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Honoring AAPI Heritage Month, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) cordially invites you to an engaging event as we celebrate the launch of Dragon of Concrete Jungles (美港潛龍), a captivating journey that chronicles the lives of Sifu Yip Wing Hong and his son Jeffrey Yip across the dynamic landscapes of Hong Kong and New York City. This book masterfully intertwines the legacy of Dragon Style Kung Fu with the personal and migration story of Sifu Yip, offering a deep dive into the cultural, historical, and political nuances of their Hong Kong and American identities.

Dragon of Concrete Jungles captures the multifaceted life of Sifu Yip, unfolding his endeavors in journalism, crime reporting, and managing a kung fu school. The narrative extends beyond martial arts, presenting a profound social history that traces the evolution of Manhattan’s Chinatown. Featured with over 200 photographs, authentic Chinese linguistic materials, and insightful proverbs, the book highlights a vivid portrayal of life, resilience, and the art of kung fu.

Following the conversation, attendees will be treated to a live demonstration of Dragon Style Kung Fu. This interactive presentation will not only showcase the dynamic techniques and movements of the style but will also provide an in-depth explanation of its principles and philosophical essence.

About Sifu Yip and Jeffrey Yip

Jeffrey Yip grew up near Manhattan Chinatown during the tumultuous period of the 1980s and 1990s. During his childhood, he also spent his summers living in Hong Kong. He has regularly used the principles of martial morality (ethics in Chinese martial arts) in his professional 20+ year career. Jeffrey is an alumnus of Binghamton University, New York University, and the University of California Los Angeles Anderson School of Management-Executive Education.

In 1973, Wing Hong Yip emigrated from the concrete jungle of Hong Kong to that of Manhattan’s Chinatown. During the 1980s and 1990s, he covered a long violent period in Manhattan Chinatown that included shootings and gang violence. He retired from journalism in January 2018 after a long and distinguished 38-year career. The New York City Council honored Mr. Yip for his professional and civic contributions to the City of New York with a proclamation in May 2018. He is an alumnus of Chu Hai College of Higher Education in Hong Kong.

About Dragon of Concrete Jungles (美港潛龍)

Embark on an enthralling journey alongside Sifu Yip Wing Hong and Jeffrey Yip, as they navigate the vibrant worlds of Hong Kong and New York City. Dragon of Concrete Jungles weaves together the history of Dragon Style Kung Fu with the story of Sifu Yip who emigrated to the United States in 1973. Their experiences intertwine with the history, politics, and culture of their dual British Hong Kong and American heritage.

Sifu Yip’s remarkable life unfolds, blending journalism, crime reporting, and running a kung fu club. Above all, this book is also a social history, tracing the arc of Manhattan’s Chinatown from gangs to gentrification. Of interest to the non-martial artist will be the exposition of Chinese culture and the exploration of Chinatown over the decades. Language learners will be drawn to the authentic Chinese language materials included in the book, as well as the proverbs which appear throughout the text.  With over 200 photos, our story weaves these seemingly disparate threads into a rich tapestry of life, loss, and martial arts.