Hong Kong Artist

Hong Kong Artist

Have you ever seen "Rush Hour" or "Shanghai Noon"? Were you excited when you see all the

stunts and kung fu fighting in those films? All these film starred a famous international

artist and singer, Jackie Chan, who was originated from my hometown, Hong Kong. It is

interesting to know about his childhood, and how he became who he is today.

Jackie Chan's Childhood was not very pleasant because his family was very poor. Jackie

Chan's real name was Kwong-Sang Chan, and he was born in Hong Kong on April 7, 1954. His

Chinese name Kwong-Sang means "born in Hong Kong." Jackie was delivered after twelve

months of pregnancy. That was three months more than usual delivery. Therefore, his mother had to have a surgery to bring him out. At his birth, Jackie weighed more than twelve pounds. Jackie had a nickname called "Ah Pao" which means a cannonball.

Jackie was not a kid who loved school. He attended the Nah-Hwa primary school in Hong Kong, but he disliked school and left after finishing first grade. At age of seven, his father took position as chief in the American Embassy in Australia. His father determined that the boy should learn some skills and sent him to the Peking Opera School. In Peking Opera School, Jackie learned dancing, singing, acrobatics, acting and martial arts. Also, Jackie met Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao who became successful actors today. During the school days, Jackie and his friends had to train everyday from morning till night. Jackie had mentioned it was the hardest period of his life. They needed to study and work 19 hours a day.

Jackie and his friends would be punished and beaten up if they did not fulfill their

practice or failed to achieve the standards. After days of practice, they would perform in a troupe called "The Seven Fortunes". Among them, Sammo Hung was the big brother of the group. They often performed in public performances at the Laiyuen Amusement Park and other venues. This was the childhood of Jackie Chan.

The early years of Jackie Chan in the film industry was not successful at all. As time

changed, the Peking Opera School declined. Their master started to loan "The Seven Fortunes" out as stuntmen to film company. Jackie worked as a stuntmen or the Shaw Brothers Film Company. He performed many dangerous stunts for the company and soon got noticed.