Tam Sam is credited for developing the "successive killer leopard punch" (also known as "Leen Whan Charp Choi" or "the consecutive charp-kuen" or "Fore-knuckle punch"). In retrospect he is seen as a major icon in Choy Lay Fut history for his development of the style. It was this and his imposing persona that won him the status of "The legendary Fist of The North".

THE LEGENDARY FIST OF THE NORTH

Tam Sam was not just a great fighter though; he was a cultured individual who studied calligraphy. He worked as a law clerk in Guangzhou as he never could make enough money from teaching Kung Fu, in fact, he never managed to pay the school's bills from the school's income, opting to share the training expenses between himself and his students. All in all, he was a prominent martial arts figure in Guangdong.

The Buck Sing Choy Lay Fut (BSCLF) system originated with a master by the name of Tam Sam This master was a 3rd generation disciple from the founder Chan Heung

Tam Sam eventually broke away from the Choy Lay Fut school where he was training. This was due to an unfortunate incident in which a fight broke out between Tam Sam, his Si Sook (his master's junior class mate) and two of his family members.

Tam Sam started his martial arts training in the Hung Kuen system ofKung Fu and was unbeaten in his challenges until he sparred a Choy Lay Fut master and was defeated. Tam Sam realised this style was far superior to his own and pursued the master to learn under him. He soon became extremely proficient at the art and was even said to
have become better than his master at a later date.

When Tarm's Sifu, Lui Charn learnt of this he expelled Tam Sam from the martial arts school. At that stage Tam Sam was only halfway through his Sub Tse Kuen (cross pattern tbrm) and had to later further his learning from his former classmates privately.

This is why in Tam Sam's Buck Sing Branch there are only three hand forms, - "Sub Tse Kuen, "Ping Kuen" and "Kow Da" and one staff tbrm "Seung Garp Darn Gwan"(double end staff). He was also famous for his "Seung Chui Jong" (double fist wooden dummy). He also created his own form which he named "Bart Gua Jeung"(eight trigram palm).

Tam Sam, Lau Chang and Wong To were considered the three best fighters of Choy Lay Fut in their time.

Master Lau Chang was famous tbr his gwa saow punches and also his Yip Ma (advancing footwork). On the other hand Tam Sam was renown for his famous leen warn charp chui (continuous cyclic panther fist) and also for his gwa chui (back fist). He could easily penetrate into his opponents defence without any trouble.

It was truly through the effort of master Tam Sam and Lau Chang that Choy Lay Fut became so thmous.

The Buck Sing Gwoon (gwoon meaning school in Chinese) has a slogan which helped motivate the students; it reads "hands are like the wind blowing out the candles. The footwork is like walking on the clouds".

Master Tarm's favourite saying was "an extra inch - extra power". This meant that the longer arms you have the more power and impact you can generate.

FORMATION OF THE BUCK SING GWOON
To avoid the lingering association, Tam Sam gathered all follow disciples of Master Lui Charn and moved to the district of Bak Sil Lum (SUI Buck - Province of Canton). It is here where Tam Sam earned his reputation for the "FIST OF THE NORTH" by challenging all comers and winning constantly.

Another legendary kung fu master was in Canton to open his own school - The Northern Shaolin Master Ku Ji Jeung - The same "Iron Palm" master portrayed in many movies who could beat nails into wood with his palm.

Upon meeting, both men were aware of each other's reputation, and curious as they were, they sparred on occasion without either being able to better the other. Both became good friends after that point and they shared students and techniques, the influence adding technical development to traditional Hung Sing Choy Lay Fut.

Tam Sam's created the devastating "Leen Whan Charp Choi" - a continuous hammering of long straight fore-knuckle punches. This remarkable technique helped the name of Choy Lay Fat to thunder throughout the whole middle part of Southern China and attracted many people to join the Buck Sing Gwoon. The sharp - knife like - technique gave Choy Lay Fut a distinct identity, somewhat like the karate "chop" or the Judo "shoulder-throw".

He died at the age of 69 from a disease that was deemed incurable due to the limited medical help of the day.

Tam Sam was survived by his son, Tam Fei Pang who had a large following of disciples in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Among Tam Sam's favourite disciples were Leong Ji (a highly esteemed Choy Lay Fut elder who is now residing in Vancouver and continues the promotion of Choy Lay Fut there), Chan Nien Pak - whose agility and prowess in martial arts earned him the nickname: "Iron Monkey of Guangdong" (he was also a distinguished literati and painter), Kong On (deceased and is succeeded by his son Kong Heng who is an equally reputable Choy Lee Fur practitioner in Hong Kong), Lee Chow, Mah Yan, Lau Kuru Tong, Nip Chee Fei (established a Choy Lay Fut School in Malaysia) etc.

In memory of Tam Sam, his anniversary is celebrated on the 24th of December, by the Chinese calendar.

Footnote:
Kung Fu folklore abounds with legends, and many are historically incorrect, But Tam Sam was recognized, even during his own lifetime, as a martial arts legend.
Even recently, movie producers researched him as a subject for a string of martial arts action movies based on his legendary life. In Interviewing 's senior students and family the producers were told quite bluntly that "There is no-one good enough to portray in a movie". The producers boasted "We' had Jet Lee in mind for the role of ", but those interviewed were still not convinced, highlighting that was a very real person, not a fantasy. His life left controversy lingering in many Kung Fu circles due to his relentless and provoking nature. (NOTE: The producers ended up making films on Wong Fei Hung instead)