about us
HISTORY
The chief instructor and founder of Murray’s Martial Arts is Sigung Henry Murray. Sigung Murray began his studies of martial arts from early childhood in Scotland. He first studied Judo, Karate and Kung Fu completing his training in the United Kingdom.
Sigung Murray has completed further studies in the United Kingdom, United States and Asia since coming to Australia and opening Murray’s Martial Arts in 1972. Our system originates from Shaolin being “Chaun Fa” (Way of the Fist). Sigung Murray’s instructor was Sifu Fenley, his visiting Master was Master Chun from China, because of Sigung Murray’s knowledge in the arts he was given the system name Kwung So Dow (empty hands method) to take with him and open in Australia.
Even though we will always retain this name in the history of our club, being for recognition reasons, we are now recognised as Murray’s Martial Arts and He (pronounced Kir) style Tai Chi. Sigung Murray introduced He style Tai Chi to Australia in 1985 after training in Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong whilst walking in the park watching various systems of Tai Chi being performed, one struck him as outstanding, it was taught by a woman master. The lady seemed extremely agile and so strong after putting a large man to the ground effortlessly without using excess strength or force, he thought it was time to investigate further. Sigung Murray also noticed that the system closely resembled his own.
Sigung Murray was so impressed by Master Ji he immediately started training and has been a devoted student and friend ever since. Sifu Ji was pleased with his progress and dedication that she presented him with a family sword, which is a great honour and gave him permission to teach He Tai Chi n Australia. Since the 1980’s Sigung Murray and his wife Sifu Murray have been teaching He style.
Sifu Scott Murray
Sifu Scott Murray has followed in his father, Sigung Henry Murray’s, footsteps and continued teaching Kwung So Dow Kung Fu and He style Tai Chi.
Like his father, Sifu Scott began learning martial arts from the time he could walk. Sifu Scott has great respect for his father and his knowledge of martial arts. Sifu Scott has spent all his life watching and learning from him. He is honoured to be able to teach traditional martial arts using the same system and style of his father.
Sifu Scott started teaching martial arts in his father’s school in the 1980’s. In 2000 Sifu Scott opened a martial arts school in Newtown Sydney. The early classes were held at Newtown Public School, however it wasn’t long before a full time centre was opened on King Street Newtown. A large fully equipped full time centre is now located on the corner of Bedford and Kingston Streets Newtown.
Sifu Scott has undertaken martial arts training in Australia and Hong Kong, also training with Sifu Ji. Sifu Ji was pleased with Sifu Scott’s dedication and progress and presented Sifu Scott with a family sword. This is great honour.