Master of Mastery: My Life Changing Journey From a Child in a Wheelchair to Traditional Chinese Hung Gar Martial Arts Master and Chinese Medicine Practitioner

By Gam Bok Yin

Embark on an extraordinary journey of self-mastery through the captivating narrative of a boy with health challenges in mid-century Western society. Confined to a wheelchair, his world seemed limited, but fate had other plans.

Discover how his journey unraveled, revealing invaluable life lessons far beyond his years. Within the pages of this remarkable book, the principles of discipline, commitment, and focus serve as guiding lights on the path to success.

Witness firsthand as his handicaps, struggles, and triumphs illuminate the profound truth that life is a tapestry of challenges and opportunities for growth. But it is through an open mind that transformation truly takes hold. In a serendipitous twist, the boy's salvation lies in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Chinese martial arts.

Explore how these ancient practices empower him to defy his limitations and transcend adversity. Unveiling a world of empowerment, harmony, and self-discovery, this journey invites you to reconsider your own life, health, and longevity through the lens of traditional Chinese approaches.

Prepare to be captivated as you traverse the gateway to a profound way of being—one that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. Through the fusion of technique, philosophy, and tradition, a new path emerges. A path where you unlock your untapped potential and embark on your own extraordinary voyage of self-mastery. Join our protagonist as he imparts the wisdom gained from a lifetime of experiences, trials and triumphs. His story will inspire and challenge you to embrace the legacy of traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Chinese martial arts, forever transforming your perspective on life and offering boundless opportunities for personal growth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Red House Publishing
• Release date: Aug 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215801994

Book preview

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Author Titles

Disease and Diagnosis for the Acupuncturist: An Advanced Guide to Traditional Diagnostic Techniques, Thorsons Publishing; First Edition,1984.

Everybody's Health - Time to Reap the Benefits of East and West, Hai Feng Publishing Co. 1992.

Improve Your Health – Eastern Ideas for Our Western Model, eMedToday. 2012.

Nutritional Mini Series: Prostate Health, eMedToday,  2012. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine Excerpts Mini Series - Prostate Health, eMedToday, 2012.

27 Most Important Health Questions about Prostate Health: Mainstream, Complementary and Nutritional Answers, eMedToday, 2012.

27 Most Important Health Questions about Detox, eMedToday, 2012.

27Most Important Health Questions about Heart Disease, eMedToday, 2013.

27 Most Important Health Questions about Yeast Infection, eMedToday, 2013.

27 Most Important Health Questions about Gout, eMedToday, 2013.

The Art of Living Longer: A Guide to Healthy Longevity, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Graham Player 

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of

the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

Any unauthorised reproduction or distribution of this book is prohibited and may result in legal action.

All images and illustrations included in this book are either:

Cover design and illustrations by Tanya Robinson

Graphics and photos by Graham Player

Original creations by Graham Player and Tanya Robinson, protected under copyright law, and used with permission. Public domain images are available for use without any copyright restrictions.

If you believe any image has been used without proper attribution or authorisation, please contact: [e-mail] for immediate rectification.

For images that are not covered by the aforementioned category, appropriate licenses and permissions have been obtained and will be provided upon request.

Any unauthorised reproduction or distribution of the images in this book is prohibited and may result in legal action.

Red House Publishing

[e-mail]

August 2023

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Published by Red House Publishing 

(Imprint of  Falcon Books Publishing Ltd)

168 Great North Road

Eaton Socon

Saint Neots

England

PE1 8EH

First Printing: 2023 

RED HOUSE PUBLISHING 

(IMPRINT OF FALCON BOOKS PUBLISHING LTD) 

www.redhousepublishing.info

Copyright © 2023 Graham Player

All rights reserved.

Ordering Information:

Paperback and digital copies are available on the Red House

Publishing website:

www.redhousepublishing.info

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Contents

Dedication

Foreword

Introduction

. Chapter

Part 1: Family Life

1.Adversity in Context

1. An Unusual Beginning

My World

A Turning Point

Cultural Context

Learning to Walk

2.Family, Development and Heritage

Family Life

School Life

Questioning My Heritage

3.Discovery - Persistence and Resilience

Finding Myself

Spreading My Wings

Dual Careers

Research and Study

4.Starting Again

More Aspirations

Extension of Reach

Part 2: Hung Gar

5.The Martial Arts Path

6.My Own School – Hung Kuen Hohk Se (洪拳學社)

7.The Heritage of Hung Gar

History

8.What is Hung Gar?

The Five Animals

The Five Elements

The Twelve Bridges

The Four Pillars of Hung Gar

9.What Does it Take to Learn Hung Gar?

10.What are the Health Benefits of Learning Hung Gar?

Breathing

Muscles

Part 3: Traditional Chinese Medicine

11.The Heritage of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Functional Medicine and Chinese Medicine

Longevity and Health-Span

Nature

Energy

Influence

12.Clinical Practice and the Healing Arts

12. My Background

13.The Concept of Energy

Energy in Chinese Medicine 

14.Energetic Features of Western Science and Society, and Chinese Medicine

Different Paths

We Are Energy

15.The Way Forward

16.Chinese Cultural Connection

Part 4: Health and Wellness

17.How Childhood Experiences Influence Life’s Directions

18.Growth or Decline

19.My Own Health and Wellness Guidelines

What is Wellness?

The 5 Habits of Wellness

20.Looking Ahead

Hung Gar

Chinese Medicine

21.On Spirituality

22.Conclusion

About the Author

I would like to dedicate this book to the people who have helped me along the way. Without their guidance and support, I would not be where I am today. To my traditional Chinese martial arts Masters and Chinese medicine teachers, thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with me. Your teachings have not only helped me in my personal practice but have also inspired me to write this book. In particular, I would like to thank Master Chan for his dedication and for inspiring me to persevere through difficult times. To my university mentor, thank you for believing in me and pushing me to achieve my goals. Your guidance and encouragement have been invaluable. 

Finally, to my dear grandmother, thank you for always being there for me and supporting me in everything I did. Your love and wisdom have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation. I would also like to thank all the people who persevered and helped me to learn to walk. Your dedication and support have been instrumental in my journey. Thank you all for your contributions to my life and for helping me become the person I am today.

Gam Bok Yin (金 博 賢)

Graham Player Ph.D.

Foreword

A Journey of Mastery and Dedication

It is with great pleasure and heartfelt admiration that I pen this foreword for the remarkable book authored by my esteemed friend of four decades, Master Gam Bok Yin. This profound work delves into his lifelong experiences in the traditional Chinese Hung Gar martial art and his journey as a clinical Chinese medicine practitioner since 1979. As fellow Masters of our respective traditional Chinese martial arts, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication that have shaped Master Gam Bok Yin's life.

From our earliest encounters, it was clear that destiny had intertwined our paths. Both of us embarked on the pursuit of traditional Chinese martial arts at a tender age, seeking solace, strength, and purpose through the disciplined practice of these ancient arts. What sets us apart, however, is the shared challenge we faced – physical disabilities that could have deterred even the most resolute individuals. Yet, we refused to be defined by our limitations, and instead, we channeled our energies into the transformative power of martial arts.

Master Gam Bok Yin's lifelong commitment to traditional Chinese martial arts has yielded extraordinary results, not only in his personal journey but also in the lives of countless students who have had the privilege of learning from him. His expertise and wisdom have guided them to numerous victories in international competitions, where they have consistently triumphed, adorned with gold medals. Through his nurturing guidance, these students have imbibed the essence of Hung Gar, showcasing its grace, strength, and precision on a global stage.

Beyond the realm of martial arts, Master Gam Bok Yin and I share a common thread of perseverance and resilience. In a world rapidly transformed by technology, we embraced the challenges of the digital realm, teaching ourselves information technology and ascending to great heights in the digital landscape. Our paths converged in Hong Kong four decades ago, during a memorable birthday celebration for the legendary Hung Gar Master Chan Hon Chung. It was on that fateful occasion that we showcased our respective martial arts skills to honor our shared inspiration. Since then, despite residing in different corners of the globe, our friendship has remained steadfast, and we seize every opportunity to reunite and bask in the camaraderie forged through our mutual passion.

I distinctly recall the momentous day when Master Gam Bok Yin first ventured to meet Master Chiu Wai, a pivotal event that marked a turning point in his martial arts journey. As his confidante and fellow practitioner, I had the honor of accompanying him on this momentous occasion. Witnessing his unwavering dedication and humility, Master Chiu Wai accepted him as a student, recognizing his unyielding commitment to preserving and perpetuating the rich legacy of Hung Gar. Over the years, I have frequented Hong Kong, where I have had the pleasure of training alongside Master Gam Bok Yin in the tranquil parks of this vibrant city or visiting his esteemed school, witnessing firsthand the dedication and expertise he imparts to his students.

This book is a testament to Master Gam Bok Yin's lifelong pursuit of excellence, his unwavering commitment to the art forms that have defined him, and his unyielding dedication to sharing his knowledge and experience. Through its pages, readers will embark on a journey of profound insight, as they glean wisdom from a true master, a guardian of tradition, and a healer of body and soul.

May this book be an inspiration to all who read it, resonating with the timeless principles of traditional Chinese martial arts, and reminding us that the path to mastery lies not only in physical prowess but also in the indomitable spirit and unyielding dedication that dwell within each of us.

Kai Uwe Pel

Master of Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Switzerland, July 2023

Introduction

I wrote this book to highlight what I believe to be some central themes of my life. My principal purpose in doing so was to inspire others. The themes that have driven my life have had a major influence and benefit in guiding my direction. I hope from this understanding that other people can find inspiration. This is a part of my own life’s personal story, and not meant to be an autobiography. So it is not a detailed or chronological story about specific life events. It does not talk about all the people in my life or include every experience or event. However, in order to set the context I felt it was important to explain and introduce a few key events and experiences. The context will support and explain how certain experiences early in life can have a major influence on people’s direction and what drives them. It also raises whether the path you follow is a path you find for yourself, or a path that finds you. It is okay to follow a path you would not choose. I learned that throughout life there are forces at play that we may not be aware of or appreciate.

It is important to acknowledge the uniqueness of everybody’s situation, circumstances, and development. My intention is to make an analysis of only my own life, which has brought me to the understanding that there have been certain themes being played out. I am appreciative to have had a foot planted in the two cultures of East and West for equal parts of my life. There are certain aspects of traditional Chinese culture, in particular the martial arts and medicine, to which my knowledge and exposure have been very extensive. Upon reflection, this has been without doubt a primary theme intertwined throughout my own path of development from the age of five. It has influenced me very positively, and I continue to learn from the immeasurable lessons it provides.

I hope to give encouragement to others to be open and perceptive to what is happening around them. There are always surprises and opportunities presented to us. It is important that we develop the ability to recognise them and to avail ourselves of what is there. Sometimes concealed in plain sight. In the pure material sense, we are not always in control of our destiny. It is important to be in tune with our own feelings, our body, Nature, and the spiritual aspects of life. I feel many people do not become well acquainted with these aspects. Learning about themselves and understanding ourselves is one of the critical lessons of life which is the foundation of both traditional Chinese martial arts and medicine.

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Definitions of the Chinese characters at the beginning of each section.

Part 1. Family LIfe: 悟 (ng6) - realise; awaken; understand; enlightenment; comprehend; become aware of.

Part 2. Hung Gar: 洪 (hung4) - the Hung Gar family name, Hung.

Part 3. Traditional Chinese Medicine: 醫 (ji1) - doctor; physician; medicine.

Part 4. Health and Wellness: 氣 (hei3) - chi; qi; air; vital energy; breath; spirit.

Part 1: Family Life

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Chapter 1

Adversity in Context

An Unusual Beginning

As I look out I see whizzing past us the distorting continuity of the electrical power lines, and the telegraph poles supporting them. The clouds, the sky and the trees are moving slower in the background. The only way for me to be transported is by lying down in the backseat of our almost new 1940s car my father is driving. I cannot sit up because of the plaster cast, which is up my right leg, over my hip and around my waist in order to immobilise my hip. Inside the car is my wheelchair, which I will be placed into when we arrive. From birth, I had never known what it was like to walk, and so depended on my wheelchair to get around. As a result, my view of life and my own capabilities developed somewhat differently from those of most people.

We are on the way to spend some time in a familiar location in the countryside. It is on the outskirts of Sydney, Australia. It is a place I visited regularly with my father as a child whenever he asked me where I want to go. A place where I derived much comfort from just being there, sitting in my wheelchair and becoming engrossed in everything happening around me.

I see the animals – sheep, cattle and horses – as they go about their daily life. They are peaceful and content every time I come to watch them. The sheep differ from the other animals, in that they always seem spaced apart. It is as if someone intended to place each of them apart in an even and consistent way, apart from each other to spread across an entire expanse of land. I notice the other animals don’t do that and wondered why. There were many types of birds, each, with a different size, colours, sounds and agility. All appreciate being a part of the surrounding Nature, as I was. I am impressed by the trees which stood there proud and together. They are like a family enjoying the sun and the wind. They are witnesses to everything that was happening and had happened throughout their life. The air is clean, and I feel the warmth of the sun on my face. I feel part of the Nature that surrounds me. There seems to be a purpose to things. Everything is calm and peaceful, in contrast to family life. At this early age, I found great comfort in Nature. 

My World

Gam Bok Yin (on the right) and his brother in the 1950's.

Gam Bok Yin (on the right) and his brother in the 1950's.

As an infant and young child, Nature and animals became my friends and an integral part of my isolated world. My social abilities had not developed. I spent a lot of time alone and did not mix well or play with other children, apart from my ten-months older brother when he was around. In fact, up to eight years of age I had only spent two months attending school. In retrospect, I feel that may have been an unsuccessful experiment, as my parents tried to integrate me into what all other children did at my age. However, my inability to walk made it untenable, and they postponed schooling. Facilities were nonexistent for disabled school children back in the 1940s and 50s. My wheelchair defined my world and influenced what I came to expect.

In the family home, I slept isolated in the kitchen on an army surplus stretcher while the rest of the family slept in bedrooms upstairs. Every night I would lay there in the darkness and hear the talking and laughter of my parents and brother from their upstairs bedrooms. As time went by, I also became to