Among the renowned “72 Secret Skills of Shaolin” (Siulam Chaat Sap Yi Jyut Gei 少林七十二絕技), one foundational practice stands out for cultivating resilience, power, internal harmony, and strike resistance: „Crouching Tiger Skill“ (Ngo Fu Gung 臥虎功), also called „Taming the Tiger Skill“ (Fuk Fu Gung 伏虎功). Continue reading
The so-called “Five Forms” (Ng Ying 五形 ) are: Dragon (Lung 龍), Snake (Se 蛇), Tiger (Fu 虎), Leopard ( 豹 Paau), and Crane (鶴 Hok).
The core nature lies in the cultivation of Essence (精 Jing), Strength (Lik 力), Breath/Internal Energy (Hei 氣), Bones (Gwat 骨), and Spirit (San 神). Each form has its unique brilliance, and each method has its distinct function. Continue reading
“Hands are unique weapons in the Chinese martial arts”, says Grandmaster Wai Hong of Tiger Claw System – and his “Tiger Claws” are proof. We will reveal his unique push-up variation in the video below, but first some experience from my lineage and other Masters I met. Continue reading
The man, the the myth, the legend – Grand Master Lam Jou, late patriarch of the Lam Family Hung Kyun, nephew and heir of “Mr. Tiger & Crane” Lam Sai Wing’s lineage, explains Hung Kyun bridges, power generation and combat applications!
Please check out super rare videos of the legendary Grand Master Lam Jou (1910-2012) below!
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![“The Five Animal, Five Element Boxing Set” of Hung Kyun Master Lam Sai Wing: Snake Section [Part 2 of 10]](https://practicalhungkyun.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/hung-ga-kyun-five-animals-five-elements-snake-form.jpg)
Whereas the dragon represents the spirit, the snake represents the Qi (氣), the breath, and circulation of energy within the human body. Sometimes referred to as a “little dragon,” the snake likewise speaks to the covert, and the unseen.
The snake techniques are generally considered to be a bare-hand extrapolation of ancient spear technique, and as such exemplify the principle of, “defend with a circle; counter with a straight line.” The Hung Kyun maxim states, “hard counters the soft; soft controls the hard.” Thus, the snake’s hard bridging is manifest with rooted stance and iron force, heavy as a python’s coils, while it’s elusive twining, soft bridging action is unfelt until striking the vital points, venomous as a cobra’s touch. Continue reading
This is one of the original forms, and was the first form taught in the Dang Family Hung Ga curriculum. The form is much shorter than Gung Ji Fuk Fu Kyun, comprising of less than one hundred moves.
![“The Five Animal, Five Element” aka “Ten Forms“ Boxing Set of Hung Kyun Master Lam Sai Wing: Intro & Dragon Section [Part 1 of 10]](https://practicalhungkyun.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hung-ga-kyun-five-animals-five-elements-michael-goodwin-dragon.jpg)
In the Wong Fei Hung curriculum, three famous sets, the “Gung 工 Character Tiger Subduing Set” (Gung Ji Fuk Fu Kyun 工字伏虎拳), the ““Tiger and Crane Twin Pattern Set”” (Fu Hok Seung Ying Kyun 虎鶴雙形拳), and the “Iron Thread Set” (Tit Sin Kyun 鐵線拳 ), are collectively known as “The Hung Kyun Three Treasures.” However, the “Ten Patterns Boxing Set” (Sap Ying Kyun 十形拳) was originally established by Lam Sai Wing, to revise and consolidate key portions of the curriculum as he had learned it from Wong Fei Hung. Continue reading
Tit Kiu Saam (“Iron Bridge” Three) was one of the best fighters of 19th century Southern China – one of the legendary “Ten Tigers of Gwong Dung”. He was famous for her “Bridges” (Kiu), firm stances (Ma) and incredible strength, developed thanks to his “Iron Thread Set” (Tit Sin Kyun).
We don’t have much information about his other techniques, but if: Continue reading
“Flowery fists, embroidery legs” is a popular Chinese saying, describing a “martial” art that looks good, but has no combat use.
Often this is indeed a truth – and it does not matter if it is modern or traditional style. In many other cases, technique that looks flowery may have a practical combat usage – it was just forgotten. Continue reading
