May 27, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 99 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING GRANDMASTER CHAN PUI AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
               FLORIDA FOR ASIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 27, 2020

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Grandmaster Chan Pui is one of the leading 
pioneers in introducing martial arts to the United States. After 
immigrating to the United States in 1968, he began teaching the Wah Lum 
Kung Fu System in Boston, MA. In 1980, he moved the headquarters of the 
Wah Lum System to Orlando, FL where he built the first kung fu temple 
in the United States, the Wah Lum Temple.
  He was the first person to begin the tradition of Chinese New Year 
celebrations in Central Florida and used these events as an opportunity 
to educate his community on the Chinese culture. Grandmaster Chan has 
been featured in magazines and documentaries for his revered style and 
prowess in the martial arts industry. Most notably, his life is 
captured in a documentary directed by his daughter titled Pui Chan: 
Kung Fu Pioneer. Along with this documentation of his work, his skill 
and prowess are also exemplified through his inductions in several 
martial arts Halls of Fame. In addition to his many accolades, 
Grandmaster Chan has also trained a professional demonstration team 
that performs at all the major theme parks in Central Florida. Through 
his philanthropic efforts, he has raised over $30,000 for St. Jude 
Children's Research Hospital.
  Recognized and esteemed by many, Grandmaster Chan has been an 
integral part of contributing to and preserving martial arts knowledge 
in the world. Of all his endeavors and accomplishments, most important 
to him is his love for his family, his pride in his students, and his 
whole-hearted practice of his system's motto of integrating respect, 
kindness, fellowship, and strength in martial arts. In his life, 
actions, and practice of martial arts, his philosophy is evident, it's 
not just a job, but a way of life.

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