James Cama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James Cama Sr. |
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Late sifu James Cama (on the right) with a student
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| Born | December 8, 1957 New York City, United States |
| Died | August 15, 2014 (aged 56) New York City, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Style | Wing Chun, Southern Praying Mantis |
| Years active | 1975 – 2014 |
| Occupation | Martial Arts Teacher |
James Cama Sr. (born December 8, 1957 – died August 15, 2014) was an American expert in martial arts. He was a respected teacher who shared his knowledge with many students. James Cama dedicated his life to learning and teaching different fighting styles.
Contents
James Cama's Martial Arts Journey
Early Training and Karate
James Cama started learning martial arts when he was a young child. He quickly became a top student of Peter Urban, a well-known karate master. By the age of 18, James Cama opened his very first dojo, which is a place where martial arts are taught. He eventually earned the high rank of 8th Dan in Urban's American Goju karate system. While teaching karate, Cama also explored other styles like Eagle Claw and Hung Gar.
Mastering Wing Chun
Later, James Cama became a student of Henry Leung. Leung was a grand-master of the Buddha Hand Wing Chun system. He was the only recognized master of this unique style outside of China. After many years of hard work, James Cama became the only person outside of China to inherit this special system. This happened after Leung passed away in 2011. Cama had been teaching this style for years with Leung's permission. Being the direct inheritor of Fut Sao Wing Chun made James Cama very special in the world of Chinese martial arts.
Learning Southern Praying Mantis
When he was in his 30s, Cama became interested in Southern Praying Mantis. He met many teachers from different schools of this style. Eventually, he became a student of Robert Lee. Robert Lee was a student of Lam Sang, who brought the Kwong Sai Jook Lum Southern Mantis system to the United States. After a lot of intense training, Cama became the head instructor at the Hung Ching club in New York. This was the same place where Lam Sang once taught. James Cama held this important position until he passed away in 2014.
James Cama's Legacy
James Cama passed away on August 15, 2014. He left behind his wife and two children. Just one day before he died, on August 14, 2014, his only book was published. This book explains the Buddha Hand Wing Chun system, sharing his valuable knowledge with future generations.
