Today we’d like to introduce you to Siu Hung Li.
Hi Siu Hung, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I, Master Li, Siu-Hung, first became interested in martial arts by following my brother, Grandmaster Lee, Koon-Hung, and watching him and his team perform the Lion Dance. Their energy and discipline captivated me. When I turned seven—he was 21 at the time—I asked if he would teach me. He agreed and began training me at home.
In the early 1960s, Grandmaster Lee, Koon-Hung was invited to teach at the Martial Arts Division of the Xiying Sports Association in Kowloon City, Hong Kong. His skill and leadership quickly earned him recognition, and he eventually became head of the entire division.
In 1968, at just 26 years old, Grandmaster Lee sought to establish his own legacy. He founded the Lee Koon Hung Martial Arts Organization within the Xiying Sports Association. This marked the beginning of what is now known as the Lee Koon Hung Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu Association..
When I was around 12 or 13 years old, I began learning the fundamentals of Kung Fu at the Xiying Sports Association Martial Arts Division, following in the footsteps of my brother. While training there, I also focused on building physical strength through activities like running, boxing, and basic sandbag fighting. To boost my confidence, I joined my brother’s Lion Dance team and began performing publicly.
I remember that back then, it took several years to master the basic techniques of Kung Fu. Mid-level techniques typically required another year of dedicated practice. Traditional training was slow, deliberate, and deeply methodical—quite different from today’s accelerated pace of advancement in martial arts.
I’ve now trained in Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu for over 60 years and have been teaching since my teenage years.
Since 1996, our martial arts school has expanded significantly in both size and scope. We now offer expert instruction in Kung Fu, Kickboxing, and Tai Chi. Our Lion Dance team has earned numerous awards and standing ovations at every event.
Notable Accomplishments
• Over 55 years of experience teaching martial arts
• Lifetime Member of the Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Association
• Member of numerous international Chinese martial arts organizations
• Trainer of multiple champions in both full-contact fighting and forms competitions
• Featured in several prominent martial arts magazines
• Columnist for five Chinese-language newspapers
• International instructor, promoting Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu around the world
• President of the World Lee Koon Hung Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu Association
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My brother, Grandmaster Lee Koon Hung, passed away in September 1996 due to complications from transplant surgery. After the funeral, his wife and several respected masters in the United States invited me to stay and continue sharing his clear, disciplined philosophy and the authentic teachings of Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu. I was determined to do my very best to honor his legacy.
Since his passing, I have led the school for nearly 30 years, remaining deeply committed to his vision—providing a space where people from all walks of life can learn and enjoy Kung Fu. The journey has not always been easy, but I am grateful for the support, encouragement, and recognition I’ve received from so many along the way.
Today, our association has grown internationally, with members in Brazil, France, Italy, and Mexico. We’ve also been invited to conduct seminars in England, Germany, and South Africa—each location showing deep respect for our school and Grandmaster Lee Koon Hung’s philosophy.
I hope to continue inspiring the traditions and principles of Kung Fu, along with the techniques of Choy Lay Fut, both across the United States and around the world. True recognition in Kung Fu comes not only from dedicated practice and rigorous training, but also from cultivating good character—being humble, respectful, and disciplined.
More importantly, I want every student to understand one essential truth: the importance of knowing your origin and honoring the teacher who first guided you. Whether or not you achieve success in the Kung Fu world, you must stay true to your roots and remain forever grateful to your master. A teacher’s guidance and mentorship shape who you become, and that influence should never be forgotten.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in traditional Chinese Kung Fu. The particular style is called Choy Lay Fut, and I am one of the few teachers around the world that teach this style in the traditional way.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One of the major changes in the martial arts world today has been the use of technology. People now have access through the Internet to all kinds of martial arts. Choy Lay Fut schools from all over the world can communicate and interact with one another much easier than in the past. I now have several international students who come here, and I go to their countries too. The only problem with all this technology and sites like YouTube is that people think they can learn real martial arts by watching a video, and this is not the case. If you have a strong background, you might be able to pick up a form, but you will likely be unable to understand the actual techniques without a real teacher to interact with. The Internet can be a good aid in learning, but I think all students need to find a proper Sifu.
I encourage each student to progress in the quest to be the most confident, strongest and healthiest possible versions of themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leekoonhungkungfu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leekoonhungkungfu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeeKoonHungKungFuLionDanceTaiChiSunriseFlorida/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWnHlB-fY_M1ed0OZS-WGTQ
Image Credits
Not applicable.
