Kung-Fu Techniques

Kung Fu is a series of self-defense techniques that the Chinese people developed thousands of years ago. Since Kung-Fu evolved over time, no one person is given credit for starting the practice. Different individuals and their disciples help to cultivate the many different fighting styles of Kung-Fu. Over time many martial arts practitioners formulated many fighting styles and techniques such as the Five Fists, Hun Gar and the Praying Mantis.

  1. The Five Fists

    • Around 1000 A.D. a Shaolin monk named Qiu Yue Chan Shi created a book called the "The Essence of Five Fist." This book outlined the fighting techniques of five types of Kung Fu and they include the Dragon, Tiger, Panther, Snake and Crane. Each style introduces techniques and abilities that mimic the five previously mentioned animals. Dragon style Kung-Fu is designed for quickness, momentum and deadly handwork. Tiger style is an aggressive form of Kung Fu that emphasizes force and aggression. Panther style uses manipulation, deceit and unorthodox attacks and defenses. Snake techniques are quick strikes that are mixed with grappling and disabling techniques. Crane is an elegant style of Kung Fu that uses evasive and maneuvering techniques to avoid and wear down the enemy.

    Hung Gar

    • Hung Gar Kung Fu is a powerful martial art style and its techniques were feared and respected by many armies and bandits during the 18th century. Hung Hei Goon created this form after he was taught Tiger Style Kung Fu from a Shaolin monk named Gee Sin Sim See. Hung Gar Kung Fu employs close fighting techniques to defeat opponents. Some of the most notable movements of this fighting style include iron blocks, low snapping kicks, strong stances and ambidexterity.

    Praying Mantis

    • Praying Mantis Kung Fu was created during the 17th century by Wang Lang after he captured a mantis and studied its unique fighting skills. Praying Mantis practitioners use hooks, grasps and strikes to attack and defend against opponents. Skill and timing are two other abilities that are mastered with the Praying Mantis system and this aspect of the style allows practitioners to deflect blows while striking their opponents at the same time. After Wang Lang had passed away, his Praying Mantis technique was divided into four different styles by his students.

    Monkey Style

    • Many different individuals developed monkey style Kung Fu during the Song Dynasty. Kau See was an inmate sentenced to prison for killing an officer and while in jail he studied the fighting methods and movements of his prison guards, which happened to be apes. After being released he quickly taught his effective style to disciples and became known as "The Monkey Master." Kau See might not have been the originator of the monkey style but practitioners still use his version today. Techniques include quick and explosive energetic moves and many other types of skills that involve rolling, jumping, skipping and scurrying.