Master Kong On was one of the most respected martial artists of his time — a formidable fighter, disciplined teacher, and custodian of multiple powerful lineages. His journey began under Master Chow Loong, the founder of Chow Gar Kung Fu, where he developed a strong foundation in close-range combat, agile footwork, and simultaneous attack and defence. Chow Gar’s emphasis on compact power and animal-style precision shaped Kong On’s early skillset and fighting philosophy. But his path didn’t stop there — it was only the beginning of a lifelong journey into the deeper layers of martial mastery.
At a public kung fu demonstration, Grandmaster Tarm Sarm, founder of Buk Sing Choy Lay Fut, witnessed Kong On’s talent and sent a personal invitation for a private meeting — a rare gesture that carried both honour and risk. Tarm Sarm was known for testing fighters through uncompromising challenge matches, and Kong On, though cautious, accepted out of respect and curiosity. The match that followed was intense and spirited. Kong On fought with heart and skill, but was ultimately overwhelmed by Tarm Sarm’s superior strategy, footwork, and control. Each time Kong On rose to strike, he was met with precise and measured force — a humbling but transformative encounter.
Rather than retreat in pride, Kong On returned to Tarm Sarm’s home days later, offering his respect and asking to become his student. This act of humility and determination impressed the grandmaster, who accepted him as one of his six top disciples — an extraordinary honour that would shape the course of Chinese martial arts history. Through Kong On, the explosive, short-range techniques of Chow Gar were integrated with the expansive, full-body mechanics of Buk Sing, creating a new, hybrid generation of martial artists who could adapt across styles, distances, and contexts with devastating efficiency.
Kong On’s path didn’t stop there. He later trained under Master Ku Yu Cheung, a towering figure in Northern Shaolin (Buk Sil Lum), becoming one of the few to truly master all three systems: Chow Gar, Buk Sing, and Buk Sil Lum. His expertise spanned Southern power, Buk Sing range and strategy, and Northern internal structure and fluidity. During wartime, he served as a military martial arts instructor, known for his iron body conditioning, bone setting skills, and mastery of hard and soft Qigong. Calm, composed, and principled, Master Kong On left a deep legacy — one that lives on through his son, Grandmaster Kong Hing, and continues to shape the foundation of our Academy to this day.
