Kung Fu Origins: Sun Yat-Sen & Republic of China

Sun Yat-Sen

Although Dr. Sun Yat-Sen does appear as a character in some films and TV series, often played by Winston Chao, he often merely mentioned as part of the historical context of a story. Dr. Sun was one of the founding fathers of the Republic of China and served as its first president. Even though he was associated with the Republic of China, he is still held in high regard in the modern Communist China as well as Taiwan.

The exact whereabouts of Dr. Sun’s 1866 birth are unknown. He is popularly believed to have been born in a village in Guangdong but some suggest his birthplace was Hawaii. His family had interests in Hawaii and Sun Yat-Sen spent much of his childhood in the islands. He learned to speak English and even briefly attended college in Hawaii before returning to China and receiving a medical degree. Although he was a baptised Christian he was married to two women at the same time. His second wife was one of the famous Soong sisters, themselves subjects of books and films (the other Soong sister was married to General Chiang Kai-Shek who would succeed Sun as president of the Republic of China).

Jackie Chan in the film 1911

In the late 1800s many Chinese intellectuals were becoming frustrated by the government’s refusal to adopt the modern technology of the western world. Many, such as Sun Yat-Sen, were living in British run Hong Kong and saw the differences between Asia and Europe first hand. Although some simply argued that the Qing Dynasty could change course and save China, others such as the Revive China society, which included Dr. Sun among its membership, felt that the imperial system needed to be replaced by a modern style of government such as a democracy. After a failed 1895 uprising by the Revive China Society, Dr. Sun was forced to live in exile in Japan. He also traveled throughout Europe and North America speaking and attempting to generate support (political and financial) for a Chinese revolution. He attempted a second failed uprising in 1900 in conjunction with organized crime elements in Guangdong. After this he continued to live in exile and organized several more uprisings, all of which failed. Eventually Huang Xiang (played by Jackie Chan in the film 1911) spearheaded two uprisings, one in April and another in October of 1911. The second uprising was successful and inspired Dr. Sun to return to China. This uprising grew into the Chinese Revolution (more properly called the Xinhai Revolution) that overthrew the emperor.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen passed away from liver cancer in 1925. Although he helped to found and govern the republican government that the Communists would eventually fight in the Chinese Civil War, he is still honored in the mainland because of his opposition to the imperial system. The Taiwanese people refer to him as the father of their nation as well. Although not known as a martial artist, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen is an important figure in early 20th century China, which has become a popular setting for many martial arts films, such as the Ip Man series.

Partial Filmography:

1911 (2011, Winston Chao)

Bodyguards and Assassins (2009, Hanyu Zhang)

The Soong Sisters (1997, played by Winston Chao)

Once Upon A Time in China II (1992, played by Tielin Zhang)

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Tagged as: Kung Fu Origins, Republic of China, Sun Yat-Sen

Article by Michael Lauck

Michael Lauck (co-host of the Flying DVDs Of Death video podcast) was raised under the warm glow of 1970s television. Taking all he learned from late night movies and re-runs, he has become a video producer, kung fu instructor, magician and father without having to grow up.

Michael Lauck has written 53 zen like articles.

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