Celebrating 50 Years in the U.K

The Sil Lum Kune Kung Fu clubs, and the Shaolin Fist Chinese Boxing Association (S.F.C.B.A.) celebrated 50 years in the United Kingdom on Friday 22nd March 2002. The original Shaolin Tiger Ripping style was introduced in 1952 by Master Bob Johnson. Bob Johnson had studied first in Hong Kong during the latter part of the Second World War with Master Wong, and then in New Zealand where Master Wong settled shortly after the war. During the 1980’s and 90’s the Tiger Ripping style has been expanded first to form the Shaolin Fist system by Master John Holden, and then again by Sifu Paul Burkinshaw encompassing more arts of Kung Fu to its present day name of Sil Lum Kune.

This 50th Anniversary disco was held at the headquarters, Exhall Community Centre in Bedworth. The celebrations began with a crashing of cymbols and a beating of the drum as the lion dance started. The lion dance troupe were club members Kevin Redgrave and myself in the lion. David Richardson playing the drum and Taryn Elwell was on cymbols. The lion cautiously entered the main hall, before the traditional awakening and dance were performed. The lion then made its way around the hall playing around and teasing the spectators before leading everyone outside for a spectacular firework display. (Thank you to Paula Hill and Steve Baker for donating the fireworks.) The lion then led everyone back into the main hall and finished off with a salute. The Lion dance is a traditional Chinese celebration to drive away any evil, and so bring good luck and prosperity.  

          The local D.J then started the disco as the lion dance troupe left the floor. After changing we started to mix with the guests who were mainly students, friends and family from the various clubs of the association. It makes a nice change to see everyone socialising and having fun at this kind of event, instead of just at the usual lessons. After mingling and talking with many people, it was time to make a quick speech and then cut the cake. I had also commissioned a commemorative plaque which, will be displayed in our trophy cabinet at the centre.  

This event was also to celebrate Master John Holden’s 30 years in Kung Fu. Master John Holden had recently decided to stand down from the association and we had prepared a traditional, washing of the hands ceremony to mark this important event. The ceremony symbolises that the old teacher has washed his hands of his previous obligations and commitments. Unfortunately John was unable to attend this disco, and so this ceremony was not performed.

After the formalities were out of the way, everyone continued to dance, drink, and eat some cake. Many thanks to senior students David Richardson and Alex Hyde who provided Chinese sweets, crackers and decorations, and also to Paula Hill and staff at the centre for all their hard work before, during and after the disco cleaning up.

Written by Sifu Paul Burkinshaw

Chief Instructor of

Sil Lum Kune & the Shaolin Fist Chinese Boxing Association