HISTORY OF THE HUNG SYSTEM

The origin of Hung Gar Kung Fu can be traced back to the South Shaolin Temple (Fukien province), a branch of the famous North Shaoiln Temple (Honan province).
After the big burning and destroying of the Honan Shaolin Temple ( - 1570) the role of the Fukien Shaoiln Temple in the South of China became very important, as some of the Martial monks that escaped from the razed temple in Honan province saved many precious Temple belongings (books, teaching materials etc), and brought with them a wealth of knowledge about all aspects of Shaolin Kung Fu to their temporary stay at the Fukien Shaolin Temple.

One of these monks that was fortunate enough to have escaped the destruction was Hung Gee Gung. He was a strong man with much willpower and a big interest and talent for the Chinese martial arts. With these attributes he very quickly became one of the ten disciples of the famous Abbot, Chi Sim Sum Si. The Abbot taught Hung Gee Gung the powerful Tiger style which was perfect for Hung's physical and mental attributes, and within a short while he became one of the best disciples of the Fukien Temple.
The Ching government sent soldiers and one night and they completely destroyed the Fukien Shaolin Temple ... Hung Gee Gung and Master Abbot Chi Sim Sum Si were amongst the few to escape and decided to go their own separate ways.
Hung Gee Gung got shelter by the Hung Shao theater and traveled with them by boat throughout the different seaports in South China ... It was in one of these seaports that he met his future wife Fong Wing Chun, the niece of the legendary Shaolin master Fong Si Yu.
He taught his niece a martial art based on the fighting techniques of the Crane.

Hung Gee Gung implemented this flexible and effective Crane style into his powerful Tiger style to supplement his martial art, and thus a new Kung Fu style was founded. In a very short time this form of Kung Fu became very famous throughout South China and was known under the name of "Hung Kuen".

HUNG GAR STANCES AND TECHNIQUES

STANCES
Hung Gar is best known for it's very powerful stance work.
The Hung System was originally practiced on moving boats so the stability of the practitioner during these times was of the utmost importance.

The Ma Bo or Horse Stance was therefore used, and is considered to be the foundation for all the stances in the Hung system. The Horse stance is a very solid stance as your weight is distributed evenly over both legs and your center of gravity is very low - It develops very strong legs and endurance and resembles a rider that is "sitting on a horse".

The Gung Bo or the Bow and Arrow stance can be seen by the curved front leg (like a bow), and a straight back leg (like an arrow).

The Ding Bo or Toe Stance resembles the posture of a cat about to leap onto it's prey ... This is a flexible stance used to execute quick offensive and defensive movements, including kicking.

TECHNIQUES
Hung Gar has a wealth of offensive techniques which are derived from the fighting styles of two animals namely the Tiger and the Crane.

The straight punch - This is a technique from the Crane style with the "wings" of the Crane shooting out ... This punch lines up with your shoulders for greater extension.


The Tiger claws - These imitate the claws of the powerful Tiger used for striking, grabbing, raking and tearing.

The Crane's beak - These are long-reaching and precise weapons used to "peck" at the vital areas or to parry or hook parts of the opponents body.

In Hung Gar the we prefer the use of the arms as the techniques are very powerful, with stable positions. However do not be fooled into thinking that there are no kicks in this style as although the majority of the kicks are low (from the waist down) they are very quick and effective.
The legendary Chinese hero Wong Fei Hung used his kicks to great effect and was even known as having the "No shadow kick" - His kick was reputed to be so fast that it did not cast a shadow !!.

FORMS
The main forms that are practiced by Hung Gar schools are :-
Gung Ji Fok Foo Kuen
Foo Hok Seung Ying Kuen
Ng Ying Kuen
Sap Ying Kuen
Tit Sin Kuen

Gung Ji Fok Foo Kuen - Boxing to submit the Tiger
This is the most ancient form and was invented in the Shaolin Temple. It contains all the basic techniques of the style. The form itself is long and hard and thus develops your determination and character it also enables the student to control his breathing.

Foo Hok Seung Ying Kuen - The Tiger and Crane set
This form is considered the true symbol of Hung Gar. Foo Hok has a great importance for development of the mind - It is very important to understand the essence of these two animals very deeply. The invention of this form is due to Hung Gee Gung and his wife
Fong Wing Chun.

Ng Ying Kuen - 5 Animals boxing
This is one of the most advanced forms
The Five animals are the Dragon,Tiger, Crane, Leopard and Snake.

Sap Ying Kuen- 10 Entities
This form is much the same as the Ng Ying Kuen however in this form one studies the Five Elements too ... Earth, Metal, Wood, Fire and Water.

Tit Sin Kuen - Iron thread set
This is the most advanced and hardest form of the Hung Gar style and is based on breathing control and the emission of sounds. The main techniques must represent the hardness of iron and the softness of yarn - This form could be considered the "goal" for each student of the Hung Gar style.


SO WHY THE PRACTICE HUNG GAR ??
Hung Gar gives us a fuller and healthier quality of life, as it is harmonious with nature and so develops our unity in body, mind and spirit.
Increased speed, stamina, strength, endurance, determination, quicker reflexes and self-confidence are just a few of the qualities that the practice of this art will enable you to achieve.


CHI KUNG (A BRIEF OUTLINE)
The word "chi" has nearly 93 meanings when translated from Chinese to English. Few of them are air, gas, atmosphere, breath, spirit, character etc. "Kung" is defined as merit, achievement or effort.
Chi Kung therefore is generally defined as the aility in Kung Fu to use inner strength such as control of muscles and breathing.

Chi Kung has its origin in Ancient China and India. In India, Hathayoga has the ancient tradition of breathing practices called "Pranayama" which is somewhat similar to Chinese Chi Kung, but this "Pranayama" has nothing to do with the martial arts ... It is strictly practiced for spiritual achievements, nowdays it is also used as a therapy.
There are two basic stream of chi Kung; Wang Tao(the natural way) and Ba Tao(forced methods). The result of both the streams is same.
Conservation, restoration and transmutation are the basic principles of storing and circulating Chi energy. Stopping the loss of sexual energy is referred as conservation. Correct diet, avoiding extremes and calming the emotions is restoration. Transmutation occurs in the stillness of mind and body by regulating the breath.

Practicing Chi Kung consist of two parts :-
1) Posture
2) Breathing method
Posture can be laying,sitting or standing. Generally different postures are used if Chi Kung is used as therapy. Breathing methods are very important and many factors are involved. It involves breathing, holding of breath, time for a breath, moving the tongue, abdominal breathing and directing it to particular point in the body such as the "dan tian" - The center of energy in our bodies, located approximatley 6 inches below the naval.

Regulating the mind is one more important factor of Chi Kung, which can be achieved by counting or listening the breath, maintaining the peace of mind etc.
If Chi Kung is practiced correctly, it can increase vital energy and prevent ill health. It can maintain the proper balance of mind and body and regulates blood circulation. It is used as therapy along with various fitness or supplementary exercises such as Tai Chi Chuan for the treating of many common diseases.

As far as kung fu is concerned the daily practice of Chi Kung awakenS the "heat sensation" known as Chi energy which can be used for health and defense. The purpose of Chi Kung is not to attain great muscular development, but to perfect health, thereby increasing your lifespan.