The Kung Fu Instructor

The Kung Fu Instructor

Year: 1979

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: Chinese

Director: Sun Chung

Action

Two rival clans unsuccessfully try to hire the master of the virtuous clan to teach them. Refusing his refusal, they frame him for a crime he didn’t commit, compelling him to kill a man in battle. Angry townspeople turn against him, and he is forced to flee and seek refuge with the evil clan.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Kung Fu Instructor yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

The Kung Fu Instructor (1979) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Kung Fu Instructor (1979), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the town of Ho Si, a historical and bitter feud between two powerful Chinese clans, the Mong and the Chow, has persisted for centuries. This conflict is rooted in a long-standing dispute over territory, marked by strict boundaries that the clans have sworn not to cross. Violating these boundaries was considered a grave offense, punishable by mutilation—specifically, the cutting off of the legs of those who dared to cross. The Mong clan, led by the ruthless Ku Feng, seeks to completely annihilate their enemies, the Chows. Meanwhile, the Chows desire to end this absurd law and foster peace through diplomacy.

The story centers around the revered Kung Fu master Ti Lung, who is approached by Mong Fan, the leader of the Mong clan. Mong Fan enlists his help in training his family in martial arts, believing that superior skills will help him in his quest for domination. However, Teacher Wong (Ti Lung) refuses to train the Mongs initially, knowing that his teachings might be exploited for evil rather than good. Mong Fan, not willing to take no for an answer, devises a cruel scheme to tarnish Teacher Wong’s reputation. He hires a thug to provoke Teacher Wong in the town square, leading to a fight that results in the thug falling onto sharp wooden spikes and dying in front of the villagers. This orchestrated incident falsely paints Teacher Wong as a murderer, forcing him to flee to clear his name.

While in hiding, Teacher Wong encounters an emissary from the Mong clan who offers him a chance at redemption—if he agrees to teach Mong Fan’s family the martial arts, Mong Fan promises to use his influence to vindicate Teacher Wong. Reluctantly, Teacher Wong accepts, and begins instructing Mong’s men, including the eager Chow Ping (Wang Yu), a brave and determined young man who is driven by a desire to learn kung fu firsthand. Chow Ping takes great risks, crossing the dangerous boundary to witness Teacher Wong’s lessons and then practicing tirelessly in his makeshift training space. During these events, Teacher Wong also meets Chao Cheh (Therea Chu), a kind and beautiful young woman adopted by the Mong, who develops an affection for him.

The story intensifies when Chow Ping is captured by Mong forces and condemned to be mutilated. Teacher Wong intervenes, arguing with Mong Fan and risking his own safety to save Chow Ping, leading him and Chow Ping to escape back to the Chow territory. Recognizing Chow Ping’s passion and potential, Teacher Wong agrees to train him in the formidable Shaolin Pole Style, one of the most powerful martial arts. The training is arduous but rewarding, transforming Chow Ping into a skilled fighter prepared for the inevitable confrontations.

As tensions mount, Mong Fan tries to establish dominance by sending envoys to bribe and blackmail Teacher Wong into teaching his men the highly coveted Shaolin Pole Style. Teacher Wong, however, exposes Mong Fan’s treachery, accusing him of framing the Chow clan for the murder and betraying the true purpose of peace. Mong Fan, furious and desperate, orders his soldiers to attack Teacher Wong, leading to a brutal confrontation. During the chaos, Teacher Wong is gravely wounded and hidden away by Chao Cheh, who tends to his injuries while Mong Fan’s forces continue their efforts to eliminate the Chows.

In a sinister move, Mong Fan orders his men to assassinate monks, aiming to frame the Chow clan further and solidify his power. The authorities quickly seize the Chows, and it seems as though Mong Fan’s plan is succeeding. Undeterred, Teacher Wong, along with Chow Ping, vows to expose the truth, reclaim the honor of the Chow family, and restore justice. After rigorous training, Chow Ping prepares for the final showdown, eager to demonstrate his learned skills with the Shaolin Pole. They plan to confront Mong Fan and reveal his wicked schemes, but Mong Fan, aware of their intentions, sets a trap with the aim of wiping out his enemies once and for all.

This tale of rivalry, betrayal, and redemption explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the transformative power of martial arts against the backdrop of longstanding familial and territorial conflicts. It is a story where honor is tested, innocence is fought to be upheld, and virtuous fighters stand against tyranny in their pursuit of peace and justice.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:16

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Kung Fu Instructor

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Kung Fu Instructor in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Kung Fu Instructor is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Kung Fu Instructor Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Kung Fu Instructor with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Kung Fu Instructor Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Kung Fu Instructor

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Kung Fu Instructor. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Kung Fu Instructor

The Kung Fu Instructor Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Kung Fu Instructor that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Kung Fu Instructor Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Kung Fu Instructor

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Kung Fu Instructor: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Kung Fu Instructor

Similar Movies to The Kung Fu Instructor

Discover movies like The Kung Fu Instructor that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.