Ling’s Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy

Sam Ling and his martial arts students can often be seen snaking their way down the routes of local parades in the costume of a Chinese lion, marching to the beat of an Oriental drum. “The Lion Dance,” a Chinese tradition believed to date back at least to the third century, or earlier, is a dance performed at Chinese New Year and other celebrations, such as weddings and grand openings, as an omen intended to bring good luck.

The study of martial arts encompasses more than just self defense and physical fitness, said Ling, owner of Ling’s Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy room G03 at The Shirt Factory. “Martial arts is part of our culture,” said Ling, who immigrated from Hong Kong when he was 12 years old. “You learn a lot of culture, a lot of respect.”

Wing Chun, literally interpreted “Singing Spring,” is an ancient Chinese martial arts self-defense form that builds strong arm and leg muscles. The technique involves developing a relaxed stance and learning to take advantage of an opponent’s strength. It was the method the legendary martial arts expert Bruce Lee taught, Ling said.

Ling also teaches Yang Style Tai Chi, a 19 th century variation on the original Chen Style Tai Chi. Yang Style, also known as “Long Form,” is said to be the most popular form of contemporary Tai Chi, because it combines contemplation with cardiovascular exercise, using a sequence of graceful movements instead of the kicking and sudden jerking movements of Chen Style. A sequence of from 85 to 105 movements can be completed in 30 minutes. The style is often performed outside.

Ling said he often takes his classes to the courtyard outside The Shirt Factory, or to Glens Falls City Park. “On a rainy day or cold weather, we come back to the studio,” he said.

Other times, Ling goes out to teach classes at the Glens Falls Senior Center, Queensbury
Senior Center, Moreau Community Center, Glen at Hiland Meadows and in Argyle. “I have students from 60 up to 90 years old,” he said. “It’s for health. It’s more like socializing, not just exercising.”

Ling moved to Queensbury in 1988, and worked for many years at his family’s restaurant The Flower Drum Song on Route 9, where Monty’s Discount Wine & Liquor store is now located. The family closed the restaurant in 2010, and Ling leased space in the basement of The Shirt Factory, at the corner of Lawrence and Cooper streets, to open his academy.

Reasonable rent was the main attraction to the Shirt Factory, a former garment factory that is now a center for arts and cultural businesses. “This place was affordable, and it is still affordable,” he said.

You can reach Sam Ling at Ling’s Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy or send him an email at [email protected], room G03 in The Shirt Factory, 21 Cooper Street, Glens Falls #shirtfactorygf

Interview by Maury Thompson.

Photograph by Behoff Photo