Hong Luck Kung Fu Club

The Chinese Canadian population in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is 386,785 (based on the Canada 2001 Census).   The Chinese brought along with them the Chinese culture and shared the culture with Canadians i.e. Chinese brush painting, Chinese caligraphy, Chinese literature, Chinese cuisine, etc.  Among the various facets of the culture, Chinese kung fu or Chinese martial arts (sometimes referred to as Chinese boxing) and the Chinese lion dance captured the attention of a lot of young Canadians.  As a result, Hong Luck Kung Fu Club bccame one of the first Chinese martial arts / kung fu clubs who teaches the art of kung fu and the art lion dancing in Toronto.  

Lion dance is a vibrant long-standing Chinese tradition.  Today lion dance is performed at the request of businesses events, corporate functions, weddings, to enliven the atmosphere of the event.  In most cases, the lion dance is performed at the beginning or as an opening act to the main event.  The bright multi-coloured lion costumes and the dynamic beat of the drums, gongs, cymbals awaken the atmosphere and draw attention to the event before the start of the main event. 

The lions carries the “spirit” of a Chinese kung fu / martial arts school.  Traditionally, the lion was used to frighten demons from local businesses and communities, and help bring good fortune to all.   The colours of lions vary, and they may follow those attributed to the Chinese heroic personalities of the Three Kingdoms i.e.  Guan Gung and his brothers, Cheung and Lau. 

Lion dance can be performed on the ground, on 12 feet poles, as in most international lion dance competitions, or puzzles to challenge the kung fu school.  The skill of the lion dance team will be judged on the ability to solve the puzzles per lion dance etiquette. 

Further information of lion dance culture and history can be found at http://www.hongluck.org/lion-dance-history.html.