Hung Gar
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
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Hung Gar, also known as Hung Kuen or Hung Ga, is one of the most popular Chinese martial arts becuase of the fame gained by its most renowned practitioner, Wong Fei Hung. The Hung Gar style has been described as powerful and swift, with a solid, immovable stance. The system uses a combination of short-range tactics (which are also their defensive tactics) and long-range movements. The style is mainly a combination of the Tiger and Crane styles of Kung Fu.
With a history of more than 200 years, the Hung Gar style has been one of the most popular methods of martial arts practiced in Southern China. Wong Fei Hung systemized the Tiger and Crane movements into several formal exercise patterns known as Fu-Hok Sheong Yin Kuen. Hung Gar is one of the Five Major Southern Family Styles.
History
Hung gar was created at the Sothern Shaolin Temple in Fujian Province in southern China by Hung Hei Kwun. Hung first learned the Shaolin Tiger style from Ji Shin. Hung then also learned the Crane style from his wife. He further added the other Five Animals styles--Snake, Dragon, and Leopard--creating an art that is effective at all three ranges of fighting (short, medium, and long range).
Training and Techniques
This art stresses hand-strikes and low, snapping kicks from a solid stance. Students are taught to use deception against an attacker and to block and hit at the same time. Blocks and counters are said to have the striking power of a sledgehammer. Hung Gar includes both internal and external techniques. Hung Gar training includes use of mook jung (wooden dummy), the same as that used in Wing Chun. There are many exercises designed to build physical strength and power generation, and also many weapons forms. Hung Gar was designed to be learned quickly, though not easily.
