24/02/2026
Two words, Great man. ###
It is with much sadness we announce the passing of one of the greats of our community, Tony Blencowe.
One of the most treasured masters of our art, Tonyās impact on Wing Chun Kung Fu is expansive beyond measure. With his partner Lindy, Tony was the first from Australia to travel independently to Hong Kong for training under Sigung Chu. Always one of the highlight presenters at the AWCF national conference each year and a key pillar in the art with his club Adelaide Wing Chun Kuen, with Lindy teaching and training by his side.
This is a somewhat personal tribute. Iām sure many in our martial arts family have much they could add.
The Australian Wing Chun Federation likely wouldnāt exist without Tonyās influence. In my early days of training, myself and my housemate were invited by one of our key instructors Gary King to come train with Tony Blencowe who ran a small private club, having separated from the larger school a year or so prior.
This was a key moment in pivoting my understanding and appreciation for Wing Chun. Not just in Tonyās expression (which I still say is the closest in feeling to Sigung Chu Shong Tin of anyone who Iāve had contact with) but in the freedom of how he and Lindy taught. No gatekeeping, just open and honest sharing, always individualised to the person in front of them. He didnāt teach a one size fits all curriculum, he had a look and a feel of what you were doing and gave direct advice on how to get better.
He was also never afraid to challenge established ideas. I said he felt the most like Sigung, but he didnāt use Sigungās terminology or concepts. He worked on Wing Chun deeply himself to uncover his own expression, and taught his ways to achieve that. This made him divisive at times, as so many people in our art are fixated on following words and ideas in a somewhat dogmatic way, a totally different approach to achieve the same goal is too confronting for many.
When the time came that clubs were fragmenting, Gary and myself founded the AWCF to keep our community together. Tony and Lindy were the first club to join. The spirit of trusting ourselves to have the confidence to be a little radical and do something that we knew others wouldnāt like... That spirit is very much inspired by Tony. The AWCF wouldnāt be here without that fierce spirit of independence.
I took a lot of inspiration from Tonyās skills and teaching style. I also called him a friend. It was never not intimidating to have Tony assess my skills. I was so proud when he came to me for a followup to one of my presentations on the Baat Jarm Do, he loved it and wanted to pick my brain further. A year later he didnāt like one of my other presentations on Chi Sau. He always said exactly what he thought, and I loved that directness. I loved chatting and laughing and drinking together as well. I may have passed out on his pool table onceā¦ A great sense of humour brought balance to his directness.
Thereās a big legacy of people heās directly inspired. The thought of this yearās national event not having the tag-team of Tony and Lindy is unfathomable. Heāll always be with us through what heās imparted. We know this deeply, the good ones are immortal as they never leave our minds.
With much love to Lindy, Marlon and Jay. Tony in our hearts and minds forever.
The funeral will be with Bowens funerals at 2pm Wednesday 4th March at Darroch House, Felixstow SA.
Seth
AWCF Chair
