PREAMBLE

In recent months, a debate among the different Hung Gar lineages concerning historic issues has distracted many of us. We live in a free society and constructive debates are part of the democratic process in which issues are discussed and resolved. This debate, however, has generated strong feelings, which are threatening to damage the unity of the Hung Gar family as a whole.

At a closed door meeting, Lam Chun Fai, Grandmaster of the Lam Cho Lineage, and Frank Yee, Grandmaster of the Tang Fong/Yuen Ling Lineage,agreed to issue this joint statement.In this joint statement, the Grandmasters call upon all members of their lineages to act in accordance with their decision, so as to set an example for all. The Grandmasters' goal is to maintain harmony within the Hung Gar family and to promote the Hung system.

STATEMENT

1. Each Hung Gar lineage has its own teachings and history.

2. The Lam Cho Lineage and Tang Fong Lineage agree that while their respective histories may not coincide in some areas, neither family wishes to impose its teachings or history on the other.

3. We advise all members of the martial arts community to follow the teachings and history of their own lineage.

4. We see no purpose in one lineage trying to discredit the teachings or history of another lineage. In the end, the propagation of our great art should be our only goal.

5. Accordingly, we call upon members of our respective lineages to rise above any further such disputes, and acknowledge that other lineages have their own teachings and histories. We ask that all members of our respective lineages cease public debate of the accuracy of the teachings and histories of other lineages.

CONCLUSION

Constructive debate is a good thing as long as the goal is to enrich our great system. We understand that no one is ever afraid to disagree and to debate any issue. At the end of the day, however, we must never forget that the different lineages within the Hung Gar family should come together and unite as one. All Hung Gar lineages trace their roots back to Wong Fei Hung, Wong Kei Ying, and Hung Hay Goon. This should be sufficient common ground for all of us in the Hung Gar family.

April. 17, 2001