Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Hung Gar and Chinese Martial arts. More questions will be added to to this page in the future. However if you have any suggestion or questions which you think should be in this page please feel free to contact me, either by e-mail or the feedback form in the contacts page.
 What is Hung Gar?
Hung Gar/Hung Kuen is a southern form of Chinese Martial Arts/Gung fu originated from the Fukien Siu lum (Shaolin) temple in China. Hung Gar Kuen literally means Hung family fist or boxing.
What is Gung Fu/Kung fu?
Gung Fu/Kung Fu is a general term used to describe all martial arts originated from China. Gung fu literally means " skill achieved through hard work, time and effort". Actually gung fu can mean any type of skilled achievement. Over the years there were many other terms used to describe Chinese martial arts, such as Kuo Shu (National art), Wuyi (Martial Skill), Chuan fa (Fist method), Chuan shu (Fist art), Wu gung (Martial gung fu) etc..However correct term used used for Chinese martial arts now is Wushu, Wushu is the official term used in china.
Who is the founder of Hung Gar?
Hung Hei Gwun has been credited as the founder of Hung Gar. He was a student of shaolin abbot Gee Sin Sim Si who tought Hung Hei Gwun the shaolin gung fu-Tiger system.
Who is the founder of Hung Gar?
Hung Hei Gwun has been credited as the founder of Hung Gar. He was a student of shaolin abbot Gee Sin Sim Si who tought Hung Hei Gwun the shaolin gung fu-Tiger system.
Is Fong Wing Chun the founder of the Wing Chun style of Gung Fu?
No. The creator of the Wing Chun style is said to be Yim Wing Chun who was a student of the shaolin nun Ng Mui. Fong Wing Chun was the wife of Hung Hei Gwun. She was an expert in the crane style who passed her knowledge of the crane style to her husband Hung Hei Gwun who in turn created the famous Tiger and Crane form, by combining his wife's soft, fluid crane techniques with the strong, powerful movements of the Siu lum tiger.
Who is Wong Fei Hung?
Wong Fei Hung is a very famous and extremely well known hung gar master whose life has been immortalized by hundreds of movies, publications, TV shows etc. Bong Fei Hung is widely considered as the father of the modern day Hung Gar due to his additions and the pivotal role on the development of Hung gar as we know today The famous Chinese actor Kwan Tak Hing became famous by playing the character of Wong Fei Hung over 80plus films.Today his life story is still subject to many films and tv shows, famous actors such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li has played the character of Wong Fei Hung in many movies.
What is a Form or a Set?
Forms are prearranged movements which carry the characteristics,technique, principal, philosophy, tradition etc.. of a style. Many consider the traditional forms as the backbone of a gung fu style.
Is there a grading/belt system in Hung Gar?
No. There is no grading/belt system in traditional Hung Gar or any other gung fu styles. Colored belt systems and regular grading were created and became popular in the west. One of the main reasons for this was the cultural differences between the west and east.
Can anyone learn Hung Gar?
Yes. Anyone and everyone can learn Hung Gar or any other style of martial art. Gung fu training is suitable and has something to offer everyone, regardless of age/sex, religion or race.
Can I learn Hung Gar from books or videos?
No. Books and instructional videos are great for reference purposes and may help improve your knowledge and understanding. But nothing can replace the place of a good sifu/teacher.If you want to learn Hung Gar correctly you must seek out and train under a good teacher/sifu. Trying to learn from books or video tapes alone without the guidance and teachings of a qualified teacher is waste of time and worst of all it may be dangerous and harmful.
What is the difference between Southern and Northern styles of Gung Fu?
The northern styles were originated from the north of yangtze river in china and these styles relies on active footwork, moving in all directions, to penetrate or break through and opponents defence.Northern styles use higher stances than the southern and also emphasize leg techniques with long or middle range attack.
Southern styles were originated in south China (south of Yangtze River) and these styles footwork is less active. First teaches hard external power so the student learns how to fight quicker and then slowly moves into soft internal power. Southern styles mostly relay on hand technique and their stances are lower and wider than the northern styles.
What is the difference between internal and external styles?
The main difference between internal and external styles is that the internal styles start with soft/internal and moves on to hard/external at the higher more advanced stages. The external styles are the opposite, they start with hard/external and then proceed on to soft/internal at later stages. Most of the external styles put as much emphasis on internal energy training as any known internal style.
What Is Chi/Qi?
Chi/Qi simply means energy. Chi is vital energy which circulates/flows through our bodies.
What Is the best way to improve my gung fu ?
Practice, practice, practice.....and more practice.
What is Lion Dance?
The Lion Dance is a very old Chinese folk tradition, often performed by gung fu schools at events such as Chinese festivals/holidays, weddings, business openings etc. to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune, happiness and prosperity, that is if it is well performed.
What does Sifu mean?
Sifu is a Chinese title used to address a master/teacher. Sifu is more like a father figure, a mentor, a skilled person who is respected and admired within a community
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