Hung Gar Kuen

The Red Family Fist

Hung Gar Kuen is one of the oldest and most full of legends Kung Fu styles. 

From its roots in a forgotten Shaolin temple, to its actual appareance on action movies 

and kids shows (Yes, there is Hung Gar in Kung Fu Panda ! ), there it a lot to say.

Sit comfortable, and prepare for a passionating exploration of the unavoidable 
Tiger and Crane style.

Around 300 years ago, a Shaolin temple has been destroyed by the Qing emperor's army. 

Only five monks, all master in one martial art, could survive and escape.

One of them, Gee Sin, met a traveler who helped him to hide and shared his food.

During this time, the monk taught the traveler his secret Kung Fu techniques, so that

he could spread it in China to 'Beat the Qing [dinasty] and restore the Ming dinasty.'

The traveler, who was named Hung Hei Koon​, mixed his new Kung Fu with his wife's White Crane style.

Then appeared the original Five Animals System, Hung Gar Kuen, (Hung Gar means 'Hung family', Kuen means 'fist' or 'fighting style').

Because the rebels had to hide from the government, they pretended to be circus artist. 

They traveled throug China on flat-bottomed boats, so their style evolved to become very rooted,
sturdy, and close to the ground - you wont try a flying crescent kick on a flat-bottomed boat, 
believe me.

Then comes Wong Fei Hong

A chinese mythology hero but also a historical character (1847 - 1925), who learnt Hung Gar from our traveler.

Wong's life is famous and full of incredible feats, wich made him and his style well known in the whole country.

Wong is kind of 'the missing piece', a link between legend and reality. Because he taught Lam Sai Wing, a totally real-life person (1861? – 1943) who taught his son Lam Jo, then Y.C. Wong, then... 

My father and me :-)

Hung Gar style today have changed in multiple ways is you compare it to the beginning, but the founding principles, rooted stances, powerful arm techniques, and main forms remain the same.

It now have more forms (originally it had only 3), weapons forms from others styles such as Pek Kwar.

Even if it include all five animals work on technique - Tiger, Crane, Snake, Leopard and Dragon, respectively for strength, evasiveness, nimbleness, speed and breathing- 
It is still mainly known as the Tiger-Crane style because these two animals symbolize the unique characteristics of this style: the tiger, representing fierceness and powerful character, perfectly complements the crane, representing agility and swift movement. 

Hung-Gar has strong versatile hand techniques and powerful effective kicks that are applicable 
to close-range as well as long-range situations.

Most students start with Hung Gar as it provides a solid foundation for other acrobatic or internal styles.

Hope you enjoyed the journey
See you later,

Maoni