OUR KUNG FU STYLE
Hung Gar – Hung Kuen
Hung Gar Kuen (洪家拳), commonly known as Hung Kuen (洪拳), is one of the most renowned, respected, and influential styles of Kung Fu to emerge from southern China. Originating in the early 17th century, Hung Kuen boasts a rich and vibrant history, shaped by legendary figures, historical events, and stories that have significantly impacted the evolution of Kung Fu in southern China. Its enduring legacy has made it the subject of countless films, TV shows, novels, books, articles, and studies over the years.
Hung Kuen is renowned for its formidable, no-nonsense martial prowess and its profound benefits for the body, mind, and spirit. Once a closely guarded combat system, it was born in an era of conflict and struggle, where self-defense was a matter of life and death. From hand-to-hand combat and weapons mastery to internal energy cultivation and the unification of body and mind, this style of Kung Fu is a true powerhouse.
Origins of Hung Kuen
Hung Kuen is believed to have originated in the southern regions of China, specifically in Guangdong province, during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). The earlier history of Hung Gar and its origins are somewhat ambiguous and confusing. This is largely due to much of the history was passed down verbally from generation to generation, master to student. There are however, on going efforts and research into the matter which may in the future clarify some of the historical contradictions and legends.
According to most, the roots of Hung Kuen can be traced back to the famous Shaolin Temple and the legendary figure Hung Hei-goon (洪熙官), who is often credited as the founder of hung gar. According to popular legend, Hung Hei-goon was a rebel and a martial arts master who played a significant role in the resistance against the Qing Dynasty (the ruling dynasty after the fall of the Ming Dynasty). It is said that Hung Hei-goon took refuge at the shaolin temple where he trained under monk Gee Seen Sim See, eventual becoming his top disciple. While there isn’t much concrete historical evidence about the real-life existence of Monk Gee Sin Sim See, he remains an important legendary figure in the most popular Hung Gar Kung Fu traditions. After the Southern Shaolin Temple was destroyed by the Qing forces, Hung Hei Goon, Gee Sim, Luk Ah Choi as well as some others managed to survive the attack and escaped to the southern regions of China.These man swore to spread the art of shaolin and fight to “overthrow the Qing, restore the Ming”.
Legendary Wong Fei Hung
Although there seems to be many varying folk tales, stories and legends surrounding the origins of hung kuen, it is commonly believed that the Hung Gar system was passed down to Wong Family ( Wong Tai, Wong Kei ying and Wong Fei Hung) all of whom were very famous for their martial and medical skills. The most famous by far was the folk hero Wong Fei Hung (黃飛鴻).
Wong Fei Hung is often regarded one of the greatest kung fu masters to have lived in South China.He is one of the most legendary and influential figures in the history of Chinese martial arts, particularly known for his contributions to Hung Gar Kung Fu. He is not only a celebrated martial artist but also a folk hero in Chinese culture, symbolizing the ideals of righteousness, justice, and self-discipline. His life story and exploits has been immortalized by hundreds of movies, publications, TV&Radio shows, comic books etc. In-fact so famous, that he has become a household name all over China, Hong Kong and most parts of south-east Asia. For Hung Gar practitioners around the world, he is often considered as the father of the modern day Hung Gar due to his additions and pivotal role on the development of Hung gar kung fu as we know today.
It is believed that Wong Fei Hung trained with many other kung fu masters during his youth. Although there are different accounts, its commonly accepted that Wong Fei Hung learned the famed iron Wire technique from Lam Fook Sing (林福生), a student of another famous Hung Gar hero Tid Kiu Sam (鐵橋三). Real name Leung Kwan, Tid Kiu Sam is is a legendary figure in the history of Hung Gar Kung Fu and Chinese martial arts. His name translates roughly as “Iron Bridge Three”, which reflects his reputation for incredible strength and mastery of martial arts techniques. He is an important part of the Hung Gar lineage, and is often remembered for his connection to Wong Fei-hung.
Lam Sai-wing (林世榮) was one of the most famous and respected disciples of Wong Fei-hung. He became one of the foremost masters of Hung Gar Kung Fu and helped popularize the style in the 20th century by playing a crucial role in the preserving and transmitting Lam Family branch of Hung Kuen to future generations. Following in his uncle’s footsteps, Lam Cho shaped the Lam Family Hung Kuen. Read more about history and masters of Lam Family Hung Kuen by clicking the link below.
Lam Family Hung Kuen
Lam Family Hung Kuen legacy begins with Lam Sai Wing who set the foundation and popularized the system in southeast asia. Following in his uncles footstep, grand master Lam Cho with his endless efforts to promote, reform and innovate the system popularized Lam Family Hung Kuen all over the world.
Hung Kuen is traditionally known for its powerful, direct strikes, deep stances, and emphasis on both hard and soft techniques. Practitioners focus on rooting and stability, generating internal power through precise footwork, powerful strikes, and proper breathing techniques.
Grand master Lam Cho introduced significant changes and subtle additions to his family martial arts. Besides expanding on the number of empty hand and weapon sets that were passed down from his uncle, he incorporated some very important fundamental concepts all of which must be mastered through practical training, including mastery of distancing, positioning and timing, effective use of posture and body positioning as well as efficiency of body mechanics and movement in general. Lam cho expanded on already established old methods by making his family martial arts a more agile and flexible style. Lam Cho put more emphasis on techniques, positioning and technical drills, as well as striking the perfect balance between internal and external training methods. In many ways, grand master Lam Cho was the living example and true testament of his training and Lam Family style of kung fu, which provided him with a long and vibrant life.
Inheriting and building on the foundation passed on by Hung Kuen masters Wong Fei Hung and Lam Sai Wing, Grand master Lam Cho developed Lam Family Hung Kuen into a leading martial arts system with truly global significance. Fusing the techniques of diverse styles and schools of martial arts, he significantly enriched his family style. Lam Family Hung Kuen style and Lineage are officially recognized as part of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage
