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.This is just the start to what South Africans can expect in the near future, as Sifu Jurgens is currently building an enormous martial arts centre in Roodepoort.  The planning behind the school is for it to offer students the complete atmosphere of the Kung Fu.

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.