Finding direction in Chinese martial arts

Jacob Brinnand’s life took a transformative turn when he discovered the profound world of Chinese martial arts. Growing up in the Bay Area, Brinnand was immersed in a vibrant Asian and Pacific Islander community where martial arts were deeply ingrained in the culture. Inspired by kung fu films like *Drunken Master II*, he sought authenticity in martial arts but struggled to find a mentor who could guide him to its true essence. This changed in 2005 when he met Y.C. Wong, a fourth-generation disciple of the legendary Wong Fei-hung, a Qing Dynasty martial artist renowned for his mastery of hung gar and drunk boxing, as well as his expertise in traditional Chinese medicine. Wong became Brinnand’s sifu (master), offering him not just martial arts training but also a path to self-discovery and purpose. Brinnand’s journey led him to China in 2007, where he participated in the 160th anniversary of Wong Fei-hung’s birth, performing alongside masters and living legends. This experience deepened his understanding of kung fu as a holistic practice encompassing health, strength, longevity, and community. Inspired by Wong’s teachings and Chinese philosophical texts like the *Tao Te Ching*, Brinnand left his successful marketing career to dedicate his life to martial arts. Today, he teaches hung gar in Houston, Texas, helping others find strength and fulfillment through this ancient art.