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Lam Sifu's First Pai
Hip Sing Merchant Association

Circa 1959, Several Personal Disciples Were Unavailable The Day of This Photo.

After first arriving in New York City's Chinatown and taking post at the
local Hakka Association* for sometime, Lam Sang was later persuaded to move
to the Hip Sing Merchant Association. 

From the general membership, he accepted some seven disciples, (one was formally
excommunicated by Lam Sang turning the shrine's incense upside down and sending
him away) in the late 1950's.  They all lived together in one NYC Chinatown apartment
in a Teacher - student relationship.

*It is said that upon arriving at the Sun Jing Hui, Hakka Association, Lam Sang
proceeded to sit at the bar amongst all the local gambling members.  Sitting on
a bar stool, legs crossed, smoking a big cigar, people said he looked like a little "Monkey".
The Hakka Association Kungfu Master, surnamed Chen, challenged the 'Monkey' to
a boxing match.  The loser would carry the suitcase of the winner and call him Master
for the rest of their lives!  The larger boxer, Chen Gui, lost the exchange and Lam Sang
became the Master of NYC's Hakka Association circa 1954.  Ah Chen, in the following years,
true to his word, not only carried Lam Sang's suitcase, but, also contributed to Lam Sang's
disciples edification, including those in the picture right.
rdh@chinamantis.com 
                    
  
 BAMBOO TEMPLE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
CHINESE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION                                              
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