Description of selected hand forms:
MUI FA KUEN – The form of a plum blossom 梅花拳
It is the first form taught in the system, despite its simplicity, it is a very mature form, strengthening the whole body and teaching a holistic approach to the techniques of the system. The form of the Plum blossom is made in four directions, which is modeled on the four petals of the plum blossom. This helps students prepare for combat on different planes and teaches frequent changes in the direction of an attack. Most of the techniques are basic techniques, but also very useful in combat. Mui Fa Kuen teaches the basics: punches, kicks, blocks, dodges, and how to move in combat.
LAU GAR KUEN – Form of the Lau family 劉家拳
Form of the family "Lau". Initially, it was a family style taught in the closed circle of the Lau family. This secrecy resulted in the irretrievable loss of many important elements of this system. Over time, it was absorbed by the Hung Gar system, becoming an integral part of it. The advanced techniques of the "phoenix eye" fong yang choi and "gum gao jin sao" fracture techniques known as "golden scissors" deserve attention in the form of Lau Gar Kuen. The techniques included in this form are simple to use in combat, and the stability of the Lau Gar position strengthens the legs.
WU TIP JEUNG / WU TIP KUEN – Butterfly Hand Form 蝴蝶掌
It is one of the most beautiful and dynamic forms of Hung Gar. It includes intercepts, breakouts, simultaneous double strikes and a scissor cut technique that does not occur in other forms. However, it is a short form compared to other, advanced forms of this system.
FU PAO KUEN – Tiger Wrestling With A Leopard 虎豹拳
It is a form based on leopard techniques. Showing his speed, agility, using the strokes and blocks characteristic of leopard techniques generating strength in techniques. This form is one of the initial forms that prepares you to learn the most advanced forms of Hung Gar. The techniques contained in this form come in advanced forms such as Fu Hok Seung Ying Kuen and Sap Ying Kuen.
KUNG CHI FOK FU KUEN – Taming a tiger using Chi energy 工字伏虎拳
It is the oldest form of Hung Gar Kuen dating back to the beginning of the 18th century. The characters "fok fu" denote the taming or taming of the tiger, while the characters "KUNG" denote a character in the shape of a capital letter I. The character "kuen" denotes a fist. So the name of the form can be translated as "tiger taming" according to the kung sign using the Chi energy. The form is made according to the scheme of the "gong" sign. Kung Chi consists of approximately 250 movements, of which a number of elements are repeated or performed symmetrically. It is a form intended for intermediate learners, however special attention should be paid to the correctness of the internal aspects of the form (nei gong). Correct, systematic performance of this form strengthens the position, strength of strokes and overall health. Kung Chi Fok Fu Kuen consists of two parts, Kung Chi and Fok Fu. Sometimes these parts are taught as two separate forms. This is due to the different pace and degree of advancement of both parts of the form. Kung Chi is slower and more static, it contains many elements of Chi Kung, the knowledge of which only appears at an advanced stage of practice. Fok Fu exercises strong offensive techniques in different zones and is performed at a faster pace. Kung Chi Fok Fu Kuen contains many interesting techniques. An important element of the form are the techniques of "kiu sao bridges". KUNG CHI is not as popular or widespread as FU HOK SEUNG YING KUEN or SAP YING KUEN. One volume of the "trilogy" written by Lam Sai Wing was devoted to this form.
FU HOK SEUNG YING KUEN – The form of a tiger and a crane 虎鶴雙形拳
The Tiger and Crane form is one of the most famous Hung Gar forms. Like Kung Chi, Fu Hok Seung Ying Kuen also contains many Chi Kung elements combined with specific sounds that strengthen the appropriate internal organs of the practitioner and increase the strength of the technique. Fu Hok Seung Ying Kuen is an advanced form of the Hung Gar system, the techniques and combinations it contains are the essence of the system's combat concept. Strong blows, stable movement as well as quick changes of direction and pace are the basic attributes of the form. It contains fighting techniques in all three distances. Fu Hok Seung Ying Kuen was devoted to one volume of Lam Sai Wing's trilogy.
SAP YING KUEN – The form of the five animals and five elements 十形拳
The form of the five animals and five elements (elements). It bridges the Tit Sin Kuen form (the iron rope form) and the other forms. Its first part contains the techniques of hard nei gong to control the flow of Chi energy, the Kiu Sau (bridges) exercise and shows the specificity of dragon techniques. The following sequences of the form contain the techniques of the remaining animals: the snake, the tiger, the leopard and the crane. Sap Ying Kuen also introduces the techniques of the five elements (metal, water, wood, earth and fire) from South Siu Lum. The purpose of using the five elements is to analyze and understand their creative and destructive nature.
TIT SHIN KUEN – Form of iron rope 鐵線拳
This form is taught last, being the quintessence and summary of the system. This form is significantly different from other forms of the system. The emphasis is on breathing, emotions, and characteristic shouts. Thanks to this, we can control the Chi flow and improve the techniques of 12 bridges - 12 Kiu Sau. One of the most important elements in making a mold is the correct shouting and breathing pattern. Each shout (sound) is related to one of the five elements and therefore to the internal yin and yang organs belonging to that element. Therefore, it is very important to get the correct shouts with the right techniques in the form. Tit Shin Kuen is an excellent 12 Kiu Sau training and has a beneficial effect on the health of the exerciser. Increases vitality and improves the functioning of internal organs. The name "Iron / Steel Rope" results from the nature of the form as hard as iron and at the same time flexible as a rope. Leung Kwan, who is considered the unrivaled Master of this form, has repeatedly given examples of the extraordinary strength and resilience resulting from the Tit Shin exercise. He was nicknamed Tit Kiu Sam, which meant Iron Bridge Number Three. Master Lam Sai Wing also described Tit Shin Kuen in his elaboration.
