turned five dollars into 5 millions. I also saw him perform under enormous pressure, dealing with some unfair critics and enduring the betrayal and misconduct of a few false students.
Sifu, on your 31st anniversary, I bow to you in the name of “Lau Kune Do” with my deepest respect and hope that someday, with your approval, I will be able to become a branch temple keeper, to carry on your art, your philosophy, your teaching, and your legacy.
Sean Shafer
1992 International “Lightweight” Kickboxing Champion
LKD Blue Sash
Celebration September 2006
Tai Chi in Everyday Life
Several years ago, my life seems to be a routine, lacking motivation, and missing the purpose. Long hours of work as a nurse can be very exhausting. Work, eat, sleep or vice versa. It caused me a huge burn out that was very unhealthy physically and mentally. I therefore turned myself into music. I played in various bands as a bass player, signed by decent labels, and toured in different states. Once again, I reached exhaustion from long road trips, flights, late night shows, and demanding rehearsal hours. At the end, I felt that my life is missing the balance – the yin and yang.
Concerned friend told me to exercise to increase my energy level and protect my health. Various physical activities were great at first until the lack of motivation blends in. After a while, gym time turns into once a week, once a month, every three months, and sadly, once a year. It all goes back to square one where the purpose is missing.
Through a great circumstance, I was fortunate to meet Sifu and learn the art of Tai Chi. With the concept of the positive and negative energy, Tai Chi taught me the form of forces coming from within the body. This form of martial arts helped me connect with my mind, body, soul, and the environment. It showed me movements of birds, animals, trees, and the environment around me in the most gentle and graceful way. It taught me the exercise to calm the mind and body through smooth movements and transitions.
With my learned beliefs in Chinese medicine and philosophy, the circulation of “chi” is vital in achieving a healthy mind, body and soul. Once the “chi” circulates around the body, it goes to the peripheral and vascular nervous system promoting healing and vitality. Sifu taught us the six healing sounds and the Dao Yin Qi Gong an ancient therapeutic technique. The six healing sounds caused vibration to the vital organs – heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, and colon. The heart pumps the blood throughout the body; the lungs, being married to the heart, bring oxygen into the body; the liver processes nutrients and removes waste products of the body; the kidneys filter the blood and remove excess fluid from the blood to form urine; the spleen contributes to the production and storage of blood cells; and lastly, the colon works in the final stages of digestive process.
Tai Chi continues to provide me a better balance, control, alignment, and rhythm of my body. The key is everyday practice and movements. All the aches and pains are suddenly not present any longer. Previous injuries and tension pain does not inhibit correct posture and body alignment anymore. Instead of black and white, my surrounding becomes colorful. I can now balance health, family, friends, work, and music through the practice of Tai Chi.
I deeply thank Sifu Richard Tsim for teaching me a better meaning and purpose in life. Thank you for continuing to share your art, philosophy, and vision to all of us hopeful students.
With my deepest respect,
Melanie Cariker
A Tribute to Master Richard Tsim - My Teacher, My Friend, On Lau Kune Do's 30th Anniversary
It is said the long road tests the strength of the horse and that time tests the true character of a man. For the past 30 years, Master Tsim has weathered life’s storms and spring days with equal parts poise and humility. Like all travelers, he has endured rough roads and smooth, success and setbacks, bad times and good. So it goes in any life. However, Master Tsim walks his path well.
Masters, no matter what their callings, are hard to find in this day and age. It is with great fortune that we come across one. Master Tsim has dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence. He is the master of his art and his art is his life - few people master this elusive and often time reluctant medium.
When I first met Sifu in an interview back in the 90’s, I was impressed. He had a self-assuredness that I admired and his skill speaks for itself. Born in Tian Jin, China, Sifu's first teacher was renowned Northern Shaolin and Tai Chi master, Lung Chi Cheung. Later, his mother, May Wong, being friends with legendary Hung Gar master Wong Fei Hung's wife, brought him to Chan Hon Chung, a Hung Gar stylists, to strengthen his lower base. While attending King George V Middle School in Kowloon City, Hong Kong, he was given the opportunity to train under Wing Chun teacher, Leung Sheung.
Years later, while he was doing research work on Eastern philosophy for the University of London, his friend, Chow Yim Tong, thirty years his senior, a Chow Gar Kung Fu master, introduced him to Jiang Yung Chiu, a professor and scholar of Chinese literature and Eastern philosophy who was also a master of Ba Qua Chang. Under Jiang's guidance, Sifu Tsim explored the Taoist internal art of Ba Qua and Nei Gong, art of healing.
In 1975, from these few building blocks, the young Chinese born American devised the system of Lau Kune Do while attending the University of Massachusetts. Since that time, Sifu Tsim has taught his art and touched the lives of close to half a million people.
In the end, our lives become a work of art and Master Tsim's work equals any Picasso or Van Gogh hanging in a museum. However, instead of leaving his mark on a canvas or piece of paper, Master Tsim has left his art and teachings within the students he has taught. Each student is a living, breathing work of art touched by the master's hands.
When I think about all these years that I have experienced at the Lau Kune Do temple, all the changes that I have made, I cannot help but shake my head in amazement. I feel that I have found a self, a self that never let his head drop too low, a self that never opened his mouth too often, a self who never quit. Sifu, on your Lau Kune Do 30th anniversary, I want to thank you for the strength you have given me and the path you have been showing me. Sifu, …. I am walking ….
With My Deepest Respect,
Sifu Mathew Carver
LKD Blue Sash
Lake Forest Branch Temple Keeper
San Pedro, California
September 2005
“…There are many great teachers of marital arts who have changed the lives of hundreds...
…There are legendary martial arts fighters whose outstanding records and competitive spirit have been applauded by many of their audiences…
…handful of martial artists have displayed their physical abilities on films or on a television screen entertaining the public…
…However, only a few have created a near perfect balance of martial arts skill, tradition, philosophy and personal success for themselves and subsequent generations…
…Richard Tsim is one of these few…
…He is a warrior, a philosopher, a healer, a great teacher and a leader all in one…”
Theo Douglas
Staff Writer
Press Telegram
Long Beach, California
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