Lou Fu Institute
Lineage Story
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Grand Master Poon Wai Sanchez:
Our Sikong & The 5th Generation Keeper
Grand Master Poon Wai Sanchez (born Ernesto Rodríguez Sánchez) is the 5th generation successor of the Choy Lee Fat lineage, a direct and authorized disciple of the legendary Grand Master Poon Shing. He is the founder of the Nan Tien Men organization and the official standard-bearer for the Poon Shing name across all of Latin America.
For the Lou Fu Institute, he is our Sikong – a title of deep respect meaning "Grandmaster's other disciple" or senior uncle in the family. He is not merely a distant authority; he is our direct teacher's teacher, and his wisdom flows through everything we teach.
A Lifelong Dedication to the Martial Path
Grand Master Poon Wai's journey is one of profound commitment. To reach the source of the art, he lived for years in Hong Kong, training intensively under the direct supervision of Grand Master Poon Shing. There, he absorbed not only the techniques but the deeper philosophy, ethics, and transmission methods of the Poon Shing family.
During this time, he also excelled as a Wushu athlete, competing and performing at levels that required exceptional physical conditioning, technical precision, and performance discipline – all of which inform his unique, holistic teaching method today.
An Academic Approach to Traditional Arts
Grand Master Poon Wai holds a degree in Physical Education and two postgraduate Lato Sensu degrees in Advanced Gymnastics and Sports Training Sciences. He has worked as a coach and consultant at colleges and universities, preparing professional athletes for national and international competitions.
This blend of deep traditional knowledge with modern sports science is rare. It means his teaching is not based on dogma or vague mysticism – it is structured, evidence-informed, and results-oriented, while remaining completely faithful to the Poon Shing lineage.
Pioneer of Choy Lee Fut in the Americas
In 1982, he founded the Nan Tien Men (South Gate of Heaven) organization. At a time when authentic Chinese martial arts were scarcely known in South America, he became a pioneer – introducing Choy Lee Fut and traditional Lion Dance to Bolivia and Brazil.
Over four decades, Nan Tien Men has educated more than 7,000 students. Its graduates have spread the art across the globe, establishing schools in Germany, Peru, the United States, and strengthening the practice here in Brazil.
Our Connection - A Family Bond
Grand Master Poon Wai accepted Sifu Claudio Vicente as his direct disciple, formally adopting him into the Poon Shing family and authorizing him to teach and represent the lineage in Brazil. This act was not ceremonial – it was a transfer of responsibility.
When Grand Master Poon Wai visited Rio de Janeiro in January 2025 for a historic seminar at the Instituto Lou Fu, he expressed his will to formalize and expand the Poon Shing authority in Brazil. His presence on our training floor was not a guest appearance; it was a family elder coming home to strengthen the root.
A Living Legacy
Grand Master Poon Wai Sanchez continues to travel, teach, and guide his disciples across the Americas. He is approachable, humble, and fiercely dedicated to the art he has spent his life preserving.
For students of the Lou Fu Institute, he is not a distant historical figure. He is our Sikong – and his door, his knowledge, and his blessing are part of our living inheritance.
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