|
Written by Sifu Lane Louie June 2009 Santiago, Chile heralded a new chapter in the development of Chan Family Choy Lee Fut in Latinamerica. Apart from the anniversary and celebrations of 15 years of the establishment of Chan Family Choy Lee Fut, this year also was significant in that it was a double celebration for the inaugural opening of the first permanent Chen Family Choy Lee Fut school and Wing Sing Tong headquarters for Latinamerica. The school located at Avenue Salvador in the suburb of Nunoa, Santiago, endured 2 years of “red tape” before being finally given the final OK to operated at its present location. This was due to the “hard work” and patience shown by owners and operators Sifu’s Raul and Marcel Toutin who along with support from close friend Sifu Luis Pedreros as well as family, friends and Wing Sing Tong and Hung Sing Gwoon instructors. The Chen Family/Wing Sing Tong Latinamerican office headquarters, previously located at Irrarazaval, Nunoa and known as “Gymnasio Toutin” had been established at its previous location for 25 years before the property was sold to developers for “ high rise “ apartments. At the previous location, though located in separate buildings, the father of Sifu’s Raul and Marcel Toutin also operated a special school for the “handicapped”. 
The inaugural opening ceremony for the new school began on Friday 5th June at 8.00 pm with “special guest” Master Chen Yong Fa as well as myself attending. Also In attendance were Sifu’s Luis Pedreros (Chile), Eduardo Polonia (Columbia), Neva Mora(Venezuela) , Paul Nomchong (Australia) as well as representatives fom Argentina, Costa Rica,Uruguay. Other invited guests in attendance were local Martial Arts instructors such as Professor Alberto Gamboa (Hankido). The festivities began with the screening of a short film showing the preliminary construction and modifications of the existing building structure to the final completion. After this, was the introduction of “Special Guests’ followed by the introduction of representatives from other Countries, the members of the Wing Sing Tong and Hung Sing Gwoon instructors group. First on the agenda of the formal side of the ceremony was the offering incense to Founder Chan Heung by Master Chen Yong Fa and 5th Generation disciples, then the various Wing Sing Tong.Hung Sing Gwoon instructors.  The next part of the formal activities was the “awakening of the lion” ceremony which was conducted by Master Chen Yong Fa assisted Sifu Luis Pedreors and I. The new lion was kindly donated by Sifu Luis Pedreros. Following the “awakening of the Lion” ceremony, speeches were then made by Sifu’s Raul and Marcel Toutin follwed by Master Chen Yong Fa, Sifu Luis Pedreros and I.
After all the official speeches were completed, there was a kung fu display performed by members from Chile as well as Columbia. This included a performance from both adults as well as children. There was also a short Lohan qigong perfomand by local practitioners.
After the cessation of the kung fu/Lohan Qigong displays, commemorative plaques to celebrate 15 tears of Choy Lee Fut in Latinamerica were presented to all the dignatories by Sifu’s Raul and Marcel Toutin. 
With the closing of the “official part” of the ceremony, the final act was the “cutting of the cake” followed with drinks to mark this commemorative occasion. Click below to view photo gallery
|
