In Memory: Leslie James Reed Sifu
The 3rd of the 3rd 2003 seems as though it was yesterday. Six years ago Leslie James Reed – mentor, teacher and Sifu to countless students over the years – passed away. Leslie Sifu was, in many aspects, larger than life and full of charisma. Both tall and solid, he was an impossing figure yet at his core he was one of the most caring and authentic people I had the pleasure knowing. Leslie Sifu lived his Kung Fu. This alone was pure inspiration.
Leslie Sifu was born in Zimbabwe where he started learning Kung Fu. He later moved to Johannesburg where he joined the Shaolin Martial Art Centre. After Johannesburg, the final stop was Cape Town where he began teaching Kung Fu. Leslie Sifu opened one of the first Kung Fu schools in Cape Town and many of the established schools in Cape Town have some links to his original school. Leslie Sifu joined Derek Frearson’s International Taijiquan and Shaolin Wushu Association and opened the South African chapter of the organisation in Cape Town. Wong Kiew Kit (founder of the Shaolin Wahnam Institute) was also an important later influence later on Leslie Sifu.
Leslie Sifu had incredible insight into the essence of Kung Fu forms and applications. And when he taught Kung Fu he made it easy to absorb the fundamental concepts and principles of the Kung Fu one was learning. Considered to be one of the best Kung Fu teachers around – he was world class. I always felt that Leslie Sifu had forgotten more Kung Fu than I would ever know. In fact his last words to me were “do not forget your Kung Fu”. I was very blessed to be his student – I just wish it could have been longer – so much longer.
I know I am not alone in honouring Leslie Sifu so please join me and leave a comment or tribute to him.
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Mar 4th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Thank you Philip.
Mar 13th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
All I can say is that Leslie James Reed Sifu was an amazing teacher. He changed my life. He just had a way about him, the way he made you feel that you can accomplish anything. He was more than just a kungfu teacher. He was one of those rare teachers that embodied everything we ever hope for in a great kungfu teacher. He lived what he taught.
Jun 22nd, 2009 at 1:00 pm
I trained under Leslie in wale str (shaolin) then in the cntre of town close to the city hall we then moved to pinelands and eventually sea point , what a great man , sorry to have lost a friend and teacher ,Eldred .
Jun 24th, 2009 at 9:53 am
This was really nice to find. Thank you for bringing my memories of a most wonderful teacher and my taiji home back to life. Richard
Nov 12th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I trained under Leslie Sifu and found him to be a very dedicated teacher. He was more than just a teacher, he was like a father figure. He was an inspiration. I still practice my Taijiquan every day and have a tatoo in memory of him. Lionel.
Nov 13th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Leslie – what can I say – friend, mentor, task-master, confidant. You changed my life!
Luckily we made a video for my sister just before she left the country so I am STILL being taught by Leslie. I have this same picture in my training room. I am still teaching the forms you taught us, and I think you’ve given me enough to last me the rest of my life.
Thank you!
Jan 5th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Thanks for this, Philip. Such an awesome presence, and a great teacher, sorely missed.
Jan 27th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I can see Leslie Sifu was a very liked person, unfortunately i did not know him. I trained in wale street about 16 years ago under Sifu Gary Beyers. Im trying to locate a training centre in the Cape Town area which has the same standard and quality of training as i had received from such good instructors. Could someone please assist me with an address or phone number.
Best Regards
John Lundt
071 4987 290
Jan 29th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Hello John. We have a school in Cape Town. I shall have the appropriate person email you all the details. Thanks.
Feb 11th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Hi , did not know Sifu Leslie but both my Sifu’s Chris and Wayne was taught by the great man. Both speak very highly of Sifu Leslie. thanks for this tribute, a great honor. i hope to learn a lot more in the coming years.
Mar 28th, 2010 at 11:04 am
I always wondered what became of Leslie. Thanks for the tribute. How Wayne, Michael and Min getting on?
Jun 18th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Leslie Reed was such an amazing teacher and an inspiration to everyone who had contact with him. Hettie (my Wife) and I studied under Leslie in Plein Street around 1988 for quite a few years. I now have my own School in Wellington, New Zealand, Leslie supported me in this and we will always remember and honour him in our School. He is still sorely missed and will always be.
Jun 18th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
I don’t mean to sound airy-fairy, but the last few weeks of Sifu Leslie’s life he was almost glowing. I have a photograph where he’s standing like a mountain with Table Mountain in the background and he has a misty light shining all around him. I remember the last classes he gave us – none of us could speak for hours afterward. We were just too amazed. I still miss him. What a teacher. How fortunate to have known him. I remember he used to call us his darlings and greet us saying ‘May the wors be with you’..
He made us laugh.