Lou Fu Institute
Nan Tien Men:
The South Gate of Heaven
A Brief History of the Association
Nan Tien Men (or "South Gate of Heaven") is a Chinese Martial Arts cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and traditional practice of Choy Lee Fat Kung Fu, from Hung Sing lineage, and other Traditional Chinese martial arts and disciplines.
It was founded in 1982 by Grand Master Poon Wai Sanchez (Ernesto Rodríguez Sánchez), a direct disciple of Grand Master Poon Shing.
A Legacy to the World
Grand Master Poon Wai is a direct disciple of Grand Master Poon Shing and the 5th generation holder of the lineage, and the official representative of the Poon Shing name for all of Latin America. He is one of the pioneers of Kung Fu in Bolivia and Brazil, having introduced the Lion Dance to multiple South American countries.
An Academic Approach to Martial Arts
Beyond his martial mastery, 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 for colleges and universities, preparing professional athletes for national and international championships.
The Global Impact
The Nan Tien Men School has educated over 7,000 students, contributing to their cultural growth, personal development, and well-being. The organization's influence is global: students and instructors from the 1980s and 90s generations have moved abroad and continued to teach, establishing Choy Lee Fut in Germany, Peru, the United States, and strengthening it here in Brazil.
Brazil & Beyond
Sifu Claudio Vicente is a direct disciple of Grand Master Poon Wai Sanchez and 6th generation holder of the lineage.
Under his guidance, the Lou Fu Institute is honoured to be part of this living, breathing network. We are the South Gate of Heaven in Rio de Janeiro!
When asked what the association means for him, he said:
"Nan Tien Men represents a place of beginning, of search of knowledge, tradition, and learning of a legacy passed through generations!"
(Sifu Claudio Vicente)
Having lived in Rio before, the Grand Master Poon Wai knows the potential and liveliness of the city and he's excited about what Sifu Claudio can do with the Lou Fu Institute for the future of Choy Lee Fat Kung Fu!
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Instituto Lou Fu
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