Born in 1963 in Hong Kong, Henry's interest in physical contact sport developed in England when at the age of 16, he became the first Chinese to play in the 1st XV Rugby Team in his high school. He started Judo training in 1984 in Edinburgh (Scotland), when he entered Heriot-Watt University where Shihan George Kerr (Olympic Gold medalist 7th dan) was the instructor of the Judo Club. Henry was graded 1st dan black belt under the Scottish Judo Federation in 1986. In 1985, he started Karate training in parallel with Boxing at a local martial arts school and reached 3rd kyu before his graduation in 1987 under British Karate Wadoryu. |
After returning to Hong Kong to work as a Civil Engineer in 1987, Henry continued his study of Karate under Shihan Takahashi (6 th dan) and Sansei Ho King Chee (4 th dan). He was graded to 3rd dan in Goju-Ryu karate in 1995 as well as 1st dan in Kyokushinkai and was part of the National squad between 1993 to 1995. During this time he became Assistant National Coach (1994). Henry also trained with Benny “The Jet” Urguidez, 6 times PKA World Kickboxing Champion during his stay in Hong Kong in 1988 / 89. Henry has taken part in many fight events since 1984. He has founded Fight Club in 2004 to promote submission Fighting in Hong Kong. |
Dear All,
Godish, life becomes so tough nowadays, it is heartbreaking to see my investment going down, and down, and down.......... My budget to support the Academy is suddenly tighten. Anyhow, I have committed to offer three of our guest black belt instructor to teach in the Academy. Hopefully, they will bring along more fresh members and my investment would eventually pay off. I suppose I have nothing to lose at the end because I can learn from them every week, haha! I was recently interviewed by Capital CEO magazine regarding BJJ, it will be published in the coming November issue. The Report asked me “Why you switch to learn BJJ after 20 odd years of other Martial Art training experience?” Well, he is damn right, sometimes it could be difficult for one to give up a style and totally switch to something new which meant one has to take off his black belt. I replied: “I never came across a Martial Art which is so interesting to learn. Its efficient way of applying leverage is truly scientific, and because I am an engineer, I can really appraise its way of applying mechanics. In rolling, BJJ is a chess game and it helps to take away my stress. Obviously, you have to roll with a right person with correct attitude to avoid unnecessary injury!” So it doesn't matter how old or weak or unfit you are, find a right gym and start learning BJJ.
Yours faithfully
Henry Chan |
