Dean Chin Washington DC Jow Ga History

The late Grandmaster Dean Chin attended this event:

美東國術聯誼總會成立盛況
Grand Founding Ceremony of the Eastern United States Chinese Martial Arts Federation

各派師傅率門人表演助慶
Masters from the various martial arts schools led their students in demonstration performances to celebrate the occasion.

The Eastern United States Chinese Martial Arts Federation held its founding and inauguration ceremony on March 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Chinese Center in New York City.

In addition to the federation’s officers and representatives from various Chinese martial arts organizations, those attending included Chinese consular officials, leaders of various Chinese community organizations, martial artists, members of the overseas Chinese community, and guests from both Chinese and Western communities. More than 500 people attended.

The ceremony was presided over by Advisor Ng Shing (伍誠). It began with a traditional lion dance performed by the Hong Men Athletic Association (華康國術社). This was followed by the introduction of the newly elected officers.

The federation’s president, Leung Ching-ping (梁東屏), delivered an address and formally announced the establishment of the organization.

Six students from the martial arts class of New York Community College then presented commemorative gifts to President Leung and the assembled masters.

Following congratulatory speeches, the honored guests were introduced individually and invited onto the stage. The ceremony was dignified yet simple, after which martial arts demonstrations immediately began.

The New York federation was organized around 1972, bringing together masters from multiple styles including Hung Ga, Tai Chi, Northern Praying Mantis, and others. The New England branch was established later, in 1977.

Young Master Deric Mims 💪🏾

Sending my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Master Deric Mims and the entire Mims family on the passing of his beloved mother, Barbara Mims.

Mrs. Mims holds a special place in our Jow Ga history. She joined the very first Jow Ga school on I Street in Washington, D.C.’s Chinatown—even before her son, Deric Mims, began training.

In one of these treasured photographs, she can be seen training and throwing a punch behind Henry Wong, who is wearing the yellow shirt and brown slacks. Another photo captures a proud moment of Mrs. Mims with the trophies she earned at a tournament—a lasting reminder of her own dedication and place in our martial arts family.

May God bless Barbara Mims and bring comfort, strength, and peace to Master Deric Mims and the entire Mims family during this difficult time. Her memory and legacy will always remain a part of our Jow Ga family. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

童子拜佛 (四平馬) Boy worships Buddha
From 花拳 (Faa Kyun) Flower Fist

This may appear to be a ceremonial or respectful posture, but it can contain several practical fighting applications. The hands coming together can form a tight protective guard, intercept an incoming attack, trap or control the opponent’s arm, or press forward to disrupt their balance. From contact, the hands can separate into palms, elbows, grabs, or other close-range attacks, while the lowering of the body teaches the practitioner to sink the center of gravity for greater stability, leverage, and takedowns. The posture can also serve as an entry into the clinch, leading naturally to knee strikes, sweeps, throws, and continuous follow-up attacks. Rather than representing one fixed technique, 童子拜佛 (四平馬) Boy worships Buddha can be understood as a fighting principle: protect the center, make contact, control the opponent’s structure, and immediately turn defense into attack.

It uses a strong, centered Four-Level Stance with both arms forming a rounded “embracing the moon” 雙手抱月 structure. As the opening movement of 花拳 (Faa Kyun), it introduces an important fighting principle: establish a stable center, control the opponent’s bridge, disrupt their structure, and create an opening for continuous attack.

Visiting Grandmaster Hoy Lee.

Full circle. Top left Sifu Dean Chin and our school in Chinatown. Bottom left my students and I Chinatown DC. Almost 40 years later. What better way to honor sifu 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾. Happy to have had approximately 200 students through the years 🎊🎉🍾