Leslie Conn – Wong Lei Yin 黃利賢 – is a martial arts master, scholar, author, penjing (bonsai) enthusiast, and a proud dad. Born in 1961 in Zimbabwe, Les began studying Martial Arts in 1972. In 1987 he moved to Hong Kong where Les ultimately completed a formal twenty year closed door apprenticeship under Master Kwan Yuen Cheong 關潤昌. Les continued to live and work in Hong Kong for a total of 25 years before emigrating to South Africa. He speaks English and Cantonese.
Jin Si Sum 戦士心
Les has long been a controversial figure in Far Eastern Chinese martial arts circles. Being “non Chinese”, Les has always been under fire for his relationship and study under Master Kwan Yuen Cheong 關潤昌. Even so, he is today, a 7th generation master in the Jin Si Sum 戦士心 lineage and the only Westerner to ever be taught the entire system of knowledge.
Historical Research
Les is a pioneer of multi discipline, multi lingual research, of Chinese martial arts and the relevant history. Since 1987, Les and Noelle have been working with rare historical manuscripts, archeological findings, and much more.
Triads and Yakuza
Les spent over 20 years researching, interviewing, and training, with members of both the Chinese and Japanese underworld respectively. He was accepted into the said communities to research and understand their martial arts traditions and historical connections. These experiences, combined with Les’ special forces service, have had a deep and lasting effect on the way Les researches, practices, and teaches, the Chinese warrior arts.
