Introducing Us
The Legacy of a Choy Lay Fut Patriot
In Memory Of The Legendary Buck Sing Choy Lay Fut Fighter Master Dave Lacey
Since his much-publicized 1961 bare-knuckle challenge fight match in Hong Kong at the age of 20 with a 28-year-old kung fu master, Dave Lacey has become not only one of the most celebrated figures in Choy Lay Fut but also one of the most well-known figures in the Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts circles and that of Far East Asia where many still remember him as the renowned “Black Panther of Choy Lay Fut.” His many years of dedication to kung fu training, teaching and propagating Choy Lay Fut has spanned over 60 years but even with his worldwide reputation, Master Lacey said he was still learning and finding ways to improve his skills and techniques to impeccable heights and has over the last 40 years been a devoted innovator of the Choy Lay Fut fighting arts.
Master Dave Lacey Buck Sing Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu School
The Australian Buck Sing Gwoon is proud to be one of Australia’s first traditional Kung Fu schools. Our vision is to preserve and spread the art of Buck Sing Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu as taught to us by Master Dave Lacey, throughout Australia and around the world.
Founded in Perth in 1966 by the legendary and renowned Kung Fu Teacher and Fighter, Master “General” Dave Lacey, our school holds the honour of being Australia’s first Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu school. Now based in Melbourne, we continue to preserve and promote the rich traditions and heritage of our Buck Sing lineage.
Master Dave Lacey was the pioneer of Choy Lay Fut in Australia. Over the decades, he became one of the most respected and celebrated figures in the global Chinese martial arts community, earning widespread recognition throughout Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and across the world as both a formidable fighter and a dedicated teacher of Buck Sing Choy Lay Fut.
Since his much-publicized bare-knuckle challenge fight in Hong Kong in 1961—at just 20 years old, against a 28-year-old Kung Fu master—Dave Lacey rose to prominence not only within Choy Lay Fut circles but also throughout the broader Chinese martial arts community. Many still remember him as the renowned “Black Panther of Choy Lay Fut.” His dedication to Kung Fu training, teaching, and promoting the art has spanned over 60 years. Despite his international reputation, Master Lacey remained a lifelong student—constantly improving his skills and pushing his techniques to greater heights. Over the past 40 years, he has also been a devoted innovator of the Choy Lay Fut fighting arts.
Choy Lay Fut, was first developed in 1836 and remains one of the most respected and effective Chinese martial arts systems. With nearly 200 years of history, it is renowned for its combat effectiveness, and versatility.
Buck Sing (Northern) Choy Lay Fut was created by Grandmaster Tarm Sarm. It is a complete, sophisticated, and highly effective combat and self-defence system. It is famous for its unique blend of hard and soft techniques, delivered with great speed, power, and balance. Using dynamic body movement through waist and shoulder extension, it incorporates fast and elusive footwork, rapid stance transitions, and powerful striking combinations. These include smashing, swinging, and straight punches, grabs, throws, roundhouses, uppercuts, palm strikes, knees, elbows, and lethal fast kicks. Blended together in fluid and interchangeable sequences, this vast array of techniques is nothing short of devastating.
Today, we are proud to be the inheritors of Master Dave Lacey’s Buck Sing Gwoon. Under the dedicated leadership of his loyal disciple, Nick Lizos, our school remains committed to carrying forward the legacy of Master Dave Lacey. We continue to preserve his teachings, uphold his philosophy, and embody the fighting spirit he so passionately shared. In doing so, we keep alive the tradition of Buck Sing Choy Lay Fut — a kung fu system Master Dave Lacey devoted his life to — ensuring it continues to inspire and guide future generations.
At Australian Buck Sing Gwoon, we follow the traditional training methods passed down through generations, while also integrating modern approaches to conditioning, fitness, and combat application. This blend of old and new ensures our students receive a well-rounded martial arts education that is both authentic and practical in today’s world.
We offer classes for all ages and skill levels—from complete beginners to advanced martial artists. Whether you’re training for self-defence, fitness, personal discipline, cultural connection, or competition, our experienced instructors are here to guide your journey.
Beyond physical training, our school fosters a strong sense of community, respect, and personal growth. Students become part of a supportive environment built on values such as discipline, perseverance, tradition, mutual learning, and shared goals.
Join us and become part of a proud martial arts legacy. Experience the lasting benefits of Buck Sing Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu—for the body, mind, and spirit.
Our Legacy in Motion
Explore rare photos and videos of Master Dave Lacey, his students, and the Buck Sing Gwoon.
history timeline
A Journey Through History
1958 – Began training in Wing Chun alongside Bruce Lee.
1959 – Discovered Choy Lay Fut under Masters Lai Hung & Kong Hing.
1961 – Gained fame as the “Black Panther” after legendary rooftop duels in Hong Kong.
1966 – Became the first to teach Choy Lay Fut in Australia.
1985 – Established the Buck Sing Gwoon in honor of Grandmaster Tarm Sarm.
2018 – Remembered worldwide as a devoted innovator, fighter, and teacher.
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Keep the Legacy Alive
Whether you’re a martial arts enthusiast, student, or historian, Panther Fist is here to share the story and spirit of Buck Sing Choy Lay Fut.
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