22/05/2026
I am very pleased to share two photos from the archives.
Over the years, several generous people have given me, either directly or through my friends or students, old photos of Grandmaster Li Iu Ling from the time he lived in Hong Kong before coming to Australia in 1974. These photos are rare because my Sifu did not court publicity and neither did he teach kung fu on a large scale.
This photo of Grandmaster Li Iu Ling with Sifu Vince Lacey, I believe was from early 1960’s, judging by their respective attire. I believe Sifu was in his late forties. Young Vince Lacey of Buc Sing Choy Lee Fut fame, must have been in his early twenties.
The famous Lacey twins of Buc Sing Choy Lee Fut were initially students of Sifu Lai Hung before they learnt from Sifu Kong Hing. Lai Hung would often visit my Sifu at his Fa Yuen Street, Mongkok apartment and brought the young twin brothers with him. Although from a different lineage, at that time the three lineages were friendly towards each other in the true spirit of Sam Sing Yut Gar.
As this early black and white photo shows, the respect and warmth of the young clean shaven and good looking Vince Lacey towards Grandmaster Li were evident from the photo.
I met one of the brothers at Heung Dann hosted by Master Chen Yong-fa in 1991 when I returned to Sydney to live after many years away. My Sifu did not attend. My CLF brothers and I attended on his behalf. I managed to speak briefly to one of the twins when we were introduced
Sifu told me that the Lacey twins did not learn formally from him but were interested a couple of forms and learning San Sau (separate techniques). Eventually, due to being in different cities, they just learnt some San Sau. Sifu taught them as a caring uncle would his nephews.
The other coloured photo was taken in the early 1980’s. In the photo were Masters Dave and Vince Lacey, Master Ha Kim Peng and Sifu at a function, possibly Heung Gung Dann.
I wish to express my gratitude to Sifu George Michielsen in Perth, Western Australia who very generously gave me these photos via my student Benedict Kang. Sifu George was a disciple of both Dave and Vince Lacey and has been teaching Buc Sing CLF in Western Australia for many years.
