Bruce Lee is the international symbol of a discipline that has its origins in mainland China. To survive in hostile environments during the Warring States period, the ancient Chinese developed the now-familiar defence and attack techniques that incorporate jumping, tumbling and kicking.

Varieties of Kung Fu

Known collectively in China as Wushu, martial arts are not a single, unified practice. They are an ancestral tradition that has regional differences. These differences are usually classified by the things they have in common and grouped into various “families” (Jia), “sects” (Pai) or “schools” (Men). This system originated in the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1507 to 256 BC). The Shaolin monastery technique focusing on feet and circular movements is most popular in North China. In the South, especially in Hong Kong, Hung Kuen, Choy Lee Fut and Wing Chun (also called “Radiant Spring Boxing”) have the largest following.

In 1954, at the age of thirteen, Bruce Lee, the “little dragon”, learnt Wing Chun in Hong Kong when he arrived from the United States with his family. The technique, which he studied under grandmaster Yip Man for four years, mainly uses the upper body and is based on close combat and self-defence.

Global fame thanks to Bruce Lee’s movies

In 1967, Wing Chun inspired Bruce Lee to develop his own discipline, Jeet-Kune-Do (JKD). Influenced by kinesiology and physiology, this new approach aimed to create the “perfect system” by combining other varieties such as English Boxing, Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.

Bruce Lee left his mark in the 20^th century and is still considered by many to be the greatest martial arts master in history. Others believe the pioneer is the ultimate fighter because he fought with his bare hands. He popularised the discipline of Kung Fu (and put the city of Hong Kong in the spotlight) through films such as Operation Dragon and The Fury of Defeat. He also used his fame to create awareness for Chinese martial arts, paving the way for action heroes like Jackie Chan, Chuck Norris, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Hong Kong celebrates his legacy through its film archive, which houses the world’s largest collection of Kung Fu movies.

A legacy that makes Hong Kong more appealing

Bruce Lee continues to influence the practice of Kung Fu in Hong Kong today. “Many expatriates settle in Hong Kong because they discovered the city through Bruce Lee’s movies”, says Clément Fagon, Network Director for AGS in Asia. “Many learn Kung Fu once they are settled in; it even becomes a way of life. It is not uncommon to see foreigners opening their own schools, integrating new techniques, and breaking the barrier between traditional martial arts and MMA. They are Bruce Lee’s successors”, adds Clément.

The city is home to several large training institutions run by Kung Fu masters. Among them is the Yip Man Martial Arts Association, which is led by Master Sam Lau. Master Lau is a student of the great master Yip Man, who was Bruce Lee’s mentor. He puts you to the test as if you were Uma Thurman in Kill Bill. You can also learn basic Kung Fu moves during the weekly demonstration at the Kung Fu Corner that teaches the initiation techniques used in traditional fighting.

Understanding Hong Kong and Kung Fu through books

There are many books that can help you understand the tradition if you are an expatriate. The first is Bruce Lee’s own book, Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method, which illustrates his knowledge and concept of fighting.

Chi Kung: Health and Martial Arts, by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, reveals how to harness your internal energy through Kung Fu. To understand the history behind the discipline, there is The Tao of Wing Chun: The History and Principles of China’s Most Explosive Martial Art by Danny Xuan and John Little.

Hong Kong has been the setting of many literary works, including John le Carré’s The Honourable Schoolboy, Timothy Mo’s Monkey King, and  bestselling The Piano Teacher by Janice YK Lee. Political scientist and historian, Steve Tsang explores the city’s rich past in A Modern History of Hong Kong.

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“Everyone calls him Shīfù Ka Fai,” observes AGS Hong Kong Branch Manager Elliot McMahon. “In Chinese culture, the word Shīfù, meaning master, is informally conferred on someone who has become an expert in their field. And Ka Fai is certainly an expert.”

But that was not the case when Ka Fai joined AGS Hong Kong in 1984. Starting as a labourer, he gradually rose through the ranks, rounding out his career as packing supervisor. From this position, Ka Fai oversaw the training of many of the packers that work at AGS Hong Kong today.

Team spirit drives our culture

Across the AGS Group, experienced staff train the new generation to become experts in their own right. And it’s more than just technical skill they pass on, they are the embodiment of our company’s family culture, our respect for customers and our focus on quality.

Elliot thinks it’s this student-teacher dynamic that encourages people to build their careers at AGS: “Another meaning for Shīfù is similar to father. In ancient times, it was how Buddhist disciples referred to their teachers, who they regarded as their fathers. I see similar close-knit relationships develop at AGS Hong Kong as our new recruits train under masters like Ka Fai.”

Thank you, Ka Fai, for your dedication to AGS Hong Kong. Your legacy will live on in the many team members who have flourished under your guidance.

The French International Internship Programme (VIE or Volontariat International en Entreprise), enables students and young graduates seeking employment, an internship opportunity at a French-based company overseas, for a period of six to 24 months.

To take part in the VIE Grand Prix Hong Kong 2016, candidates had to produce a written document or video, showing their involvement in the company and illustrating what the programme represents to them, both personally and professionally. They also had to answer the following question: “How should the image of France in Hong Kong be effectively promoted, especially in one of these five priority subject areas: health, sustainable city, food processing, new technologies and tourism?” Four prizes were given including: SMEs, Major Groups, Bank and Finance Sector, and the Coup de cœur (Judges’ Choice) award.

AGS Movers Hong Kong participated in this event both as an official sponsor, offering an air parcel service coupon up to HK$ 1500 to each one of the four winners, and as an organiser. Grégory Seitz, AGS Hong Kong Branch Manager and French Foreign Trade Advisor, was also a judge on the selection panel. Appointed as a French Foreign Trade Advisor in 2013, Grégory Seitz is involved in numerous activities concerning French economic interests internationally.

“I’m always eager to bring my expertise of international relocation and logistics to the French business community in Hong Kong,” Gregory said.

It was this natural for Gregory to actively engage in the Grand Prix which seeks to reward young talent.

“With AGS being a company that gives interns opportunities within its own network, it was important to me to play an active role in the organisation of this event. Being on the judging panel enabled me to realise the potential of young French people.”

This international event offered an exceptional opportunity to meet influential personalities from large companies and the business world in general, and allowed young graduates the chance to develop a network of useful contacts as they begin their professional careers. We hope that the four winners will take full advantage of it.

– The SME Prize went to Christophe Castallino from Bon Colac.
– Major Groups Prize rewarded Grégoire Xerri from Bouygues Dragages.
– The Bank and Finance Sector Prize was awarded to Nassima Benziane, from Natixis
– And Fanny Radrigan de la Fuente received the “Coup de Coeur” Prize.

AGS wishes the winners all the best to achieve their dreams!

Factors recognised by the Editorial Board of the Mediazone Group (MZG) included AGS’ quality certifications; contributions to Hong Kong and China over the last eight years; overall quality and value of services; and devotion to quality in staff training.

“The AGS Hong Kong team is very honoured to receive this award,”

said AGS Hong Kong Branch Manager Gregory Seitz upon receiving the award.

“We aim to achieve full customer satisfaction at every move thanks to our quality systems and our certifications. I would like to thank the organisers for this special event and for selecting AGS in the category ‘Relocation Services’.”

According to figures released by MZG, they annually invest in excess of $5 million into research and analysis. Regular internet-based polls include more than 30 mainstream industries, providing accurate data for use by HKMVC.

CAPTION: AGS Hong Kong’s Branch Manager, Gregory Seitz and Trainee Manager, Elliot McMahon, receive the award for ‘Most Reliable Relocation Service Provider 2014’ in the ‘Most Valuable Service Awards 2014’.

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Having attracted again more than 10,000 charity-minded families and individuals this year in spite of the neighbouring Krosa typhoon, the festival raised over HK$500,000 on site during the day through the donation of the entry fee. All proceeds will go to the Hong Chi Association, Hong Kong Student Aid Society and Kids4Kids, supporting the development of children and teenagers who are mentally handicapped or come from underprivileged families. We look forward to continuing to support this great event and cause next year.

The worthy event, founded in 2005, has become the largest music and dance festival in Hong Kong and supports Hong Chi Association and Hong Kong Student Aid Society.

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Gregory presented AGS Movers Hong Kong by speaking about the moving industry and AGS’s efforts toward sustainability.

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