Mr. Lim was born into a Malayan family of Kung Fu practitioners, his uncle was Head of the Eagle Claw division of Ching Wu and his grandmother a practitioner of Lotus style of Kung Fu, yet Mr. Lim began his formal training in Kyokushinkai Karate. Willy enjoyed the usual dose of injuries and through his physician, began his training in Tai Chi with Master Yo Ching-hai, a disciple of Master Cheng Man-ching.
In 1963 Mr. Lim began his training in Taekwondo under the legendary Choi Chang Kim in Penang. By the early 70?s Mr. Lim was attending a university in New Zealand and teaching Taekwondo there. Because of his already diverse training and an encounter with Professor Wally Jay, Willie sought out Master Oyata, the top Tuite practitioner in the USA. Mr. Lim has gained a tremendous following of top instructors seeking his knowledge and enjoys the full support of legends such as Professor Wally Jay and Bill Superfoot Wallace. Mr. Lim represents the USA and UK for the Sing Ong Tai Chi Internationaland Taekwondo International.
Martial Edge: Mr Lim, when and where did you get started in Martial Arts?
Master Willie Lim: I started when I was in third form back in 61
Martial Edge: Who were the individuals along the way that inspired you to approach your training in new and inventive ways?
Master Willie Lim: It was Prof Wally jay who introduced me to George Dillman who gave me an insight into applications and Knockouts. I was also privileged to meet Taika Seiyu Oyata who I consider the best karate man in the Western world. All those in the early years that taught Knock out like George Dillma, Rick Moneymaker and myself were all offshoots of Oyata.
Martial Edge: You are a strong advocate on traditional systems having lost there true value through sports martial art systems, what do you think we need to do for the future to rediscover the arts?
Master Willie Lim: We all do forms and yet look at things from the perceived perspective of block, kick and punch. The form is a treasure map there is so much hidden in it. We need to learn to decipher it correctly.
Martial Edge: What do you think the future holds for the development of Taekwondo?
Master Willie Lim: Taekwondo is a very beautiful system to be in. What we need to do as Instructors is to learn to cater to those not into the sports perspective as well. The future of Taekwondo is as strong as ever as long as we provide instructors that have a better understanding of the art rather than just sport.
Martial Edge: With having such a busy teaching schedule and having international engagements how do you find time for personal development?
Master Willie Lim: When I teach is when I learn and train as I have input from so many individuals who help me see things in a different light.
Martial Edge: What advice do you have for the Martialedge readers out there looking to rediscover the traditions of there art?
Master Willie Lim: As martial artist we need to learn to separate the trees from the woods, Open a magazine today and you see martial artist like professional fighters or bouncers or someone who says he is from the SAS or the seals. While these people in their own right have worked hard to get there they only portray one aspect of the art.
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