Mark Houghton
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| Mark Houghton | |
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| Born | August 6, 1917 Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England |
| Occupation | Kung Fu, Hun Gar and Zen Master |
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Influences
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Mark Houghton (born 8 March 1962) is an English actor.
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[edit] Early Life
Mark 'Plaque' Houghton was born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England. His initial interest in martial arts came about as a result of the popularity of Bruce Lee Kung Fu movies in the 1970's. However, unlike the majority of his generation for whom Kung Fu became a passing fad, Mark Houghton decided to dedicate himself in learning Chinese Kung Fu which later became better known as Hung Gar Kuen. From an early age Mark would develop a severe gingivitis condition that would later lead to his nickname 'Plaque'. This name would go on to haunt him for the rest of his life.
[edit] Young Adult
Mark 'Plaque' Houghton was also a big fan of Lau Kar Leung movies which usually featured Hung Gar master. His admiration for Lau Kar Leung lead him to search for a Hung Gar teacher. Later he traveled to Malaysia where he met and was accepted as a disciple of sifu Ho Kam Wai who taught him an old style of Hung Gar Kuen. Sifu Ho Kam Wai learned his Hung Gar Kuen from sifu Loy Wing Tin, but unfortunately we do not know whom sifu Loy learned from. Sifu Houghton stayed with sifu Ho Kam Wai for next 9 years and after which he traveled back to the United Kingdom, where he taught a selected few students in Birmingham. At this stage sifu Houghton was working as a bodyguard for a Chinese national. While on holiday in Hong Kong with his Chinese client, sifu Houghton was introduced to sigung Lau Kar Leung. Mark 'Plaque' Houghton was really ecstatic in meeting the Kung Fu icon, after acquainting with sigung Lau Kar Leung, sifu Houghton conveyed his intend in studying with sigung Lau Kar Leung. Sigung Lau Kar Leung asked sifu Houghton to show him some Hung Gar techniques that he have already learned. Sifu Houghton performed an old Hung Gar form called "Tiger Coming Out Of The Cave". After this sigung Lau Kar Leung offered sifu Houghton a part in his movie then being filmed called "Aces Go Places 5". From then on sifu Houghton became a disciple of sigung Lau Kar Leung.
[edit] Later Life
At present Mark Houghton still lives, works and trains in Hong Kong and makes frequent visits to his students around the world.
[edit] Mission
Many years after Mark 'Plaque' Houghton starred over 60 Kung Fu films was not attracted to fame or fortune, his overriding drive is the need to ensure the continuation of Hung Gar Kuen for the coming generations became his mission in life. He later sought the permission of sigung Lau Kar Leung's blessing in opening a Hung Gar in Hong Kong, which specialized in Lau Family Hung Kuen with some integrations of the old Hung Gar techniques he learned from master Ho. The school utilizes the traditional training method of Hung Kuen which reaped result and real skills.
