Wong's Academy of Chinese Martial Arts, 黃氏中國武術學院, is a renowned sports club in Perth that has been teaching Chow Gar Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan since 1975. Founded by the late Grandmaster Kit Po Wong, the Academy upholds the principles of respect, integrity, honour, virtue, and goodwill towards all. These values are expected from every member of the Academy.
Chow Gar Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan are taught in the traditional manner at Wong's Academy. Students are required to embody qualities such as diligence, patience, self-discipline, and application. By adhering to these principles, students can fully immerse themselves in the practise of these ancient martial arts.
Grandmaster Kit Po Wong, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, had been practising Chinese martial arts since childhood. He was introduced to Chow Gar Kung Fu by his father, Grandmaster Wong Bing Chung, and was accepted into Grandmaster Chow Biu's Yan Yee Tong at the tender age of 6 in 1952. Grandmaster Wong's relentless practise and research in Chow Gar Kung Fu led to his strong foundation in Chinese martial arts.
In addition to Chow Gar Kung Fu, Grandmaster Wong also learned Tai Chi Chuan at the South China Athletic Association in Hong Kong. He was introduced to Grandmaster Huang Sheng-Shyan, a senior disciple of Professor Cheng Man Ching, in 1977. Subsequently, he was accepted by Grandmaster Huang and received valuable advice on CMC Tai Chi Chuan from Grandmaster Hsu Yee Chung.
During his time in Manchester, where he pursued his postgraduate degrees, Grandmaster Wong founded the Chinese Martial Arts Club of the Chinese Students Society of UMIST (1971-1974). He also taught Tai Chi to a select group of friends and fellow students at university to promote the health benefits of this ancient practise. Additionally, he was invited to demonstrate Chow Gar at various functions, martial arts tournaments, and other martial arts schools.
Upon his arrival in Perth in 1974 to embark on a distinguished academic career with the University of Western Australia (UWA), Grandmaster Wong began teaching Chow Gar and Tai Chi to a dedicated group of students. As the number of students grew over the years, Wong's Academy of Chinese Martial Arts was officially established in 1983. The original classes were held at Hackett Hall of UWA and the Chung Wah Association hall in Northbridge.
Throughout his time in Western Australia, Grandmaster Wong has taught Tai Chi classes for various organisations, including the Guild of Undergraduates of the University of Western Australia, YMCA, Police Clubs, Overseas Chinese Associations, and Chinese Schools. Even during his tenure at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU), he conducted Tai Chi classes for staff, alumni, and postgraduate students.
Grandmaster Wong's dedication to Chinese martial arts and his expertise in Chow Gar Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan have earned him a respected place within the martial arts community. Despite his passing in 2018, his legacy lives on through Wong's Academy of Chinese Martial Arts, where students continue to learn and preserve these ancient traditions.