Growth
of Kung-Fu in
South
Africa
The growth of
Kung Fu in South Africa has been phenomenal over the past few years with one of the
greatest high lights being when Sifu Jurgens Lamprecht brought home the world title from
China. A first for Africa.
This title -
heavyweight knockdown fighting world champion - was obtained at the Zhen Zhou Wushu
Festival held in China in 1997. This
tournament is regarded as being the most authentic and biggest in the world with over 40
countries participating.
During the
last three years Kung Fu in South Africa has experienced some major highlights including
having the highest qualified Shaolin Fighting Monk outside of China, Master Shi Yan Ming,
visit South Africa. Master Ming, the teacher
of Sifu Jurgens, offered a seminar for all people interested in martial arts and the
Chinese culture.
Aside from
Master Ming visiting South Africa, Sifu Jurgens travels to New York, USA, every year to
study under his teacher.
The school is
a replica of the training areas of the Shaolin Temple in China. These areas consist of outdoor and indoor training
areas, a variety of patterns using the plum blossom poles, hand-conditioning pots, and
various other equipment needed in the training of Kung-Fu.
Due to the serenity of the area, internal styles such as the Tai Chi are
also offered.
The future
for the school has wonderful potential as Sifu Jurgens plans to host national as well as
international tournaments at the school. This would be the first time that South Africa
would host an international Kung-Fu tournament. He
will also be inviting top Shaolin Fighting Monks to visit the country and present
seminars.
Sifu Jurgens has dedicated his life to spreading the authentic Shaolin Kung Fu throughout South Africa and he will continue to do so in the future