Revitalising Hong Kong’s Cultural Heritage Through Movie Stunts and Martial Arts

Andrew Clifford Pong King-fung, the fourth-generation keeper of the White Crane kung fu tradition, is on a mission to preserve and promote Hong Kong’s cultural heritage through movie stunts and martial arts lessons. Drawing inspiration from his childhood aspiration of becoming a superhero and his admiration for martial arts legend Bruce Lee, Pong leads the New Era Martial Club, which aims to revive the city’s waning interest in kung fu and action cinema through professional movie stunt courses.

Reflecting on his childhood dreams, Pong shared, “As a kid, I aspired to be a superhero because I loved watching heroes on screens or in animations.” His early exposure to the world of martial arts, including taekwondo and gymnastics, eventually brought him to the heritage of kung fu. Influenced by the legacy of Bruce Lee, Pong and his friends established the New Era Martial Club to not only promote physical fitness but also instil the fighting spirit and perseverance in the younger generation.

Despite the decline in the production of martial arts films and the diminishing interest among Hong Kong’s youth, Pong remains determined to cultivate a new generation of martial arts talents. With a team of professional trainers, including experienced stunt performers and British army veterans, the club offers a diverse range of martial arts and movie stunt courses, providing individuals with skills they may otherwise not have the opportunity to acquire. Emphasising the discipline and dedication required in martial arts, Pong noted, “Martial arts is a discipline that allows you to appreciate the moment.”

The club’s efforts have garnered significant attention, especially following the victory of Hong Kong wushu athlete Samuel Hui at the World University Games in Chengdu, which has sparked a renewed interest in traditional Chinese martial arts. One such enthusiast is 11-year-old Hanson Huang Peng, who recently joined the movie stunt course. His experience has not only led to a new perspective on martial arts and action cinema but has also improved his physical strength and overall wellbeing.

Looking ahead, Pong is hopeful that the tradition of kung fu and the prominence of Hong Kong’s action movies will be revitalised, allowing the new generation to breathe new life into the city’s action cinema. Emphasising that “kung fu belongs to everyone – it is something to be celebrated,” Pong’s dedication and passion for preserving Hong Kong’s cultural heritage through martial arts are both admirable and inspiring.