Sifu Sergio Iadarola’s Kung Fu World

A Clarification on Snake Crane Wing Chun

When the first edition of my book was published 12 years ago, I suggested that Snake Crane Wing Chun was probably an offshoot of Yuen Kay San Wing Chun.

Having researched the subject much more deeply since then, I now know that this was an error. In the latest edition of my book, I have corrected this, and several months ago I also made a YouTube video explaining and acknowledging my mistake to the Snake Crane Wing Chun Mun.

For me, the Secret Note is a key piece of evidence. It was recorded by Law Tai Wan in 1890 at a time when Yuen Kay San was only 1 years old. This alone raises serious questions about the idea that Snake Crane Wing Chun developed from Yuen Kay San Wing Chun and renders it pretty much impossible.

Furthermore, when you look carefully at the indoor form of Snake Crane Wing Chun, there are significant differences in both choreography (The Yuen Kay San Version for example in the second section has the Sap Yi Sao 十字手 (Character 10 hands) but is missing the following cobra head like Sae Ying Sao (Snake Shape hand) and the type of Ging being expressed. Assuming that one system simply came from the other does not adequately explain these differences.

That said, both versions are fantastic in their own right.

Personally, I have a great love for the Sum Nung / Yuen Kay San Siu Nim Tau, just as I deeply appreciate the indoor Siu Nim Tau of Snake Crane Wing Chun, as taught to me by my Sifu, Wong Kwong Lun.

I also want to make one thing absolutely clear regarding the recent short clips I have shared of Wong Kwong Lun Sifu performing Siu Nim Tau.

and also the footage currently circulating online of Sifu Wong Kwong Lun as this concerns the public/basic version only.

It does not show the second layer, which contains additional choreography ( like the Crane Beak technique as seen on the photo) and a more intense expression of Taan Ging and Faat Ging.

And it certainly does not show the third layer the deeper internal layer.

It is this deeper training that is one of the reasons we refer to our lineage as Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun.

There is much more to this system than what can be seen in a short public clip.

🙏 Respect to all lineages and practitioners.

#wingchun #vingtsun #siunimtau #Yuenkaysan #snakecranewingchun

1 month ago | [YT] | 44

Sifu Sergio Iadarola’s Kung Fu World

Regarding the recent guided voice message featuring sifu Law Chiu Wing: does he actually say that Wong Kwun Lun did not do Bai Si with him? No, In fact, he admits that he taught him and gave him corrections during the conversation, furthermore at moments it is quite clear that the questioning is deliberately leading him in a particular direction.

Furthermore, Wong Sifu himself has stated in interviews that he received much of his basic training from Lee Yuen, and he has always spoken proudly of that. The skills of Lee Yuen were clearly of a very high level, which is also reflected in the fact that he was selected to take over Sifu Law Chiu Wing’s classes for several years when Law Sifu himself was too busy to teach.

And ultimately, is that not what Kung Fu should be about? Acquiring a special skill through hard work, dedication, and years of training.

I have personally touched hands with Wayne Yung, and have witnessed him teach his students in his Kwoon on other occasions. From my own experience, the difference with the Kung Fu skill of Wong Kwun Lun is night and day. Therefore Rather than arguing endlessly about this, I would prefer to let the Kung Fu speak for itself. We will release more videos in the future so that people can see the skills for themselves and form their own opinions.

Furthermore, we have video interviews with Sifu Law Chiu Wing’s nephew, as well as accounts from other direct students of Sifu Law Chiu Wing, including John Yuen, who testify that Sifu Law Chiu Wing taught Wong Kwun Lun in Tsim Sha Tsui, in a building owned by Wong Kwun Lun’s family.

Personally, I could not care less whether Wong Sifu learned most of his Kung Fu from Sifu Lee Yuen or from Sifu Law Chiu Wing, as it’s the same lineage. For me, the question is ultimately about the quality of the Kung Fu.

We have seen similar controversies before. In the 1970s, there was a major Wing Chun dispute surrounding Sifu Leung Ting and whether he was a direct disciple of Ip Man. What eventually became known was that Leung Ting had received approximately six months of private instruction from Ip Man at the home of Kwok Keung. It took decades before this information became widely accepted within the Wing Chun community, particularly after Kwok Keung, Wang Kiu and other evidence supported Leung Ting’s account.

For me, and for the Eternal Spring Institute, the quality and standard of the Kung Fu will always be of the utmost importance.

During Wayne Yung Sifu’s recent historical lecture at the Eternal Spring institute, he asked me to let him conduct a practical session. I decided not to do so for the obvious reason, and instead allowed the event to remain focused on his lecture on Wing Chun history, a thesis with which I personally agree and stand behind.

I will leave the practical discussion there for now. Anyone who is interested can look at the evidence, watch the material we release, and make up their own mind.

I have far too much to do during the final quarter of the year to spend more time engaging in what I consider to be unnecessary arguments. I am looking forward to my upcoming seminars in Germany and Italy, followed by my second trip to China this year and then a visit to Hong Kong, where I have some important meetings.

More on that later.

For now, let the Kung Fu speak.

1 month ago | [YT] | 30

Sifu Sergio Iadarola’s Kung Fu World

To Whom It May Concern,

The Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun Department of the Eternal Spring Institute wishes to clarify its position concerning Sifu Wayne Yung and his Snake Crane Wing Chun Association in Hong Kong.

Two distinct matters must not be confused: historical research concerning Wing Chun Kuen and the practical teaching and transmission of Snake Crane Wing Chun.

1. Regarding the History of Wing Chun Kuen

There is substantial common ground between the historical research of Sifu Wayne Yung and that of Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola. The Eternal Spring Institute has recognised the value of Sifu Wayne Yung’s historical work; indeed, Sifu Wayne Yung was invited to give a lecture at the Institute concerning the history of Wing Chun Kuen.

In this specific field, Sifu Wayne Yung’s research broadly aligns with a considerable part of Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola’s own historical research and understanding.

However, this historical common ground must not be interpreted as evidence of practical affiliation, technical agreement, shared transmission, teaching cooperation, or lineage connection concerning the practice of Snake Crane Wing Chun.

Historical agreement does not establish technical identity.

2. Regarding the Practical Art of Snake Crane Wing Chun

For the avoidance of doubt, the Eternal Spring Institute and its Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun Department have no practical, technical, organisational, teaching, or lineage affiliation with the Wing Chun taught by Sifu Wayne Yung.

Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola has known Sifu Wayne Yung since 2014. During that time, he has not studied Sifu Wayne Yung’s practical Wing Chun, nor incorporated Sifu Wayne Yung’s method into his own training or teaching.

Had Sifu Iadarola wished to study, adopt, or integrate that method, he would have had ample opportunity to do so. He chose not to do so for clear and well-considered reasons.

The practical understanding of Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun within the Eternal Spring Institute is fundamentally different from the practical interpretation presented by Sifu Wayne Yung.

Our Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun follows the teachings and transmission of Sifu Wong Kwong Lun, who studied during the 1960s and early 1970s under GM Law Chiu Wing and was part of a small and select group within this particular transmission.

Accordingly, any suggestion that the practical Snake Crane Wing Chun of the Eternal Spring Institute is the same as, derived from, affiliated with, represented by, or technically connected to Sifu Wayne Yung’s practical Wing Chun is incorrect.

At the same time, we have no difficulty acknowledging the area in which common ground does exist:

Historically, there is considerable overlap.

Practically, the two approaches are fundamentally different.

3. Our Technical Position

Based on our study, training, and understanding of the principles preserved within our transmission, we consider the practical material publicly demonstrated by Sifu Wayne Yung to differ substantially from the Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun taught at the Eternal Spring Institute.

In particular, based upon the practical material available to us, it is our considered opinion that Sifu Wayne Yung does not demonstrate a sufficient practical understanding of the following principles as they are preserved within our transmission:

諸勁 Jyu Ging
彈勁 Taan Ging
發勁 Faat Ging

Our position is not merely that Sifu Wayne Yung uses different terminology or expresses these principles in a different style.

We do not recognise in his publicly demonstrated method the understanding, training, or functional expression of 諸勁 Jyu Ging, 彈勁 Taan Ging, and 發勁 Faat Ging as these principles are preserved within our transmission.

These are not minor details, supplementary concepts, or optional interpretations. They are major structural, energetic, and functional components of Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun.

In our assessment, Sifu Wayne Yung’s practical expression of 諸勁 Jyu Ging differs fundamentally from ours, and we do not believe his demonstrations show a sufficient grasp of 諸勁 Jyu Ging as understood within our system.

Likewise, we do not recognise in his publicly available practical material the expression of 彈勁 Taan Ging or 發勁 Faat Ging as these principles are preserved, trained, and applied within our transmission.

These principles are assessed through structure, timing, body connection, issuing and receiving methods, control of force, and the ability to apply them under genuine contact, not merely through appearance, terminology, or theoretical explanation.

Our position is therefore that Sifu Wayne Yung’s practical Wing Chun does not demonstrate the 諸勁 Jyu Ging, 彈勁 Taan Ging, and 發勁 Faat Ging that form essential parts of our Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun.

4. We Encourage Direct Comparison

We encourage anyone genuinely interested in Snake Crane Wing Chun to investigate the matter independently.

Watch Sifu Wayne Yung’s practical demonstrations and compare them carefully with the demonstrations and training material of the Eternal Spring Institute.

Examine the structure, body mechanics, movement principles, training methods, applications, generation and transmission of force, and overall technical approach.

In particular, consider whether 諸勁 Jyu Ging, 彈勁 Taan Ging, and 發勁 Faat Ging are genuinely understood, trained, and expressed, rather than merely named or claimed.

Where possible, experience both approaches directly. Compare the practical methods, training principles, and applications through genuine contact with practitioners representing each approach.

We are confident that the practical differences will become apparent to experienced practitioners who make a genuine and informed comparison.

5. Why We Are Making This Statement

We would ordinarily have no reason to comment publicly on another practitioner’s method.

However, private messages written by Sifu Wayne Yung concerning Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola and the Eternal Spring Institute were subsequently made public by a third party in a YouTube video.

Those messages included direct criticism of our Chi Sau, our understanding of internal martial arts, the practical effectiveness of Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola’s methods, and aspects of our understanding of terminology and transmission.

Because these remarks are now in the public domain, they may create confusion regarding the nature of our relationship with Sifu Wayne Yung and may give the impression that our practical method derives from, depends upon, or should be understood through his interpretation of Snake Crane Wing Chun.

That impression would be incorrect.

We therefore consider it necessary to clarify our position openly and respectfully.

Our intention is not to reproduce private correspondence unnecessarily, nor to answer personal criticism with personal criticism. Our purpose is to make clear what we teach, where our transmission comes from, the technical principles upon which it is based, and the areas in which our understanding differs fundamentally from that of Sifu Wayne Yung.

The fact that historical research may overlap does not give any individual authority over another practitioner’s practical transmission, nor does historical agreement establish technical dependence.

Where criticism concerns the practical quality, technical understanding, or effectiveness of our method, we believe the most appropriate response is not personal argument, but transparent comparison.

The material of both sides can be examined.

The methods can be experienced.

The results can be judged.

6. Our Position

Our position is straightforward:

Historically, there is significant common ground between the research of Sifu Wayne Yung and Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola.

Practically, the Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun of the Eternal Spring Institute is fundamentally different from the Wing Chun taught by Sifu Wayne Yung.

The Eternal Spring Institute has no practical, technical, organisational, teaching, or lineage affiliation with Sifu Wayne Yung’s Snake Crane Wing Chun Association.

Based upon the practical material available to us, it is our considered opinion that Sifu Wayne Yung misunderstands 諸勁 Jyu Ging as it is understood and preserved within our transmission. More importantly, we do not recognise 彈勁 Taan Ging or 發勁 Faat Ging within his publicly demonstrated method at all.

This distinction is particularly relevant because Sifu Wayne Yung has criticised Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola by suggesting that 彈勁 Taan Ging and 發勁 Faat Ging were taken from Tai Chi and Fujian White Crane. Our position is precisely the opposite. Within our transmission, 諸勁 Jyu Ging, 彈勁 Taan Ging, and 發勁 Faat Ging are essential and integral concepts of Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun itself. They are not borrowed additions, but principles that must be correctly understood, preserved, trained, applied, and transmitted as part of the art.

These distinctions are not contradictory:

Historical research may overlap, while practical transmission remains fundamentally different.

We encourage everyone to investigate for themselves, compare the material objectively, experience the training directly where possible, and make their own informed judgment.

Sincerely,

The Eternal Spring Institute
Internal Snake Crane Wing Chun Department

1 month ago | [YT] | 75

Sifu Sergio Iadarola’s Kung Fu World

I’m done giving my energy to negativity.

Like I said in one of my recent YouTube videos, from now on, I will not respond to social media attacks, provocations, or drama. And please, if you support me, do not send me those videos. I don’t want to watch them or discuss them.

I made a promise to my Sifu:

Build. Cultivate. Teach. Spread the art.

There is a saying:

“Does a honeybee stop to explain to a fly that flowers taste better than shit?”

No.

The bee simply goes back to the flowers. 🐝🌸

And that’s exactly what I’m doing.

I have an incredibly busy few months ahead, Germany, Italy twice, Spain, Shanghai again, Hong Kong after already spending almost every other week this year on a plane researching, cultivating , studying and spreading the art through my seminars and workshops.

Between the journeys, I want to focus on what actually matters:

Cultivating deeper skills.
Protecting my energy.
Spreading the art.
And choosing love. ❤️

Today, I’m reminded of that sitting with Johnny and Tora.

Life is too precious to waste fighting with people on the internet.

Let them talk.

I’ll be at the flowers.

🐝🌸❤️

#love #standaboveall #focusonwhatsimportant #kungfu

1 month ago | [YT] | 105

Sifu Sergio Iadarola’s Kung Fu World

The wait is almost over… 🐍🐉

The response to Master: The Secret Snake Crane Wing Chun Lineage Part 1 has been incredible. Thank you to everyone who has watched, shared, commented, and reached out with your support.

Many of you have been asking for the exact release date of Part 2, so here it is:

🔥 PART 2 RELEASES AUGUST 20TH 🔥

I’m truly grateful for all the support. It means more to me than you know, and I appreciate it from the heart.

August 20th Part 2 begins.
Stay tuned. 🐍🥋

2 months ago | [YT] | 36

Sifu Sergio Iadarola’s Kung Fu World

To the clarification video https://youtu.be/-ejVg1mZ3sQ

A Final Clarification and Summary regarding Mr. Hendrik Santo's opinion on SCWC (Statement Screenshots 1-5, tap to see full picture)

---This statement is posted on behalf of Sifu Wayne Yung, the President of the Snake Crane Wing Chun Martial Arts Association, appointed by the 5th generation lineage holder (retired), Law Chiu Wing.---

Links to the evidence mentioned in point 3, 5, 11 and 13 are listed below.
3. Mok Wai Keung with my Sifu video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djZlv...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKj5m...

5. Regarding to the Choy Li Fat traitor:
www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-6…
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=332184260297892&set=p.…

11. SCWC salutation with Ban Chun, Vietnam :
www.facebook.com/share/p/TVaF8cb2LGttYb2C/

13. Concerning CLF:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081081982120
www.facebook.com/HKMokWaiKeungSnakeCraneWingChunMu…

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1 2 3 4 5

2 years ago | [YT] | 15

Sifu Sergio Iadarola’s Kung Fu World

To the clarification video https://youtu.be/-ejVg1mZ3sQ

A Final Clarification and Summary regarding Mr. Hendrik Santo's opinion on SCWC (Statement Screenshots 6-10, tap to see full picture)

---This statement is posted on behalf of Sifu Wayne Yung, the President of the Snake Crane Wing Chun Martial Arts Association, appointed by the 5th generation lineage holder (retired), Law Chiu Wing.---

Links to the evidence mentioned in point 3, 5, 11 and 13 are listed below.
3. Mok Wai Keung with my Sifu video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djZlv...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKj5m...

5. Regarding to the Choy Li Fat traitor:
www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-6…
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=332184260297892&set=p.…

11. SCWC salutation with Ban Chun, Vietnam :
www.facebook.com/share/p/TVaF8cb2LGttYb2C/

13. Concerning CLF:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081081982120
www.facebook.com/HKMokWaiKeungSnakeCraneWingChunMu…

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5

2 years ago | [YT] | 15

Sifu Sergio Iadarola’s Kung Fu World

To the clarification video https://youtu.be/-ejVg1mZ3sQ

A Final Clarification and Summary regarding Mr. Hendrik Santo's opinion on SCWC (Statement Screenshots 11-12, tap to see full picture)

---This statement is posted on behalf of Sifu Wayne Yung, the President of the Snake Crane Wing Chun Martial Arts Association, appointed by the 5th generation lineage holder (retired), Law Chiu Wing.---

Links to the evidence mentioned in point 3, 5, 11 and 13 are listed below.
3. Mok Wai Keung with my Sifu video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djZlv...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKj5m...

5. Regarding to the Choy Li Fat traitor:
www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-6…
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=332184260297892&set=p.…

11. SCWC salutation with Ban Chun, Vietnam :
www.facebook.com/share/p/TVaF8cb2LGttYb2C/

13. Concerning CLF:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081081982120
www.facebook.com/HKMokWaiKeungSnakeCraneWingChunMu…

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1 2

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 7

Sifu Sergio Iadarola’s Kung Fu World

Another video that was filmed as a response to ‪@Ordinary-Hendrik‬ , explaining my viewpoint with some fantastic footage featuring one of my Sifu's demonstrating real internal energy.

2 years ago | [YT] | 5

Sifu Sergio Iadarola’s Kung Fu World

My response to ‪@Ordinary-Hendrik‬ (and probably one of my last :-) as I just don't want to invest any energy in these silly back and forth keyboard warrior type of stuff, energy never lies.

2 years ago | [YT] | 7