Sifu (1) Kai Leung founded the ACCIKL(2) in 1981, for the cultural enrichment of society at large. Our organisation has launched various projects, including a Chinese cultural library and video library, calligraphy, seal carving courses, Chinese language lessons, French language courses for Chinese, acupuncture, Chinese massage, Taoist philosophy, etc.
In 1988, the ACCIKL became listed as a charity organisation for the promotion of Chinese culture. It was responsible for organizing the Confucius Festival of Montreal in 1982, 1983, 1988, and 1990. The ACCIKL also maintains a close link with the Wudang Shan (the birthplace of Taoism and internal martial arts), as well as with the legendary Shaolin Buddhist Temple.
Kai Leung began learning Kung Fu when he was eight years old. He practiced the Choy Lee Fut style of Kung Fu with four masters, including Fong Yok Su, a very renowned master in Asia. Kai Leung thus entered the 4th generation of Choy Lee Fut masters.
He also studied Tai Chi with Wu Kam Chun, father of the founder of the Wu style; these teachings formed the basis of Kai Leung's unique Tong Ping (Peacock of Orient) style.
He settled in the USA in 1967, teaching in New York. He became president of the East US Chinese Martial Arts Federation at the time of its foundation.
In 1977, he moved to Montreal to found the Kai Leung Kung Fu Institute, in order to teach Kung Fu and Tai Chi. Kai Leung was active in the cultural community as he was in martial arts, practicing Chinese massage and herbal medicine. In the final years of his life, Sifu Kai Leung gradually passed over his role to his sole disciple, Gabrielle Boudreau. She has been the director and driving force of the Institute and the Association, since the Master's passing on May 31st, 1992.
(1) Sifu: Chinese Cantonese word meaning "Master of Abilities" or "Father-Teacher".
(2) ACCIKL: Chinese Cultural Association of the Kai Leung Institute.