Yuen Woo-ping Family Tree: The Story Behind The Matrix Fights

Yuen Woo-ping, born 1 January 1945 in Guangzhou, China, is Hong Kong's most-globally-known action choreographer — Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978) and Drunken Master (1978) made Jackie Chan; Iron Monkey (1993) director; Matrix trilogy (1999-2003), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Kill Bill (2003-2004), Kung Fu Hustle (2004), Fearless (2006), Man of Tai Chi (2013).

The Family's Roots: A Cinema-Martial-Arts Dynasty

Father was a legendary martial-arts actor.

His Father

Yuen Siu-tien (1912–1979) — Peking Opera martial artist; famous film actor in kung fu comedies (Beggar So character in Drunken Master).

His Brothers

Yuen Shun-yi (b. 1951); Yuen Cheung-yan (b. 1948); Yuen Yat-chor (b. 1954); Yuen Chun-yeung — all part of the "Yuen Clan" of action choreographers and stunt performers.

The Yuen Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Yuen Siu-tien (1912–1979) — Peking Opera martial-arts actor.

Brothers: Yuen Cheung-yan (b. 1948); Yuen Shun-yi (b. 1951); Yuen Yat-chor (b. 1954); Yuen Chun-yeung — all action choreographers/performers.

Yuen Woo-ping:

  • Born 1 January 1945, Guangzhou
  • Trained by father in Peking Opera martial arts
  • Choreographed 100+ films
  • Hollywood Matrix trilogy made him a global name
  • Directed 20+ films
  • Yuen Clan — Hong Kong's most-influential action-family unit

What the Yuen Family Story Teaches Us

A father who was one of Hong Kong's most-loved kung fu comedy stars. Four brothers, all action choreographers and stunt performers. A career that brought Hong Kong wire-fu to Hollywood — via The Matrix.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Yuen story carries the same lesson. Some families produce 5 brothers all shaping global action cinema.

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