Franco is the Martial Arts Executive of Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Art Association / 少林黑虎門益群堂黃祥體育會
Franco initially studied several different styles of Chinese martial arts such as Hung Kuen / Hung Gar / 洪拳, Choy Li Fut / 蔡李佛, Wing Chun / 詠春, Tai Chi / 太極 and then Northern Mantis Boxing / 北派螳螂拳, before starting Hak Fu Mun in 1977 at the age of sixteen. This was at the North Point Youth Centre of "The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups / 香港青年協會(HKFYG)", which was located at the North Point Community Centre of North Point Estate on Hong Kong Island / 香港青年協會~北角青年中心. This class was on a Monday and a Wednesday evening at 8pm till 10.00pm under the instruction of Wong Yu Ming / 黃耀明. Franco soon realised that Hak Fu Mun suited him perfectly and committed himself to this style. The class training schedule was the first hour concentrating of syllabus work and practicing technique drills with partners and the second hour was learning and practicing the open-hand and weapons routines. About six months later he also started to learn the Lion Dance within this club.
Franco had first met Si Jo Wong Cheung / 師祖黃祥 at the annual dinner in 1978. At that time, Si Jo Wong Cheung was also teaching classes at the sidings of the Mong Kok railway station in the daytime and teaching at Bute Street in the evening. At the annual dinners, different styles of Kung Fu associations whose masters were friends with Wong Cheung would send their representatives to perform routines as a sign of respect. Si Jo Wong would also attend their annual dinners with several of his Hark Fu Mun students including Franco who continuously performed the lion dance and other routines for years at these events.
Annual dinner 1978, Franco is sat on the left of the drum wearing a blue shirt
Due to his previous experience and his ability to learn quickly with good technique, he progressed rapidly. The Hak Fu Mun annual dinner would be around the beginning of April each year to coincide with Si Jo Wong Cheung’s birthday.
Annual Dinner 1979 Rear - Tai Tak Cheong / 戴德昌, Lai Kin Yip / 黎建業, Eric Tsai /蔡景全
Front - Wong Ka Hung / 黃家雄, Wong Yiu Ming / 黃耀明& Franco Lok / 駱華輝
In 1979, Franco was invited by Wong Yiu Ming / 黃耀明 to coach a martial arts training class at Kwai Fong Youth Centre of "The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups / 香港青年協會（HKFYG)", at Kwai Fong Estate in Kwai Chung / 香港青年協會~葵芳青年中心. This class was held on Saturday evenings from 8pm till 10pm, and one of his first students at this venue was Alan Low (Low Shiu Lun). During this period Franco also sometimes train under Si Jo Wong Cheung at his Bute Street gym as well as maintaining his other normal classes at North Point.
Lion Dance performance for Annual Dinner around 1980.
The head of the lion is 駱華輝 Franco Lok, and the tail is 蔡景全 Eric Tsai.
In early 1981, Wong Yiu Ming / 黃耀明 had been teaching in North Point for about three years, when he damaged his back and waist while learning Sun Da / 神打under Si Jo Wong Cheung / 師祖黃祥. After this injury he could not continue to teach Hak Fu Mun / 黑虎門 martial arts. He therefore left the North Point Community Centre class, and the coaching was taken over by two senior Kung Fu brothers Lee Kit Sung / 李傑生 and Choi Ming Chun / 蔡明進.
In 1982, the Kwai Fong Estate was demolished and rebuilt. While this was taking place, the class was relocated to Cho Yu Youth Centre of "The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups 香港青年協會(HKFYG)", ChoYu Estate in Kwai Chung. From 1982Franco also become a coach of the martial arts training class at the North Point Youth Centre.
During the early 1980s, Franco organised an annual competition at the Cho Yu Youth Centre covering the Five basic skills of Chinese martial arts / 國術五項基本功比賽. These competitions attracted an average number of just over 20 students participating in the various categories each year.
These photos are from the competition at the Cho Yiu Youth Centre /祖堯青年中心 (around 1982 and 1983).
The five categories of these competitions were brokendown into the following events :-
1. 四平大馬/ 紮四平馬 / Riding Horse stance
2. 腰力驚人 / 仰臥起坐 / sit ups
3. 無影快腳 / 快速側踢 / side kicks in a minute
4. 伏虎 / 掌上壓 / press ups
5. 天旋地轉 / 旋風腿 / spinning tornado kick
In 1983, Franco participated in The Third Hong Kong Open Traditional Martial Arts Routine Competition which was organised by "The Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Association" and obtained medals. In 1984, he again entered the Fourth Hong Kong Open Traditional Martial Arts Routine Competition and performed the “Yau Loong Ba Qua Kim / 遊龍八卦劍 / Cruising Dragon Eight Trigrams Sword, achieving a medal position.
Also in 1983, Franco and the troupe performed a Lion Dance at Taikoo Shin (太古城) in Quarry Bay. This performance was for the Eastern District Family Life Education Section,
(香港青年協會香港區青年中心東區家庭生活教育組)
駱華輝 Franco Lok and his junior Kung Fu brother, 蔡清冰,1984
Sparring at the North Point class 1984
In 1985 Choi Ming Chun / 蔡明進 introduced Franco to Si Jo Wong Cheung personally as a potential disciple. Wong Cheung had seen Franco perform for many years at the dinners and other performances and knew all about his studies and coaching experience within Hak Fu Mun. Si Jo Wong accepted Franco as his last disciple and so Franco then performed the Bai Si ceremony for Wong Cheung who formally accepted him as his disciple.
Franco 1985
Wong Cheung taught two main variations of martial arts; the first was obviously Hak Fu Mun and the second was Sun Da / 神打, a magical power martial arts (inviting the gods to possess them to give them their skills and capabilities) and had disciples in both groups. These two styles were conducted independently of each other and so never crossed over.
Sun Da / 神打
Sun Da / Shen Gong is a mysterious trick in Chinese folk art. Performers, commonly known as Sun Da / Shen Gong masters, will perform a set of rituals to summon spirits to possess them, and then perform various difficult performances, such as pouring boiling hot oil on their bodies or being invulnerable to swords and guns. The performers claim that it is because they are protected by the spirits, so their bodies are not damaged at all; experts familiar with psychology also point out that this is the power of self-hypnosis, which suppresses human fears and triggers the so-called potential that would not be done in normal times.
(神功是中国民间的一种神秘戏法，俗称神功师父的表演者会进行一套仪式，召唤神灵附身，再表演各种高难度表演，如身上淋上看似沸腾热油或刀枪不入等。表演者声称那是因为得到神灵保护，因此身体丝毫无损；亦有熟悉心理的专家指出、这是自我催眠的力量，把人类的恐惧压抑、并引发在平常时间不会做的所谓潜能出来。)
From 1985, Franco increased his training directly under Si Jo Wong. This was at the Bute Street gym usually 3 and sometimes 4 evenings per week. During his classes under Wong Cheung, Franco was asked to perform two routines and then the rest of the session would be Wong Cheung advising to build further improvements to enhance skill and technique. During this time, he was taught all the Hak Fu Mun routines including the unique skills of the Nine Pin Grinder Dummy / 九齒磨盤椿, Chopstick and Bowl, Umbrella, and the Tiger Hooks
Franco, 黃國明 Wong Kwok Ming / 黃國明, Lam Wai Yuen / 林偉源 & Si Jo Wong Cheung 師祖黃祥
Franco practicing the Nine Pin Grinder Dummy with Si Jo Wong Cheung / 師祖黃祥 watching
During these sessions, sometimes other disciples were also there training as well. Besides the routines, he was also taught the various other skills, fighting techniques and the various theories of these. It is understood that Si Jo Wong Cheung knew his time was closing and so was imparting all his knowledge and experience to Franco so that nothing would be lost and that he could continue Hak Fu Mun as his possible successor. In time it was proven that Franco was the most dedicated and skilled of these disciples performing Hak Fu Mun and so was naturally regarded and accepted as Wong Cheung’s martial arts successor.
It was during this time in 1988 that Franco got married. His training under Wong Cheung continued until the eve of Chinese New Year 1989 when Si Jo Wong passed away. The funeral was at Universal Funeral Parlor, Cheong Hang Road,Hung Hom / 紅磡, Kowloon side and Franco attended it with many other of his Hak Fu Mun brothers, paying their respects prior to the funeral service. The funeral was a Taoist service which lasted more than one hour. This ceremony was packed out with many students (including Franco) and several other famous masters in attendance to show their respects. Some of these included the Northern Shaolin Bagga master, Zheng Rong (鄭榮北少林), King of the Lingnan Stick Tan Han (譚漢（嶺南棍王) and the Hung Gar master Chiu Wai (趙威（洪拳).
After a period of morning, many of Wong Cheung’s students gathered to discuss the future. At that time, it was decided that instead of one person running everything, they would form a committee to determine future policy and the Wong Cheung Alumni Association was established. Elder brother, Chu Kong / 朱光 as the new president and Franco was recognised as the martial arts successor being the most skilled of the remaining disciples.
The name of this association had been revised prior to this several times over the past few decades. First the Wong Cheung Chinese Martial Art Association, then the Yuk Kwan Wong Cheung Athletic Association, and now the Wong Cheung Alumni Association. The annual dinners from the mid 1980’s had taken place at the London Restaurant / 倫敦大酒樓 in the Good Hope Building / 好望角大廈 on Nathan Road, Mong Kok. Continuing with tradition, the Association has continued to hold the annual dinner at the same time each year at the London Restaurant and Franco has maintained his attendance.
It was also around this time that the class at the North Point Youth Centre in the North Point Estate closed. Franco continued to run the class at Cho Yu Youth Centre class until 1997 when he then handed it over to Alan Low. Franco did this to give Alan the experience of running the class on his own and to grow in his teaching abilities. This also coincided with Franco having a boy which gave him more time to spend with his family. Franco would still personally teach Alan on a one-to-one basis near his home in North Point at the North Point Vehicular Ferry Pier Playground (北角汽車渡海輪碼頭遊樂場), just off Java Road.
In early 2000, Franco was contacted by his good friend and Kung Fu brother Eric Tsai. Eric had practiced little Hak Fu Mun since the passing of Si Jo Wong Cheung and had spent several years working away from Hong Kong and was keen to relearn the Hak Fu Mun routines. Due to family commitments and having a three-year old son at this time Franco asked Alan Low if he would teach Eric Tsai. Alan agreed to take on this responsibility and started to teach Eric the basic routines.
Eric also asked if Franco would teach him the Nine Pin Grinder Dummy / 九齒磨盤椿. Franco had already stated teaching this specialised routine to Alan and so agreed to teach Eric as well with Alan. Franco continued to teach the Nine Pin Grinder Dummy / 九齒磨盤椿 to both Alan and Eric at Si Jo Wong Cheung’s Bute Street gym in Mong Kong. Near the later part of learning this, Eric asked if he could film Franco showing the movements of this, but Franco said no, and that Alan and Eric should film each other for their reference.
In late 2002, Eric created his own website promoting himself as the authority on Hak Fu Mun. This deeply hurt Franco as they had been good friends and Kung Fu brothers and so he felt betrayed by Eric for doing this. This deeply disappointed Franco who felt that Eric had violated the ethics of traditional Chinese Martial Arts. After this, Franco had nothing to do with Eric who would only attend the annual dinners untill 2006 and then he moved to Sydney, Australia in January 2007. This whole episode with Eric Tsai had deeply hurt and upset Franco which affected his blood pressure for the next few years. After this, Franco would only teach Alan Low Hak Fu Mun.
In 2008, Chu Kong / 朱光, the president of the Wong Cheung Alumni Association, became ill and went into hospital. Later he was admitted into a nursing home and was unable to attend the annual dinners. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2010. The association gathered after the funeral and elected Yeung Wong Hing / 楊旺興 (Bentley Yeung) president of the Wong Cheung Alumni Association.
In 2010 Alan relocated the class to the North Point Vehicular Ferry Pier Playground (北角汽車渡海輪碼頭遊樂場), just off Java Road. This enabled Franco to actively get back involved with coaching within the group.
Also in 2010, the The Hong Kong Wu Shu Union invited Hak Fu Mun to promote their style at a Martial Arts Gathering (Once a month, The Hong Kong Wu Shu Federation invites different clubs giving them the opportunity to promote Chinese Martial Arts to the general public with a lecture and performances of their styles). One of the senior brothers from the association asked Franco if he could demonstrate Hak Fu Mun at this event. Franco and Alan had only two weeks to put a program together and prepare for this performance.
Franco got Alan Low and several students (Thomas Chan / 陳健成 and his son Leo Lok / 駱子傲) to perform several different routines and he then talked about the structure, techniques, and uses of the Nine Pin Grinder Dummy / 九齒磨盤椿. After this, Franco completed the program with a display of him performing the Golden Bowl and Iron Chopstick routine.
This lecture and performance renewed Franco's passion for Hak Fu Mun and inspired him to progress the style further. Shortly after, the president of the association Yeung Wong Hing / 長楊旺興 also contacted Franco to discuss the reorganisation of Hak Fu Mun. Before this meeting, the two only usually met at the annual dinners. Franco told Yeung Wong Hing / 楊旺興 (Bentley Yeung), that his two main goals were first to promote Hak Fu Mun martial arts with other schools around Hong Kong and to do performances for charity groups, schools, hospitals etc so as to help raise funds and awareness for these groups in society. These would both also promote Hak Fu Mun to the general public. Franco's first priority was to set up an internal "committee" to carry out all the work and arrange everyone to do different positions.
Since the death of Si Jo Wong Cheung, the association had not participated in any martial arts activities or attend any functions for several decades. Due to this, many groups within the martial arts community didn’t know much about Hak Fu Mun.
One of the most important tasks was to ask one of his students called, Sing, to write an article for the association and create a Chinese webpage. This was completed in 2011, and informed the Chinese community that, Hak Fu Mun, were reappearing in the Chinese martial arts community. The webpage also invited old students of Si Jo Wong Cheung to contact them and rejoin the association.
Unfortunately, three of these students that re-established links had a hidden agenda to infiltrate the association and try to gain control and take over. These three were aided by two existing members who between 2011 to 2016 tried numerous schemes and underhand methods to achieve their goal. In 2016, after failing to take control, these five set up their own rival association in direct opposition to the traditional Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts Association / 少林黑虎門益群堂黃祥體育會 as originally founded by Si Jo Wong Cheung / 師祖黃祥.
Throughout 2011, Franco planned more changes which included renaming the Alumni Association to Martial Arts Association, wrote a set of rules, established a full committee, and arranged everyone’s positions within it. All these changes were discussed and authorised by the president Yeung Wong Hing / 會長長楊旺興 who gave Franco consent to manage all appropriate matters. These changes were announced and then established at the 2012 Annual dinner and the Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Martial Art Association’ 少林黑虎門益群堂黃祥體育會 was then registered. Franco also implemented monthly committee meetings as before this they had only met annually at the dinner.
In 2012, after the Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts Association was established, Franco and the new committee began implementing the "purpose" of establishing the Association by connecting with other martial arts groups and on the charity side various schools and hospitals. Unfortunately, between 2011 to 2016, their focus and momentum were sometimes distracted by five older brothers (two existing members and three who contacted them during this time period). Their purpose was to initially take control of the Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts Association and when this failed, they then tried to induce members to join their new Association which they set up in 2016.
On the 28th July 2012, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association attended the "World Hepatitis Day" in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. This was organised by the Hong Kong Hepatitis B Foundation, who conducted a press conference in Area C of the Open Square of the Cultural Centre. The Traditional Martial Arts Association of Hong Kong, China performed its own "Eight New Postures to Protect the Liver", and disciples from various associations including Hak Fu Mun performed their own styles of martial arts. This form of exercise and martial arts helps to defeat hepatitis B.
In 2012, Franco realised that it would be advantageous to also have English webpage as soon as possible so they could connect to the wider World outside of China. Franco assigned Alan Low to do the translation work because his English skills were the best within the members of the association. Alan completed the work very quickly, and also became the online contact person for this English site. In December 2012, Robert Buckler who is a a senior long-term student of Paul Burkinshaw in the UK and on his behalf, emailed Alan after seeing this website.
During this period when Paul had contacted Franco and Alan, it was also during the same time when there was conflict by several brothers trying to take over the association and they were using all sorts of underhand schemes to disrupt Franco in progressing forward the goals and good profile of the Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts Association. Initially, Franco had some doubts if Paul was genuine or a possible deception of the traitors, which was another reason for concern. At first, Franco was unsure of Paul’s intention of coming from afar, and because Paul had also studied under Eric Tsai, he was a little suspicious and cautiousness of him. This was only natural, because at this time he was facing many challenges from all directions, and so he had to be on his guard against everyone. Franco decided that the best thing to do was to invite Paul to Hong Kong and meet him face to face so he could access for himself the true nature of Paul.
The first meeting was over morning dim sum, at a restaurant on Java Road in North Point. Franco and Alan Low were already there and were waiting at a table when Paul and Robert Buckler arrived. When Franco first saw Paul and noticed the scar on his face, he surmised that he was good at fighting as he felt that all foreigners liked to fight. Franco asked Paul what he wanted, and if he wanted to fight. Franco had researched Paul and found he had an impressive fighting career having won many titles. Paul politely replied that wasn’t what he was interested in but to learn Hak Fu Mun and if he demonstrated his Kam Kong Fist / 金剛拳, could Franco please evaluate his performance. Franco had believed that all foreigners wanted to fight, but after talking with Paul, realised that he wasn’t like that, and wanted only to pursue the improvement of his martial arts skills.
Paul had brought some DVDs full of old cine film footage of many routines and weapons filmed during the 1970s as a gift. After much talking and eating, they all went across the road to the North Point Vehicular Ferry Pier Park to train in martial arts.
Once Paul had finished Kam Kong Fist / 金剛拳, Franco could tell straight away that he’d studied under Eric Tsai. He then asked Paul several questions about the postures and usages, but Paul couldn’t answer all Franco's questions. Franco then started to explain some of these, and Robert immediately wrote down the key points and corrections to these mistakes. Paul listened to Franco and accepted his criticisms with a positive attitude. Franco appreciated his humility in learning and went on to state that he was a traditional martial arts master, and that his method of teaching was relatively "traditional" to teach students in accordance with their aptitude. Franco said that Paul needs to understand every move, posture, and application and that this was the basic form of martial arts. That a student must clearly understand what the master teaches and if they don’t understand, they should ask the master immediately, otherwise they will only have a shell or martial arts dance. This would then be a waste of the accumulated experience of the ancestors.
Robert Buckler, Alan Low, Ho Wai Man, Franco Lok, ?, Chung Kin Kwong & Li Wai
On the rooftop site of Si Jo Wong Cheung's Bute Street Gym
Franco stated that the most important thing was that people who study with him can learn the real Hak Fu Mun and understand the purpose of Chinese martial arts. That it was not just for performance, but that Chinese martial arts are an ancient fighting art that can kill a person with one strike. Therefore, it is not an ordinary sports activity and so those who learn it must understand this and need to learn from a master. Due to this, a master won't teach a student the extreme techniques of the martial arts initially, until a student has proven their sincerity, dedication, and loyalty which would take several years to gain their trust. A student wouldn’t learn any true martial arts in three or two years, but only learn superficial aspects. It may take a person several years or even decades to reach the peak and understand the art thoroughly.
Franco stated that although Paul had made many mistakes when studying with Eric, this was the first time he contacted Franco and shared his experience with him. He believed that Paul had understood his explanations and that he improved and corrected errors quickly so that their future progress together would positive. Franco was also impressed by Robert, Paul’s student who also had the correct nature and attitude, which he believed reflected on his teacher. This made him feel excited about the future together.
Shortly after Paul and Robert's return to England, Alan Low had a business trip there. Franco asked Alan if he could also visit Paul while he was there and assess his school, students, and methods. Alan spent four days with Paul at his academy teaching and observing all these before returning back to Hong Kong to discuss his findings with Franco.
In March 2014, Paul returned to Hong Kong to study and take part in the annual dinner. He spent every morning studying Hak Fu Mun under Franco and Alan who continued to correct his movement and techniques from his past. After lunch they would visit historical sites of Hak Fu Mun as Paul wanted to know all about the history and asked numerous questions. He wanted to understood as many facts as possible gaining all the information he could, which impressed Franco.
So, when Paul returned again for a second time in October 2014, Franco proposed a choice of two paths to him. The first was to continue improving his skills and techniques from what he had previously learnt from Eric Tsai and be friends. Or the second was to become a disciple under Alan Low following the traditional Chinese etiquette. Paul chose to become a disciple and the Bai Si ceremony was held at the Tai Kok Tsui Food Center / 大角咀熟食中心豐樹圍飯店 in Kowloon with the committee as witnesses’. After this ceremony, Paul officially joined the Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts Association.
Paul had decided to write a book about the lineage of Hak Fu Mun and also include the Ten Tigers of Canton and the Southern Shaolin Temples. As part of this research, Franco and Alan organised a trip to Gaungzhou (Canton) so they could visit several sites there to collect information and photos with Paul.
On the train to Gaungzhou Dinner in Ganugzhou
At the Honam Temple in Gaung zhou
Franco admired Paul's dedication and attitude to travel so far in the pursuit to not only improve his Hak Fu Mun martial arts but also to learn about the history and culture.
The Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts Association began to be invited to attend various dinners. The responsibility for leading Hak Fu Mun team and go out to socialise with other groups in the martial arts world fell on Franco. When he attended these dinners, many people asked him about Hak Fu Mun, and soon many masters from other Chinese martial arts groups started taking the initiative in getting to know Franco.
On the 5th February 2015, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association attended the China (Hong Kong) WuShu Federation performance.
On the 15th March 2015, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association were invited to attend the dinner of the Hong Kong Southern & Northern Martial Arts Association.
A few days after on the 20th March 2015, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association were invited to the Hong Kong Western Baptist Church Neighborhood Centre to do a performance for the 2015 Chinese New Year of the Ram / Goat Gathering.
香港西區浸信會長者鄰里中心《2015喜氣洋洋新春團拜》大年初八活動(二)。
When Paul returned in April 2015 for the Annual Dinner, he brought with him eight of his students to share the experience. These were his three children, Charlotte, Cameron and Callum Burkinshaw, Paul Cowley, Marius Dunkley, Andy Docker, Sean Krauth and Dan Nghiem. The schedule was the same with training together in the morning at the North Point Vehicular Ferry Pier Park and then after lunch visiting different sites, sightseeing and exploring Hong Kong.
3rd Row - Marius Dunkley, Callum Burkinshaw, Charlotte Burkinshaw
2nd Row - Paul Cowley, Dan Nghiem, Alan Low, Franco Lok, Yeung Wong Hing, Paul Burkinshaw, Ho Wai Man, Cameron Burkinshaw
Front - Sean Krauth, Andy Docker, Sam Ribert, Josh & Thomas Chan, Maggie
Unfortunately, due to lack of holiday Cameron and Callum Burkinshaw, Paul Cowley, Sean Krauth and Dan Nghiem had to return after five days and so missed out on the trip to Punyu to visit the home of Si Jo Wong Cheung's family and sweep his grave.
Day trip to Stanley
Before the anniversary annual dinner in April 2015, Franco proposed to the Committee to appoint Paul as the "President" of the British branch of Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Association / 少林黑虎門英國分會 and give him the authority to handle all Hak Fu Mun affairs in the UK. At the Annual Diner, the President, Yeung Wong Hing presented / 會長 長楊旺興 Paul with a "letter of appointment" and so he officially become the first "overseas representative" of the Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts association.
When Paul returned to Hong Kong in 2015, he discussed his syllabus with Franco wanting to have everything the same in the UK as in Hong Kong. Franco also told him about which routines were the core of Hak Fu Mun and then also about the traitors and the logo Paul was using. This was a surprise to Paul, but he accepted Franco's advice and when he returned to the UK made many changes so as to be in harmony with the Hong Kong association. Also during this trip, Franco and Alan had organised a trip into Fukien / Fujian Provence, China to explore the three Southern Shaolin Temples. This was part of Paul's research for the book he was writing.
Fuqing Shaolin Temple, November 2015
Putain Shaolin Temple, November 2015
Quanzhou Shaolin Temple, November 2015
On the 13th of January, 2016, Franco and the association put on a Lion Dance performance and martial arts display for the Hua Wing Club palliative therapy department of Ruttonjee and Wu Shiu Kin Hospital. This was part of their Chinese New Year celebration.
On 18th February 2016, Franco and the group were invited to the Hong Kong Western Baptist Elderly Neighbourhood Senior Centre to celebrate the Chinese New Year with performances in Lion Dance and martial arts.
2016年2月18日（ 大年初十一） 香港西區浸信會長者鄰里中心《 新春表演》
When Paul returned to Hong Kong in 2016, Franco was touched that Paul had also removed his old tattoos and had new ones done to replace them. This impressed Franco that Paul had made so many changes in everything to improve their friendship and also to progress the uniformity and harmony of the two Hak Fu Mun branches.
Annual Dinner, April 2016
Franco teaching Marius Dunkley the Straight Sword while Paul Burkinshaw learnt the Tiger Hooks
Around the end of April 2016, Franco and the group were invited to attended the Hong Kong North and South Chinese Arts Festival "Gala Dinner"
In July and August, Franco and some of the group went to Hong Kong West Point Baptist Church Neighbourhood Elderly Center to teach two sets of exercises : [ Warm - up exercises ] [ Siu Lum Hak Fu ten - shaped boxing health care exercise ] .
2016年7-8月， 到香港西區浸信會長者鄰里中心， 教授兩套功法 :《 熱身功》及《 少林黑虎十形拳保健養生功》。
Franco and the group were again invited by the Treatment Relief Division (TRD) of the Ruttonjee Hospital to host a lion dance performance on Thursday 4th August 2016. The group of participants were the patients of the TRD. Apart from lion dance and Hak Fu Mun routine performances, the main objective of the event was to teach the participants some simple Kung Fu movements. By sharing the joy of practicing the movements, the participants can improve their health condition. This event was run in an interactive way with lots of fun and laughing. Everyone had an enjoyable afternoon. Through this activity, Franco's experience on hosting this charity event had also been enhanced.
On the 1st November 2016, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun association celebrated the 92nd birthday of their first generation of Kung Fu big brothers of the Shaolin Black Tiger Gate Wong Cheung Martial Ats Association.
今日慶祝我哋少林黑虎門益群黃祥體育會，第一代大師兄92歲生日
The 92nd birthday of Master Wong Cheung's first generation disciple, Brother Liang Wei / 梁維, took a photo with Master Wong's disciples. 黃祥宗師第一代弟子梁維師兄92歲生日，與 [黃祥宗師一眾正傳入室弟子] 合照
On The 11th November 2016, the Hong Kong West Point Baptist Church Neighborhood Elderly Centre invited Hak Fu Mun to perform a Lion Dance at their event to celebrate their 25th Siver Anniversary of the Opening.
On the 26th November 2016, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association were invited to celebrate the 70th Birthday of Seven Stars Mantis Master Lee Kam Wing.
Si-Gung Alan Low presenting a gift to Master Lee Kam Wing at his 70th Birthday Celebration
On the 6th February 2017, Franco and the group visited the Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Association Health World (East Kowloon) to perform a lion dance and martial arts demonstration to celebrate the Chinese New Year.聖公會福利協會康健天地（東九龍)」邀請,參與醒獅賀新春及武術表演
For this Franco dressed up to Wish Everyone Prosperity in the Year of the Rooster.
On the 10th February, the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention Hong Kong invited Hak Fu Mun to do a Chinese New Year Performance. 邀請本會舞獅及武術表演
Training at the North Point Park, March 2017
Enjoying a milkshake at the Pennisular Hotel A meal at Factory 99 in Kwun Tong
Callum & Paul Burkinshaw, Alan Low, Yeung Wong Hing & Franco
Also in March 2017, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association were invited to the Hong Kong Martial Arts Association's 30th anniversary and their Chinese New Year celebration. This was held at the Paramount International Banquet Hall, on the ground floor of the Skyline Tower, Wang Kwong Rd, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong.
香港武術聯會成立30週年暨丁酉年春節聯歡
On 24th April, 2017, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association were invited to attend the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Association Health Express (East Kowloon) to perform a Lion Dance and martial arts demonstration again.
2017年4月24日本會再次獲得香港聖公會福利協會健康快車（東九龍）邀請表演
On 30th April 2017, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association attended the Malee Hong Kong Qigong Health Day. This event was held at the Wai Tsuen Sports Certre which is located at 6 Miu Kong Street in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong.
In September 2017, Paul Burkinshaw returned to Hong Kong to continue his training in Hak Fu Mun under Franco and Alan Low. Franco was satisfied with Paul's loyalty and so allowed him to be taught the Hak Fu Mun Chopstick and Bowl routine / Kam Wung Tie Fai.
After training each morning, Franco and Alan Low would show Paul around Hong Kong. During this time, Paul would be education in Hong Kong cluture and sometimes he would show them some British culture.
Trying different pints of beer Ovaltine ice cream at McDonalds
Amazing milkshakes at the Peninsula Hotel
During Paul's stay in Hong Kong, the Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Association arranged a trip to Punyu to visit the family of Si Jo Wong Cheung and sweep his grave.
Waiting to catch the bus
On the rooftop of Si Jo Wong Cheung's home with his family
Outside Si Jo Wong's family home in Punyu
Franco paying his respects to his Sifu's (Wong Cheung) grave
中華武術耀圓玄 武動荃城2017
On 24th June 2018 (Sunday) Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association were invited to attend the Chin Woo Athletic Association of Hong Kong event, who were celebrating their 96th anniversary and 26th Board Inauguration Ceremony.
2018年6月24日（星期日）香港精武體育會 Chin Woo Athletic Association of Hong Kong Limited
慶祝成立96週年暨第26屆董事就職典禮聯歡晚會
南少林寺方丈贈字给予本體育会認定少林黑虎門益群堂黃祥體育会在香港地位，甚感榮幸。
先師，黃祥在1928年開始教授黑虎拳和成立體育会至今，刚好90年光景，在港並没有設有總会一事，請各位名察，謝謝！
A Sunday morning in 2018, Franco was teaching martial arts at the North Point Ferry Terminal park as usual. A thinner man came into the park and challenged his Kung Fu brother, Ho Wai Man (the Vice-President), but instead Alan accepted the challenge. They tested each other and passed a few moves, but the man stated that Alan was no match for him. Franco was teaching several students the sword at the time, when one of the students informed him what was going on. Franco therefore walked over to see what was happening. When he reached the area, the man immediately wanted to compete with Franco and so challenged him to a martial arts test. Franco thought it was initially better to refuse, as he thought it was better to do less than to do more! The man was insistent and kept making requests to Franco for a martial arts match.
Franco was still holding a sword at the time, so he put it down and accepted the challenge. Franco explained to him the rules of the competition was to only compare moves and that they shouldn't use real power in an effort not to seriously injure each other to which the man agreed. Franco didn’t have any psychological pressure, because he stated that when teaching martial arts in a public place, sooner or later, you will definitely encounter such an incident and be challenged!
Franco believed that the challenger would first try to trick him with a powerful movement to see what he would do. Franco was also keen to have a measure his opponents’ strength! The man advanced at Franco and as soon as they made contact, Franco stepped back to discharge his power away. After this, the man couldn't wait to launch his next attack at Franco, using a few short hands to disrupt his sight, and finally hit Franco in the chest area with a straight punch. Franco replied using both left and right hands alternately to control his punches, and then suddenly slapped the left side of his face. This made a "pop" sound, which surprised and shocked the challenger!
Franco apologised to him, but the man said he wanted to continue. Before he finished saying these words, he had already started attacking Franco. The man’s speed, strength and skills increased a lot in an effort to defeat Franco. To this, Franco used his instinctive natural reaction to neutralise the challenger’s attack. After exchanging punches and short-handed sparring, Franco finally used the backhand strike to the man’s right side of his face, which made another loud "pop" slapping sound.
Franco again apologised to him, and the man, once again asked him to try one last move.
Franco felt that after hitting him twice already, there is no reason to make him even more embarrassed, and so politely gave the challenger to opportunity to step down, but he refused and insisted they continue.
This last round of competition was even more serious, with both men continually guarding against each other. Finally, the challenger stated that he had hit Franco in the heart, and it was therefore a draw, but franco’s sword finger was at his neck artery. At this point both men stopped and took a step back. They saluted each other and the competition officially ended.
On 20th February 2019, Franco and the Association returned to the Day Care Centre for the Elderly at the Christian Family Service Centre to perform another Lion dance and martial arts show for Chinese New Year.
2019年9月16日 香港武術聯會 香港武術界慶祝中華人民共和國成立70週年晚宴
On Sunday 13th October 2019, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association returned back to Panyu, Guangzhou, to worship Master (Si Jo) Wong Cheung. They received a warm welcome at the Wong Cheung family home and were shown great hospitality from the descendants of Master Wong Cheung. After a short time at the home, everyone then travelled to the grave site of Si Fo Wong Cheung to pay their respects and sweep the grave.
In November 2019, the Hak Fu Mun Association were interviewed by the Singtao Daily Newspaper which did a full-page write up featuring Franco, Alan Low and the President Yeung Wong Hing / 楊旺興 (Bentley Yeung).
At the beginning of December 2019, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association attended the Yuen Yuen Institute for the 2019 Charity banquet and martial arts show. This is located in Lo Wai in the Tsuen Wan district of Hong Kong. Several members took part in the display performing various Hak Fu Mun routines. This was the third year running that the Hak Fu Mun Association had been invited back to take part in this show.
On 15th November 2022, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association attended the Hong Kong Chin Woo Sports Association Celebration dinner. This event was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Hong Kong Chin Woo branch, and was held on the 13/Floor, The ONE, on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon side.
香港精武體育會 慶功晚宴 2022年11月15日
［ 新春表演 ］31/1/2023（星期二）大年初十
The Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts Association annual dinner to celebrate Si Jo Wong Cheung was held at the beginning of April 2023. As normal, this event was held at the London Restaurant on Nathan Road.
Group photo of VIP's that attended the Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts Association annual dinner 2023.
At the end of September 2023, Paul Burkinshaw returned to Hong Kong to continue his education in Hak Fu Mun under Alan Low and Franco. During Paul's stay, the usual format would be to meet at the Kung Fu Dim Sum restaurant on Java Road for breakfast, then go to the North Point Vechicular Ferry Park to train untill early afternoon. Have lunch, then travelling around the city to see various sites or places. Franco took Paul to the doctors during this trip, as he had some problems with his left leg. The treatment include some Chinese medicine and acupuncture which seemed to help relieve the pain.
The Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts Association arranged a welcoming dinner for Paul back to Hong Kong. Due to COVID19, it had been several years since he had last visited. This dinner was attended by the President Yeung Wong Hing / 楊旺興 (Bentley Yeung), Vice Presidents Ho Wai Man / 何偉文 & Alan Low, the Martial Arts Executive Franco Lok and the Secretary Ng Ho Leung.
Breakfast at the Kung Fu Dim Sum Restaurant on Jave Road, North Point
Paul has generally travelled to Hong Kong twice a year (2018 to 2022 no visits mainly due to COVID19) to pursue his tuition in Hak Fu Mun and Franco and Alan Low have continued in their commitment to aid his studies in the martial arts and history of the style as well as helping him learn about Chinese culture, food and traditions.
Over the years, several masters have become very friendly with Franco and he has been privileged to be given the title of Honorary President by two of these groups. The first was the in October 2023 held at the London Restaurant on Nathan Road. At this event, Franco was awarded the title of Honorary President of the Leung Sheung Lineage Wing Chun International Fellow Confederation / 梁相系詠春國際同學總會.
The second group was the Leng Nam Hung Kuen / 嶺南洪拳 in November 2023. This took place at the Huangfu Banquet Hall on the 13th floor, The One on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, on Tuesday 7th November. The celebration was for the 60th anniversary of Leng Nam Hung Kuen Association, and during this event Franco was awarded the title of the Honorary President of the Leng Nam Hung Kuen Association.
嶺南洪拳60週年慶典
張本良師傅60歲生日及收徒儀式 2023年11月7日（星期 二）
Franco Lok & Cheung Poon Leung
At the start of Novemeber 2023, Franco attended an event held by the Hong Kong, China WuShu Union, which they call a Martial Arts Gathering. This event was conducted by Master Leung Kum-tong who gave a lecture explaining his Ip Man Leung's traditional Wing Chun style. (Once a month, The Hong Kong Wu Shu Union offers different clubs the opportunity to promote Chinese Martial Arts to the general public with a lecture and performances of their styles.)
Franco & Leung Kum Tong
Franki Cheung, Yeung Ho Fook, Alan Low, Leung Kum Tong, Franco & Lei Wai
After a tour around the the Wing Chun Martial Arts Centre, they finished the day with a meal at a local restaurant.
On Tuesday 6th February 2024, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association attended St. Paul's Catholic Primary School for the Chinese Culture Day. This event was to help educate the children about the traditions of Southern Chinese Lion dance.
0n Wednesday 14th February (The fifth day of the Lunar New Year), Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association attended the Yaming Bayside Nursing Home at St. James' Settlement in Wan Chai. This was to do a Chinese New Year performance for the residents there. "The Lion Awakens and Presents Good Luck to Celebrate the Year of the Dragon"
2月14日星期三 大年初五 聖雅各福群會 雅明灣畔護養院《醒獅獻瑞賀龍年》
On Monday 19th February 2024, Franco and the Hak Fu Mun Association attended the Wang Tau Hom Day Care Centre for the Elderly to perform a Lion Dance and Martial Arts display for Chinese New Year.
基督教家庭服務中心 橫頭磡日間長者護理中心
2024年2月19日（星期一）新春表演醒獅及武術表現
The next day, Wednesday 20th February 2024, Franco and the group attended the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Association (East Kowloon) / HKSKH Calvary Church, Hong Kong Anglican Church of the Holy Cross located in Wong Tai Sin, to do another Chinese New Year performance.
香港聖公會福利協會 康健天地（東九龍）
黃大仙聖十架堂
龍來福到賀新春2024 2024年2月20 日（ 星期二）
This time, many members of the Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts Association attended and performed various open-hand and weapons routines from the Hak Fu Mun system.
Franco and Alan Low demonstrating the basic principles and techniques of Hak Fu Mun
Hak Fu Mun conditioning tools
Leung Chun Dot Wong Kim Yin Yeung Ho Fook
Ng Ho Leung - Iron Rod Sam Ribert - Double Daggers Franki Cheung - Rattan Ring
Tse Lai Fun & Leung Mei Kit (Maggie) - Two Man Sword Li Wai & Alan Low - Two Man Staff
Leung Mei Kit(Maggie) - Spear Li Wai - Tiger Hooks Tse Lai Fun - Straight Sword
Alan Low - Chopstick & Bowl Tse Lai Fun - Hard Fan
On Sunday 10th March 2024, Paul Burkinshaw arrived in Hong Kong from the UK and met Franco, Alan Low and several other members of the Hak Fu Mun Association at anniversary Hung Kuen dinner. This event was at the Betterment Banquet Hall, Ying Fai Plaza, 8 King Lai Path in the Mei Foo district of Hong Kong. Franco and Hak Fu Mun had been invited to this celebration by a good friend of Franco's, Master Cheung Poon Leung.
Master Cheung Poon Leung stood in the middle behind Paul Burkinshaw & Franco
Paul had returned to Hong Kong to attend the Annual Dinner and continue his studies in Hak Fu Mun. Due to Alan Low's work commitments, Paul trained mainly under Franco during this period. Paul had planned to perform the Hak Fu Umbrella routine for the annual dinner and so during the several days before this, Franco helpped him with certain movements and adjustments to his technique to improve his overall performance. Franco and Paul had become very good friends over the years and after the martial arts training in Hak Fu Mun had finished each day, Franco would continue his education in Hong Kong cuisine and culture.
Paul presenting his donation (red envelope) to the Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Wong Cheung Martial Arts Association (represented by his Sifu, Alan Low & Franco as MC)
On 29th March 2024, Franco was invited to the Chin Woo Sports Association of Hong Kong / 香港精武體育會 Annual Dinner sitting on the VIP red table as their Guest of Honour.
Aw Chun Lung (Chairman of the Hong Kong Chin Woo) with Franco
On Thursday 20th June 2024, Franco attended at meeting of the Hong Kong, China WuShu Union.
Franco, Dr Wilfred Lam & Aw Chun Lung
Since 2010, Franco has been heavily involved in the promotion of Hak Fu Mun in and around Hong Kong with the performances of martial arts and Lion Dance with other martial arts styles, the general public as well as performing to aid schools, hospitals and charitys.
Since the re-structure of the ‘Siu Lum Hak Fu Mun Martial Art Association’ in 2012, Franco holds the position of the “Martial Arts Executive” within the Association 少林黑虎門益群堂黃祥體育會
Currently, Franco helps at the class headed by Alan Low at the North Point Vehicular Ferry Pier Playground (北角汽車渡海輪碼頭遊樂場) on Hong Kong Island. This is the current location of the Hak Fu Mun class which runs on Sunday mornings 9am till 12noon.