Choy Li Fut Kung Fu
“Choy Li Fut is the most effective system that I've seen for fighting more than one person. It is one of the most difficult styles to attack and defend against. Choy Li Fut is the only style that traveled to Thailand to fight the Thai boxers and won.””..... Bruce Lee
Niel Willcott is a renowned martial artist and instructor who has dedicated himself to the practice and promotion of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu. He has trained extensively in the King Mui lineage, which is considered one of the most authentic and traditional branches of Choy Li Fut, under the tutelage of the late Keeper Chan Sun-Chiu in the village of King Mui.
Niel Willcott's journey with Choy Li Fut started with his passion for martial arts at a young age. He embarked on a rigorous training regimen and dedicated himself to learning the intricacies of Choy Li Fut under the guidance of experienced instructors. Over the years, he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the art, its forms, techniques, and philosophy.
Niel Willcott's commitment to Choy Li Fut has been recognised and acknowledged by being appointed as one of the successors of the King Mui lineage after the passing of Keeper Chan Sun-Chiu. As a recognised authority in Choy Li Fut, Niel Willcott continues to teach and share his knowledge with students all over the world. He is known for his expertise in selecting and teaching forms that are best suited for individual students based on their body type, temperament, and skill level.
Niel Willcott's approach to Choy Li Fut goes beyond just physical training. He emphasises the holistic aspects of martial arts, including mental focus, self-discipline, and personal growth. He incorporates traditional Chinese martial arts philosophy and principles into his teachings, instilling values of respect, humility, and integrity in his students.
Through his dedication and expertise in Choy Li Fut, Niel Willcott has made a significant contribution to the preservation and promotion of this traditional Chinese martial art. His passion, skill, and commitment to Choy Li Fut continue to inspire and influence martial artists around the world, making him a respected figure in the Choy Li Fut community.
Niel with his teacher Chan Sun-Chiu the Keeper of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu.
The lineage of Niel Willcott's Choy Li Fut can be traced back over 3000 years directly to the Buddha, although the organisation is not religious, it still retains many Buddhist traditions and etiquette. One such tradition is the practice of choosing a direct inheritor to receive one-on-one training from the master, similar to the concept of the Patriarch of Buddhism. This tradition has been passed down through generations, and after 27 generations, it went to the Bodhidharma, who traveled to China and created Zen Buddhism along with a physical training program called Lohan.
The Lohan physical training program eventually led to the creation of Shaolin Kung Fu. Despite the changing times, the tradition of a single inheritor continued and was passed from Abbot to Abbot over the next 1200 years, until it reached Choy Fook in 1835 AD, the last Abbot after the final fall of the Shaolin Temple.
The inheritance was then passed to Chan Heung, who studied in hiding with the last Abbot. Chan Heung went on to create the Choy Li Fut style of Kung Fu, naming it in honor of his teacher. The most direct line of the Choy Li Fut lineage remained in King Mui village and was passed down to Chan Heung's great-grandson, Chan Sun-Chiu, who was known as the Keeper. The Keeper then imparted this knowledge to his only living student, Niel Willcott, who is the founder of Lohan Martial Arts, the school that carries on the Choy Li Fut lineage today.
This direct lineage from the Buddha to Niel Willcott showcases the rich history and heritage of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu, and highlights the significance of the traditional one-on-one inheritance system that has been passed down through generations. Niel Willcott's role as the inheritor of this lineage reflects his deep knowledge, skill, and dedication to the art of Choy Li Fut, and the responsibility he carries in preserving and passing on this traditional martial art to future generations.
Niel on the front cover of Spain's most popular martial arts magazine.
Niel Willcott's martial arts journey began at a young age, attending his first class at four years old. Over the years, he learned various martial arts styles, including Judo, boxing, Karate, and more. However, it was at the age of nineteen in 1996 that he started learning Choy Li Fut Kung Fu.
Through dedication and hard work, Niel quickly progressed in Choy Li Fut, and within eighteen years, he went from being a beginner in a class to becoming the youngest living 5th generation successor of the art, a title shared by only three people in the world: Doc-Fai Wong, Chan Yong Fa, and Niel Willcott. In 2010, Niel was given the title of Grandmaster by his teacher, Chan Sun-Chiu, though he seldom uses this formal title, preferring his students to call him Sifu, which is the traditional name for a teacher.
In 2005, Niel had the opportunity to compete at the 1st World Traditional Wushu Tournament in Zhengzhou, China, which was the largest martial arts tournament in history at that time. Niel won two silver medals, showcasing his skill and expertise in Choy Li Fut Kung Fu. At the age of twenty-eight, Niel retired from martial arts tournaments, but his passion for teaching continued.
In 2000, Niel began teaching Choy Li Fut Kung Fu in Norwich under the name of Hung Sing Martial Arts, and in 2013, he changed the name to Lohan Martial Arts to honor the wishes of his teacher, the Keeper, Chan Sun-Chiu. Niel's reputation as a skilled martial artist and instructor has led to invitations to teach seminars in many countries, and he has built a large international following.
Niel's martial arts journey is a testament to his lifelong dedication and passion for the art of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu, and his achievements as a practitioner, teacher, and international instructor highlight his expertise and deep connection to this traditional martial art.