Tracing Lian Padukan to Wing Chun : A Qualitative Study of Historical Influence on Malaysia Kuntau

The perplexity of mythified Kuntau history may hinder the thorough academic investigation of its genealogical lineage, including the techniques and performance. From the most contested hypothesis that the primitive Kuntau was brought by a Muslim Wing Chun master from Yunnan, this research aims to survey the historical influence of Kuntau from Wing Chun by examining the original Malay style of Kuntau Silat – Lian Padukan of Johor to the most practiced style in Peninsular Malaysia – Kuntau Tekpi of Kedah, plus the Borneo States’ Iban Kuntau, so that the three representatives could cover the geographical significance of Kuntau development in Malaysia. The qualitative field study comprised semi-structured interviews and focused group discussions for practitioners to find not only the profile of their history and preservation status but also the preliminary sets of elements that influenced the styles of Kuntau from Wing Chun. Then it facilitated the Delphi Method in referring to the Wing Chun experts from Ving Tsun Athletic Association, Hong Kong, to determine the similar Taolu of representative movement. We find a significant similarity between Malaysia Kuntau and Wing Chun, especially its typical prototype that morphed from traditional Cantonese Wing Chun to Kedah style, then Johor style, and maybe further influenced to the Iban style in Sarawak. This research serves as the first of its kind in studying Kuntau history.