Rob's Sifu
Grandmaster Roland Tong
The late Grandmaster Roland Tong was Sifu Rob Ley's teacher and remains the central figure through whom Rob understands and transmits his Ving Tsun. This page presents the Academy's account carefully and will grow as photographs, records and first-hand material from Rob's archive are prepared for publication.
The Academy Account
A teaching relationship, not a borrowed name
Sifu Rob Ley trained under Grandmaster Roland Tong and describes that relationship as central to his understanding of Ip Man Ving Tsun. The Academy's records state that Roland Tong was a student of Ip Man and place Rob's training within that teacher-to-student line.
Rob also underwent the Bai-See ceremony, the traditional acknowledgement of a committed relationship between Sifu and disciple. When the Academy publishes its evidence archive, ceremony photographs and related records can give visitors a clearer view of that history.
This page does not attempt to manufacture authority by repeating titles. Its purpose is to preserve what Rob learned directly, distinguish family history from independently documented fact, and make primary material available as it is prepared.
Evidence Archive
Primary material from Grandmaster Tong's archive
These original archive items were preserved in Grandmaster Roland Tong's archive and supplied by Sifu Rob Ley. The captions record the provenance and identifications given by Sifu Rob, while distinguishing that first-hand family account from independent document or handwriting authentication.
VTAA lifetime membership card
Grandmaster Roland Tong's original Ving Tsun Athletic Association lifetime membership card, number 0200. Grandmaster Tong told Sifu Rob Ley that the faint signature beside 會長 (President) was Ip Man's signature. The lower member signature is Grandmaster Tong's own. This identification is recorded as Grandmaster Tong's first-hand account and is not presented as independent handwriting authentication.
An archival lineage photograph
From right: Grandmaster Roland Tong wearing glasses; Lee Wai Chi; and Sigung Ip Man at the front centre, wearing traditional Chinese clothing. Identifications supplied by Sifu Rob Ley from Grandmaster Tong's archive. The other people are presently unidentified.
Wong Shun Leung's wedding
Sigung Ip Man seated at the front, with Wong Shun Leung standing on the left and Grandmaster Roland Tong standing on the right wearing glasses, photographed at Wong Shun Leung's wedding. Identification and provenance supplied by Sifu Rob Ley from Grandmaster Tong's archive.
Ip Man's disciples at the VTAA
Disciples of Ip Man gathered at the Ving Tsun Athletic Association. At the far end of the table, Grandmaster Roland Tong and Wong Shun Leung are seated between Ip Chun and Ip Ching. Identification and provenance supplied by Sifu Rob Ley from Grandmaster Tong's archive.
Left to right, as identified by Sifu Rob Ley
- Lee Wai Chi
- Chu Shong Tin
- Possibly Victor Kan
- Ho Kam Ming
- Ip Chun
- Grandmaster Roland Tong
- Wong Shun Leung
- Ip Ching
- Leung Ting
- Lok Yiu
- Unidentified
- Unidentified
All four images are shown in the condition supplied by Sifu Rob Ley. Select any image to examine the original photograph at full size.
What Continues in the Kwoon
Principles carried through teaching
The most useful test of lineage is not a slogan. It is whether students are taught a coherent system with patience, correction and a consistent set of principles.
Structure
Alignment and whole-body connection before muscular effort.
Sensitivity
Listening through contact rather than meeting force with force.
Character
Respect, discipline, humility and responsibility within the Ving Tsun family.
Continue to the biography of Sifu Rob Ley or read the full lineage guide.
Put the principles into practice
Authority matters most when it leads to good training. Learn in person, work directly with Sifu Rob Ley online, or use the structured Online Training Manual between lessons.