In the 1930s, in Foshan, known as the capital of Chinese martial arts, the martial arts culture was at its peak. In order to enroll more disciples, different sects often held competitions to show their strength. Yip Man (played by Donnie Yen) was modest despite his excellent martial arts skills and did not open a school to take in disciples. He just stayed home, discussed martial arts with his friends behind closed doors. Led by Jinshanzhao (played by Shaun Tam), the northern martial artists wanted to make a name for themselves in Foshan, so they harshly defeated the masters of various schools. In order to gain the recognition of Foshan citizens, Jinshanzhao decided to challenge Yip Man who kept himself from worldly affairs, and even forced Yip Man to fight back at all costs. Encouraged by his wife Zhang Yongcheng (played by Dorothy Tang), Yip Man fought back and won over Jinshanzhao with his proficient Wing Chun boxing. After this battle, Foshan saw a fervent Wing Chun craze.