Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer (2012) User Reviews

Inspirational and Motivational!

[ecs-48508 · 8/10 · 22 May 2021]

Elders are very important to us. We need to learn from them and their life stories. They inspire us and motivate us to better our own lives.

This film tells the real story of a Kung Fu Grandmaster. It isn't fiction, it's truth. Pui Chan doesn't fly or defy gravity, but he inspires hundreds, if not thousands, of people all over the world to make something better of themselves through genuine martial arts.

(From a Wah Lum student of almost 20 years planning to continue as long as God allows.)

Inspiring Movie about a Remarkable Man

[veggiekaren · 10/10 · 14 November 2012]

This is truly an inspiring movie. Pui Chan risked his life to come to the United States, yet never lost sight of his roots. His life story is amazing. He combined cleverness with his martial arts training to survive many overwhelming moments. You will chuckle at some of them, but be moved to tears at others. This is a well conceived and executed film, set in the many scenes of Grandmaster Chan's life. I respected the man before seeing this movie, but love him more now. He makes Kung Fu look effortless, and is in incredible shape. I have seen him do in person what was done in the movie, and there is no trick photography! He really is THAT GOOD! His Kung Fu precision will amaze those knowledgeable in martial arts. His reverence for his homeland will touch those who hold traditions dear. His sense of humor will have you laughing. Really...a must-see indie film!

A fascinating look at the life journey of a Kung Fu Grandmaster

[sparklinrose · 10/10 · 7 April 2013]

This biography of a living Kung Fu Grandmaster, by his exceptionally talented daughter, shows how a skillful Kung Fu artist resisted oppression and survived multiple challenges to plant and grow Wah Lum Kung Fu in a new country. The skill, and compassion of Pui Chan shine through this documentary produced with love, and respect. Learn about the early days of Pui Chan in China, the government restrictions that impacted his life. See how he escaped as a young man and struggled in a new and foreign land. Learn how he met his wife, and grew his school into an internationally recognized and respected system. Meet a living Grandmaster with great heart, unsurpassed skill, and incredible talent. See how Grandmaster Pui Chan has replanted, and nourishes his Kung Fu system, and how thrives today in its home in the United States, as well as worldwide.

Art, not just Martial Arts

[kennyhangadoor · 10/10 · 2 March 2013]

This movie is not about Kung Fu like you know it through the movies and T.V.. This is partially the story of how a country can turn its back on its own traditions and its own citizens, as China did during the Cultural Revolution, and yet the traditions find a way to live on, and even flourish, through the lives of the same people that were outlawed. It is also the story of the spirit that drives people to overcome adversity, despair, and dis-advantaged circumstances, the spirit that produces perseverance, dedication,and determination.

Pui Chan is not just a Master of Kung Fu, but a living symbol of the deeper meaning of Kung Fu. Pui Chan's life shows how a continual belief in hard work and intrinsic self-value can produce a life lived like Art, in this case also a life in the Martial Arts.

An Amazing Film about the life and times of Gradmaster Chan.

[runterlack · 10/10 · 23 May 2021]

I enjoyed watching this film with my family and fellow Kung Fu practitioners. The story is well told and thoughtfully produced. I have worked previously in NYC Night Club Security and Multi-million Dollar 5th Avenue Manhattan Residentail Condominium Security also. I now work as a Registered Nurse at a teaching Hospital in NYC, and throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic. When people say, "Oh, you look in such great shape", and ask me about my Martial Arts background, I tell them about Wah Lum Kung Fu and Grand Master Pui Chan. I tell them to watch this film to learn about a true American Kung Fu Martial Arts Icon.

Beautiful, Well Done, and Important

[gktorn · 10/10 · 26 May 2021]

A story of a man who has gone through more than I can imagine, who persevered and struggled and strived to make the world a better place. After watching it, I felt grateful to know his story.

Inspiring

[piercej-90579 · 10/10 · 23 May 2021]

Master Chan's story is an inspiration to all. His daughter Mimi has captured and preserved her father's legacy in time with this eloquently done chronology of the special challenges Pui Chan faced coming to America.

Phi Chan Pioneer

[grfulthings · 10/10 · 22 May 2021]

Wonderful depiction of a man fighting for the American dream through King Fu.

Inspiring life of a king fu master

[bodytko · 10/10 · 22 May 2021]

I just stumbled across this movie for Asian heritage month and what a great watch! Grandmaster Pui Chan's amazing story of how he trained in king fu, came to America and founded the Wah Lum Temple is absolutely fascinating.

Great true story of a Great Grandmaster

[austinhoan · 10/10 · 24 May 2021]

Thorough history of how Grandmaster Pui Chan brought Wah Lum Kung Fu to the US. Whether you are a student or just a curious bystander, this inspirational story keeps your attention throughout. You do not want to miss this historical film of a true Kung Fu pioneer!

Inspiring and Amazing story!

[ltart · 10/10 · 22 May 2021]

What a captivating and interesting documentary about Kung Fu Master Pui Chan. I enjoyed learning about Master Chan's history and how he pursued his dream of teaching Kung Fu not only to Asian students, but any student regardless of their race. He was truly a pioneer for teaching Kung Fu and being inclusive to all students. My son and I have watched this documentary many times and always enjoy it. My son is half Chinese, and learning about the lives and accomplishments of role models as Master Chan in the Asian community is so important to his success in the future. I'm grateful for Master Chan to have shared his inspirational story.

Kung Fu Grand-Master in the US

[macachiaenacoco · 10/10 · 22 May 2021]

This is the story of Grand Master Pui Chan, who brought Wah Lum Kung Fu to the US, starting with Boston, then Orlando, Florida. He defied all the odds and swam against the currents to establish Kung Fu in the west. He established a traditional temple in Orlando to teach Martial Arts.

Well Told Story About A Remarkable Man

[brittmcchesney · 10/10 · 22 May 2021]

A compelling story about a genuine man who cares about preserving an art form and teaching it faithfully. This movie is for anyone who wants an on-the-ground idea of what it takes to make a dream become reality. Any and every martial artist should see this film!

Very well written

[grfulthings · 10/10 · 22 May 2021]

The documentary gave a real depiction of a person who fought in every way for his freedom and pursuit of the American dream.

Not JUST a Kung Fu Story

[brianrsheridan · 10/10 · 25 May 2021]

For a first movie, self-financed and self-produced, Mimi Chan makes an impressive documentary about her father, a kung-fu legend. The story she crafts though isn't just about the martial arts but about the American Dream that brings immigrants to America from all over the world. It is just that her immigrant father can kick butt even into his 80s. Chan excellently narrates the film as well. It really is a film deserving wider recognition and to be seen by a larger audience.

Inspiring journey of Kung Fu and the determination of the Human Spirit

[savingprivateturtle · 10/10 · 22 May 2021]

An amazing account of determination and perserverance that echos the heart and soul of Kung Fu.

The best movie about real martial arts!

[taichimartialartist · 10/10 · 22 May 2021]

This movie is the best movie about real chinese martial arts. It's an amazing tale of overcoming struggles and a true american success story. I watch it at least once a month for inspiration!

Great Story

[joemacg1954 · 10/10 · 23 May 2021]

This isn't just a great movie, it is a wonderful and inspiring story. This is a true pioneer tale in every sense. It captures one man's quest to live the American dream and the great lengths he went to make that happen.

Simply Inspirational and Amazing

[kcroft-29874 · 10/10 · 26 May 2021]

A very complete documentary of the life and achievements of a true Kung Fu icon. Grandmaster Pui Chan was impressive when I met him and saw him at Wah Lum Temple. My respect for him as a Grandmaster and a person only deepened when I saw this video. I have several favorite parts, some are awe inspiring. It was quite an epiphany when I realized the performance clips toward the end were flipping back and forth between movements executed during exhibitions when a young man and doing those exact same maneuvers when this was produced. I mean the EXACT same maneuvers (so close in execution, well, you just have to watch it for yourself to believe it).

Awesome!!

[mayflowerlawnservices · 10/10 · 24 May 2021]

A touching and inspiring movie about an incredible kung fu master. Definitely recommend.

Amazing Man, Story and Life Lessons

[marc-08382 · 10/10 · 28 June 2021]

ABSOLUTELY WORTH WATCHING! The story of Grandmaster Pui Chang - his life, journey to the US, creation of Wah Lum in the USA as well as other countries and a portrait of the philosophy as well as teachings of this great teacher. He is an inspiration and his teachings have brought health, confidence, inspiration and self respect to many people throughout the years. Grandmaster Chang is the real deal!

Incredible Story

[gareebooa · 10/10 · 8 June 2021]

For such an unassuming person, Grandmaster Pui Chan and his family certainly have an incredible life story. This film is really thoughtfully paced, showing you the Grandmaster's history, his martial arts education, his journey from birth to his arrival in the US and the development of the Wah Lum Temple in Orlando. What makes it so interesting is that the documentary was written by members of his family, and they took a lot of care to speak to the Grandmaster himself, his family, and the people around him that he has impacted through martial arts. The historical background and explanation of what life was like in the different places the Grandmaster visited is also very helpful at contextualizing the Grandmaster's story - it's worth watching many times over!

Inspiring story of an art form Coming to America

[hphqywnf · 10/10 · 26 May 2021]

This is a must see documentary of determination, and the coming to America dream come true. One cannot be but inspired as to the dream of someone to come to America to start a new life and the success story of how one can achieve anything he/she want in life.

A true martial arts story come to life in a documentary that everyone will be inspired, and help those who have a dream, know hardship, and struggles, can make it with hard work, integrity, and determination, especially in the USA.

Enjoy this inspiring story of Kung fu coming to America!

Suzy.

So inspiring

[dipikasankhe · 10/10 · 13 June 2021]

It's so interesting to watch Pui Chan's journey. An absolute must watch. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Highly recomended.

Ain't history grand?

[mwmazon · 10/10 · 11 February 2020]

"History doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes."

• Samuel Clemens (I think)