Sifu Garry McKenzie - 25 Years Dedication & Commitment



20th October 2007 Celebration

On Saturday 20th October 2007 The Wing Chun School (TWCS) hosted a surprise thank you event for Sifu Garry McKenzie, in recognition of the 25 years contribution, dedication and commitment he has made to the Wing Chun art form. Even though arrangements began in June 2007, the idea was but a mere seed 2 years prior to this. The branches under TWCS were represented by their Sifus who met together regularly to discuss and plan how the event would take place.

It took much discretion and nail biting by all to ensure that this auspicious occasion would not be revealed until the day of the event. Many students found it most difficult to conceal the event as it meant being evasive to avoid ‘letting the cat out the bag’. Elaborate excuses were made whilst students met together to practise demonstrations. But today we laugh as it was only a temporary period of being economical with the truth.

Eventually after much deliberating and digesting the day arrived with over 200 students, including students from Norway and Spain, attending at a site only minutes away from Sifu Garry's home. Once lured into the arena, Sifu Garry was greeted with a tremendous round of applause proceeded by the traditional paying of respects by an array of students adorned in the full WCS kit. Sifu Garry being a man who is always in control was bemused and left without a word to say except:
“What’s this?”
Only to be answered with a sea of laughter and his brother Sifu David saying,
“Just sit back and enjoy the day”
“The day!!!” came an astonished exclamation from the man himself.

Once seated the day began with a steady stream of students presenting their demonstrations. They were individual, robust, varied and energetic and most of all a true representation of TWCS combative approach to the art form. None of the students or Sifus had seen individual demonstrations nor had they had a practise run through prior to the day. As the power of the chain punches resonated through the room and children performed the Siu Nim Tau Sifu Garry and students were impressed by how each school had been so diligent in putting together their demonstrations. Words of thanks from absent friends were shared acknowledging the opportunity Sifu Garry has given and continues to give to each and everyone of us by passing on skills and precious knowledge.

The event ended with a photo montage of Sifu Garry’s journey through his Wing Chun career mapping his influences including students, masters, travels and his religion. Individuals, none more than Sifu Garry himself, were overwhelmed by the magnitude of the event and the genuine affection felt amongst TWCS family.

Finally Sifu Garry graced the floor with words of thanks. Whilst the students gave thanks to him he in his usual humble and calm manner returned the thanks to his students. He reminded us that without his students he would not be here today nor the Sifu he is. As he always states a student is always looking for a good teacher but a teacher is also always looking for a good student.

A special thanks must go to Si Mo Julie for her planning, organisation and co-ordination for the whole event in conjunction with the Sifu's and Student's of The Wing Chun School.