It is with great sadness that we have to report that Dan Docherty passed away on 9th December 2021. His memory lives on through this website, his articles, videos, podcasts and in the hearts, minds and teaching of his many students and friends throughout the world.

If you are looking for a teacher in this style, then please visit “Where to Learn” “Instructor Listings” page as although this is not being kept up to date it will provide contact details for a number of his main students.

The PTCCI practitioners Facebook page is useful should you have questions.

Blog

Aug 15, 2017

Bom Ban by Jack Humphreys - Reviewed by Dan Docherty


The life and times of a Hong Kong Police Inspector 

Posted by: Dan

bomban 001

Jack Humphreys is the nom de plume of John H from Yorkshire a systems analyst, rugby player and martial artist. The book title is Cantonese and literally means helping to manage and by extension was the term used for inspectors in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force by the locals.

I was in the senior squad at the time John arrived at the Police Training school. He refers to me as wearing a blue blazer, slapping him on the back and welcoming him over a few beers in a broad Glaswegian accent. All of which except possibly for the beers seems somewhat unlikely and possibly inaccurate too.

John actually saw me beat a much larger Chinese opponent in a fight for the heavyweight title at the Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Championships at Southern Stadium and joined me and Sifu Cheng and our 'entourage' when we adjourned to the Pussycat topless bar to celebrate. 

John was a top athlete [he represented Hong Kong in international rugby] and a dedicated officer. However, people who are diligent, highly intelligent and who have integrity were often less than popular with their colleagues and could find themselves in a whole lot of trouble. John accurately captures the lack of trust in the police force. Secretly John studied Chinese medicine intensively for much of his spare time in Hong Kong and now practices back home in Yorkshire. 

I never worked with John, though for a time we worked on different shifts at Colony PolMil [Police Military Command & Control Centre], but we enjoyed a few libations together over the years.  His book has the ring of truth and gives a detailed picture of a fascinating world that has been consigned to the dustbin of history. I wish him every success with it.

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