ABOUT OXFORD INTERNAL MARTIAL ARTS
We are the Oxford branch of the Xingyi Dacheng Boxing Association, which Master Han Xing Yuen established in Hong Kong over 40 years ago to teach the art of Yiquan and Xingyi Quan.
Master Han was a top student of Yiquan's founder, Master Wang Xiang Zhao. He also learned Bagua Zhang and Xingyi Quan from his father, Master Han Yuen Ting, who was a student of Xingyibagua Style's founder, Master Zhang Zhao Dong. The "Old Han" was also hired as the last Chinese Emperor, Yuen Si Kai's bodyguard.
Today, our work focuses on conserving these traditional arts by providing technical assistance and professional training to anyone keen to learn. Our school is inclusive, and our door is always open.
Our Newcastle Branch, currently operated by Sifu James Carss
https://internalmartialscience.com/
Our Basingstoke Branch, currently operated by Sifu Neil Bates
http://www.thewushucentre.ca/people-clubs-classes/class-schedules/uk.html
Bottom left photo: Master Han with my teacher, Sifu Chan Tak Chuen
Center photo: Sifu Chan and myself after a hard training session at the estate he lives in
Bottom right photo: English translation of the official Association's founding document
Meet the consultant
Ryan Ying
I started my martial arts journey in Taekwondo at nine under former coaches of the Hong Kong team. They were some of the best combat sports coaches I have met, and I learnt a lot from them. Unfortunately, I was skinny and short when I was young. I did not have the right bodybuilder and could not get far in Taekwondo.
I never lost my passion, even though I knew I was not born to be an athlete, I spent a long time searching for the right teacher I hoped could help me overcome my weakness.
In the following years, I attended many trial lessons in different martial arts clubs. However, none of these teachers impressed me. At 19 years old, I started learning Korindo Aikido under Sensei Anthony Young in Hong Kong and Yoshinkan Aikido under Sensei Anthony Yates. Sensei Young is the Shibucho (regional head) of Hong Kong and Sensei Yates is the Shibucho of UK and Bulgaria, both are the best in their field. I started to develop a high standard in assessing teachers since then.
A year later, when I was on my university holiday back in Hong Kong, I was randomly surfing the internet, I suddenly came across a martial arts called Yiquan. I read some of their theories, which sounded fascinating. I researched further and stumbled across information about Sifu Chan's class.
Sifu Chan's appearance is very gentle, and I admit, at first glance, I questioned his martial ability. However, I quickly realized that I was not wasting my time. I asked Sifu Chan how he would respond if someone attacked him. He agreed to let me try, so I threw a very slow punch at Sifu. He struck back with a Xingyi's Cannon Fist and then followed by a Tiger Form. I felt as if a buffalo was charging at me!
Nineteen years have passed. Sifu Chan is now in his seventies and has long moved on from hitting like a buffalo. I am also no longer that skinny young kid; I have lost count of how many people have tried to shoot or attack me with lethal weapons, but I am still standing tall. However, one thing never changed: Sifu and I are still keen to practice the basic exercise he taught me in the first lesson. As of now, when I am writing this paragraph, I have spontaneously jumped up from the chair and practiced Pao Chan for several rounds. I never get tired of it, and the fire is still there.