Jacob Brinnand’s journey into the world of Chinese martial arts is a tale of transformation, dedication, and cultural exchange. Growing up in the Bay Area, Brinnand was immersed in the Asian and Pacific Islander community, where martial arts played a significant role in shaping the local culture. Inspired by kung fu movies like *Drunken Master II*, he developed a deep fascination for the art form. However, his search for authenticity in martial arts remained unfulfilled until a pivotal encounter in 2005.
While attending college, Brinnand met Y.C. Wong, a fourth-generation disciple of the legendary Wong Fei-hung. Wong Fei-hung, a revered figure in Chinese martial arts, was renowned for his mastery of *hung gar* and *drunk boxing*, as well as his expertise in *dit da*, a traditional Chinese medicine practice for trauma and bone setting. Under Wong’s mentorship, Brinnand found not only a teacher but also a guiding light that steered him away from a self-destructive path.
Wong, who had dedicated his life to kung fu since the 1960s, took Brinnand under his wing, offering him lessons in both martial arts and life. ‘He showed me incredible kindness and strength without asking for anything in return,’ Brinnand recalled. Wong’s teachings extended beyond physical combat, emphasizing the holistic benefits of kung fu, including health, longevity, and community service.
In 2007, Brinnand traveled to China to participate in the 160th anniversary of Wong Fei-hung’s birth, an experience that deepened his connection to the lineage. He later relocated to Houston, Texas, where he now teaches kung fu full-time, passing on the wisdom and techniques he learned from Wong to a new generation of students. Brinnand’s story is a testament to the transformative power of martial arts and the enduring legacy of cultural exchange between China and the United States.