Known in the Philippines as the “Wushu Queen”, Janice Hung is an International Wushu Champion. A 10-time Gold Medallist in Wushu, Janice has represented the Philippines in various prestigious international tournaments including the SEA games, Asian Games and World Championships.
Following her retirement from competition, Janice has forged a successful career as a model, singer and actress. Janice kindly took some time out from her incredibly busy filming and training schedule to share a little more about herself with Kung Fu Kingdom readers!
Janice Hung Action Reel
Hi Janice, thank you for taking some time out to chat with us. We know you have a hectic schedule, so it’s much appreciated! Just to get your views briefly, what do you think of the name Kung Fu Kingdom (KFK)?
A kingdom is a territory ruled by kings and queens or royalty so to speak. We give high respect to Kung Fu masters, treating them as royalty. All the art and discipline from these masters, including their “crowning glory”, are passed down from generation to generation, similar to how monarchs pass down the crown to their heirs. So I believe it is fitting for Kung Fu practitioners to belong to a kingdom.
Janice Hung’s Martial Arts Background
Thank you, the “passing on” aspect of martial arts is very important! So let’s start with, how and when did you first get started in the martial arts?
I started Wushu at a very young age. I was in elementary school when the Wushu Philippine Team came to my school and demonstrated Wushu. And I fell in love with this sport and decided to pursue it no matter what. I told myself that I want to be like those martial artists, that I want to be a Wushu champion someday.
Did you always train in Wushu, or have you practiced other styles?
As a young athlete, I was initially trained in the Taolu discipline of Wushu, long fist, swordplay and spear play. Later on I shifted to Taiji where I won in International competitions such as the SEA Games (Southeast Asia Games) and Asian Games. Currently, I have been trying out several martial arts disciplines so I can add some more moves to my arsenal. The most recent training I’ve done is Jiu Jitsu. I’ve also done some MMA training that is actually a combination of different styles of martial arts such as Wing Chun, Muay Thai, Judo etc. and other combat sports like boxing or kickboxing.
That sounds like a good mix of styles! What kind of training regime do you follow?
I am very strict with myself when it comes to training. I make time every day to stretch and workout so that my body remains strong, flexible and agile. I go to the gym as often as I can to do different forms of training and to achieve certain martial arts moves and skills.
Training, Challenges & Competition
Training everyday can be tough physically and psychologically. What keeps you motivated?
It is said that no one can motivate you better than yourself. In everything I do, I give more than 100%. Doing Wushu was a path that I chose despite all the challenges and others’ doubts. But I have been seeing and reaping the rewards of all the years of blood, sweat and tears, of the persistent and consistent training that I have done. This motivates me to further pursue this passion of mine and I even get to inspire people through martial arts along the way.
It’s obvious you are very passionate about your sport. You have won several medals for your Taijiquan at national and international Wushu tournaments. What was it like training for the big tournaments like the SEA Games, and representing the Philippines?
Life in sports was like being in the military. We have a regimen for everything and everything was monitored. We cannot wake up anytime we want or eat anything we want. It’s a disciplined life. 80% of my time was spent in Wushu.
As a member of the National Wushu Team, we didn’t just represent ourselves or the team in international competitions, we represented the country.
On my journey, I’ve encountered several challenges like discouragement from my parents, bullying by some of my teammates, friends consistently pulling you down because they don’t understand you. 99% of the people around me told me to quit but 1% willpower within me kept me going.
I said I will never give up because I’ve realised that if I had millions of reasons to give up, I had billions of reasons not to give up. That’s why I trained three times harder than any of my teammates. I’m the first person who goes to the gym and the last person to go home. Through determination, persistent and consistent training, I ended up winning.
Janice’s Martial Arts Techniques & Signature Moves!
That is a very candid and inspirational assessment of your competition training, thank you for sharing that. When you are practicing your skills, do you have a favourite technique or weapon?
I do a combination of martial arts techniques but I have some signature moves such as the 180 Kick and the Triple Kick, and I also have my favourite Wushu poses. My favourite weapon is the straight sword because it is quite flexible and light, and is a tool of agility and precision.
Janice Hung Jianshu (Straight Sword)
The Wushu Queen Goes On Air…
Outside of the martial arts, how did you first get into acting?
I first did some commercials before getting into acting. I actually wanted to become an action star so I accepted some television roles. Many people started getting to know me as Bathalumang Ether in “Encantadia”, a top-rated Philippine prime time fantasy television show. But even before that, I had appeared in “Rounin”, “Kung Fu Kids” and “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo”. After “Encantadia” I had roles mostly on prime time television shows such as, “The Blood Sisters”, “Contessa”, “The Cure”, and “Victor Magtanggol”.
I am happy to have been in top-rated television shows such as “The General’s Daughter”, which concluded just recently. And now I am grateful to have a role in the number one, and one of the longest running, television series on Philippine prime time entitled “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”. Projects keep coming in and I am blessed to be able to pursue acting and Wushu at the same time.
The General’s Daughter: Capt. Alex Noblejas
How has your martial arts training helped you in your roles?
I am glad that I get to incorporate my Wushu skills in the action scenes and to put my signature moves into the fight scenes. In showcasing my Wushu skills, I also get to inspire people through martial arts.
Janice Hung “Cruel” (Music Video)
Much like Kung Fu Kingdom’s Mission, you’re a big advocate of teaching youngsters and people to improve their lives through martial arts. What is the Udefend Project and how are you involved?
Udefend is a self-defence training program that I designed based on Wushu and Tai Chi. It integrates the forms of Tai Chi and Wushu into a complete and individual system. It is a flexible and dynamic system suitable for women and children as well as the elderly. It aims to educate and empower women and children. My goal is to improve the quality and safety of our communities by providing practical and accessible self-defence training with martial arts values to the vulnerable sectors of society.
Udefend Project Self-Defence Training
Fun / Leisure & Favourite Kung Fu Films
You are always so busy! How do you like to relax?
I pamper myself, get a massage, go for a staycation, go travelling, or simply stay at home to sleep, play video games, sing videoke, or watch Netflix etc.
Who are your biggest influences in martial arts?
In martial arts, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, and Bruce Lee to name a few. Jet Li is my hero!
Do you have a favourite actor?
My favourites are action stars like Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Michelle Yeoh, Sammo Hung, Dwayne Johnson and Jackie Chan. They would also be my dream stars to work with.
Some of the best names in the business there! What are your Top 3 favourite martial arts films?
Fearless, Kung Fu Panda, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Future Projects
What other upcoming projects do you have in the pipeline?
At the moment, I am still doing “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” and always training! Stay tuned to my social media accounts especially on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube because I regularly update them and release photos and videos of my projects.
Janice’s Message to Kung Fu Kingdom Readers & Followers
What warrior-wisdom quote or philosophy has helped shape you into who you are today?
Never give up. The only time you fail is when you give up.
That’s sound advice that all martial artists should follow! What special message would you like to share with Kung Fu Kingdom readers and your fans around the world right now?
I offer my heartfelt gratitude to all Kung Fu Kingdom readers and my fans around the globe. If there is one thing that you can take away from all the things I shared here, whether you are a martial arts practitioner or not, keep pushing yourself to strive to become better every day.
Do not compare yourself to others but to how you were yesterday. Learn something new every day and be the best person you can be. When you find your passion, keep pursuing it, love your craft, and put 100% into everything you do. I hope that through my journey, I get to inspire more and more people every day. Thank you, Kung Fu Kingdom for this opportunity as well.
That is a wonderful message! Thank you Janice. Well it’s been an absolute pleasure to chat with you. We wish you all the best with your upcoming projects and look forward to chat with you about them, and more, in the future!
