No comments about Hung Gar Kung Fu (Spanish Edition).

No comments about Hung Gar Kung Fu Chinese Art Of Self Defense.

5 comments about The Tiger/Crane Form of Hung Gar Kung-Fu with Video.

1. Carefull! The video does not match the book! Both items are good learning tools but it is very hard to learn a form from pictures alone. If they were both about the form it would have been a better match.



2. This book is great or terrible depending on what you are looking for. If you have never studied hung gar before, then this book is for you. The forms are clearly explained and after every form there is a short explanation, with pictures, of how this form is used in "everyday" combat. The forms are kept very simple and straight-forward. If you are looking for inexpensive self-defense against people with little or no training, this is a great book.

   However.

   If you are a student of hung gar kung fu looking to benefit from the insights of a master of the style, then this book is not for you. It is kept very simplistic throughout. If you have a teacher in hung gar already, then this book wont bring much to the table.




3. Ok, I've studied under one of Sifu Kong's students, Sifu Ed Lane in Bellingham Washington, studying Hung Gar and Choy Li Fut. This book is very helpful, although it is a different form than the beginning form you learn. Buck Sam Kong is the president of the American Sui Lum Pai (Shao-lin) federation and is a very respected Sifu in the world.
   The video I know nothing about. You all should write Amazon and tell them to change their advertising of the book instead of posting angry remarks here. One is fine to warn us! Thank you by the way, I almost bought this book again for the video :)

   -Walter




4. First, a word of warning. The video doesn't present the form, it is simply video number 3 from Kong's Hung Gar series presenting somemore of the basic techiques.
   
   However, the book on the form is good and was a groundbreaking effort at the time, as it was the first ever to appear in English documenting the form. It should be noted that this version of the form is from the Lam Sai Wing lineage, which means it has been modified somewhat from the original form as created by Wong Fei Hung. I practice the Wong version, and prefer that as it is the unchanged version, but have no problem with those who practice this version.
   
   The Tiger/Crane form of Hung Gar kung-fu is one of the great forms, both technically and historically. It is said that the applications of this one long form (it is about 150 moves long) are almost infinite and that one really doesn't need anymore than this to be able to defend oneself. It is also quite common for many students to stop with just the first empty-handed form, Gung Gi Fuk Fu Kuen, which is well over 200 moves, as just learning that is a significant achievement, and never even get to the tiger/crane form.
   
   The tiger/crane set has become synonymous with Hung Gar, and Hung Gar is sometimes called the tiger/crane style. This is only partially correct however, as the Hung Gar system developed into a five animal system after that and the five shapes form, which is even more advanced and complex, is actually more representative of the style at this point, since it contains all the 5 animals techniques. However, the tiger/crane form does represent and symbolize the ying/yang aspect of Hung Gar with the addition of the White Crane techniques to the original Tiger Claw kung fu. However, no one knows who created the 5 shapes form, although it was undoubtably some unknown but brilliant practitioner.
   
   Many authorities consider Hung Gar, of all the extant styles, to be the one closest to the original Shaolin Temple boxing (and depending on which authority you consult, the total number of kung-fu styles ranges from 300 to 1000). While we may never know for sure which style is the most authentic or the closest to the original style, this form is certainly an important contribution to the art. Hung Gar was also the style practiced by most of the boxers who helped overthrow the Ching Manchurian dynasty, so it even has political significance in addition to its importance as a fighting art, and also means Hung Gar was battle tested and found to work in the past.
   
   Despite the controversy surrounding Kong about some comments he made about Wong Fei Hong vs. Lam Sai Wing, I believe Kong is still a top exponent of this style of kung-fu, and he presents the form with very clear photo sequences. Another plus is he includes photos showing the practical self-defense applications of the more important sections and sequences. Of course, one can't learn kung fu from a book, but as there are several masters putting out videos on the forms, such as Masters David Lee and Yee, a video is the next best thing to a real instructor, and I know a number of people who are undergoing this sort of "distance learning," supplemented with hands-on training at the home school.
   
   So overall, an excellent book and the only one on the subject, and even if you're not a kung-fu practitioner, an interesting addition to your martial-arts library.



5. Only for those who want to learn the complete Hung Gar's Tiger/Crane Form and its application. The Video sadly is not of the Tiger/Crane Form, but, a brief introductory of the Hung Gar Five animals Form and its application.

No comments about Beginning Shaolin Hung-Gar Kung-Fu.

3 comments about Southern Shaolin Kung Fu Ling Nam Hung Gar.

1. I've always enjoyed reading books by Sifu Wing Lam - his books are thorough & comprehensive in its coverage. The abovementioned book is no exception. No other books on Hung Gar offer the same detailed information as this book. This is the only Hung Gar book in English that covers topic such as 12 Bridge Hands which is a fundamental set in Hung Gar system. I hope Sifu Wing Lam would write a series of books covering every fist set in the Hung Gar system. You can be sure that every book of his would be in my collection.
   
   David Wong



2. I have been practicing martial arts since the 70's. This is a fantastic Hung Gar book, here's why.
   
   The coverage includes solid information on basics such as stances and Kiu Sao, on the five animals and sounds, and five elements. The typo level is extremely low (unlike most martial books). There are good multi-picture explanations of a lot of applications.
   
   The reason you should immediately buy this book is for the teaching point gems -- things you would normally only get told in class verbally -- for the key elements of quite a few open handed and weapons forms. There are typically just a couple of pages of these (with photos) for each form in the Wing Lam Canton Hung Gar curriculum, but the fact someone was willing to share these with the general public is extraordinary.
   
   That said, this book will NOT teach you a single form. Nor should you expect that from a book this short unless it is dedicated to a single form.
   
   Regards, and hope this helps.



3. The author is clear, concise and detailed in his writing of this book.
   
   His Hung Gar knowledge is excellent. He explains the Lineage, Hung Gar Basics, Application of movement and concepts of Forms. He also briefly reviews treating training injuries with Dit Da Jow and massage.
   
   I have trained in Hung Gar for 3 years and his videotapes are good also.

No comments about Learn Hung Gar Kung Fu: Training Gung Ji Fuk Fu Kuen (Volume 1).

No comments about On Hung Gar: History and Practice.

5 comments about The Tiger/Crane Form of Hung Gar Kung-Fu (Literary Links to the Orient).

1. After seeing the Tiger/Crane form demonstrated to me, I noticed this book leaves out about 1/3 of the actual movements, transitional postures that are only held briefly. The power needed for Hung gar is not at all demonstrated in this book and does mention at all the isometrics involved when performing these movements. Not a bad book for reference, but don't even begin learning this form until you are taking classes, or at the least have gotten a video of the form demonstration. Applications are basic and weak, with none of the mayhem which Hung gar can be, like hair pulling into a knee slam to the face, and ripping out an attackers throat and groin at the same time.



2. I studied Hung Gar with one of Bucksam's Top students for a couple of years. This is a great reference book. Very well put together, illustrated and written. You won't find a better book on this classic form.



3. This is a great book that goes into the detail that was expected of martial art books of the time. Apparently, some people expect to learn a form from a book--what ridiculousness! How can anyone learn the complexities of a form from a book? That is not how the system has been transmitted in the past, nor should it be that way in the future. It does what it serves to do: act as a reference. The real deal takes place with a live teacher. The photos are pretty good with nice documentation of the form. Anyone who wants to see how this can really work is still able to train with this man.



4. oh my goodness! when ok'tar gave up his right of charlin for maybo....I cried like a new born wampa rat that can't find it's powpow....
   
   anyways...the book itself does have a huge selection of moves to learn and it describes them very well. It also has an explanation of the stances used for all of the moves. However, it did not contain anything in the way of basics for getting started. The book seems to come from the assumption that the reader already has experience with Tiger/Crane and that this is just like expanding your repertoire of moves. Some of the moves do look really sweet though!



5. This form is the second form in the style and utilizes almost all the movement of other descendant or branched styles similiar to the hung gar system. It's historical record is interesting and seems to incorporate yet another major system.
   A rather long and good feeling set a movements, Good, although start out on the first form and try some of the other southern secular styles to see the evolution of mimicry and/or exposure to other style inventors.

4 comments about Hung Gar Kung-Fu.

1. A very comprehensive little book on Hung Gar boxing by a fine artist.Includes:breathing,stretching,stances,form&application,footwork diagrams for each movement,as well as informative reading.Back in the 70s Ohara was pretty much THE source for martial arts guidebooks and they set a standard that is still very competitive with the newly pulished works of today.This book along with:Wing Chun-James Yimm lee,Sil Lum kung fu-Leo T. Fong,Choy Lay Fut-Leo Fong,White Crane gung fu-Michael Staples,and Muay Thai Kickboxing-Hardy Stockman,are all fine examples of Ohara's great martial arts books of the 70s.



2. Of all the older style martial art books that show many pictures and techniques, this one is one of the best. Sifu Buck Sam Kong has been known to be open and honest about his art, and this book is a reflection of that. Of course, one should not hope or desire to learn an art form from a book--particularly a martial art form--but this text is pretty darn clear about what Lau Gar Kuen is about. Expressed in the photos as well is the kind of physical endurance one will need to practice the art: low stances, powerful hands and arms, and fierce determination.



3. 
   This nice, thick volume was renowned Sifu Bucksam Kong's first mass-market book on Hung Gar style, which was later followed by the more advanced Tiger Crane Book. Originally published in the 1970's and having gone through a 10-year period of being out of print and hard to obtain, this volume has recently been reissued by the publisher with a colorful new cover. The timeless "meat" in the pages between the covers is still the same, however!
   
   Hung Gar Gung Fu combines strength with speed and often inpressive low stances reminicrent og Goju Ryu. This volume includes complete instruction on the basics of this style, from vital points, stance work, striking, kicking, and deflecting, to the first form, the Two-Man Sparring Set. A superb and complete introduction to Hung Gar style. Bucksam Kong is one of the foremost authorities on this style, and has also published a number of DVDs which detail the Hung Gar and Lau Gar schools.
   
   You will find older editions of this book with the original bright gold cover/



4. I follow this style of Kung-Fu It helps to have something to refer to and I like to understand the reasoning behind the move... the physics of it all.
   Anyway - It works well for me.

3 comments about Iron Thread. Southern Shaolin Hung Gar Kung Fu Classics Series.

1. Andrew Timofeevich has masterfully translated Lam Sai Wing's (Author), Tid Sid Kuen - Iron Wire form with easy to understand and follow instructions. Martial Artists need to add this one to your library even if you don't intend to learn the form. It opens up the essence of Hung Gar which can greatly benefit those in both soft and hard styles. The illustrations in combination with the detailed instruction make it easy for anyone to enter a heretofore secret art.



2. This book contains excellent and detailed descriptions of every technique in the Iron Wire Set. I think it also very useful for people who have a background in Tai Chi, because this is a unique description of the most internal form of the hard style of Hung Gar Kung Fu.



3. Lam Sai Wing's, "Iron Thread," is a masterfully constructed instructional manual for the Hung Gar form, "Iron Thread." This form combines the elements of both the internal and the external, and is designed to promote physical strength and development of internal energy.
   The Author begins with the lineage of his own Masters, and the origins of Hung Gar Kung Fu. He also provides a few fitting and excellent stories about their exploits.
   The form itself is illustrated from one posture to the next, with careful descriptions of each move, as well as the feelings one should experience when the postures are executed correctly. The form is unusual in that specific vocalizations accompany many of the techniques, and are often combined with a sort of moving, dynamic tension. The form is also very economical in its use of space, and it should fit easily within the confines of the average apartment room. The movements are not too complicated at the surface, and won't prove to be too difficult for the studious practitioner. The true complexity of this form however, will only be grasped after long, diligent study, as its internal methods should prove quite challenging to master. There are also no kicking techniques in this form, and that may prove attractive to some. I also felt that this form would fit in well with many Karate systems forms repertoire, and it reminded me in some ways of Goju-Ryu or Ueichi Ryu.
   Generous Masters such as Lam Sai Wing should be held in the highest regard for works such as this, without which, many of us would never experience the wonders of Shaolin Kung fu. Master Wing claims that the strength of the diligent practitioner of the Iron Thread can increase by nine times. Whether or not that this is true will be up to the student who reads and then strives. Many Shaolin Arts and Kung Fu use the concept of a "continuous thread of energy," and I believe that the "Iron Thread," is supposed to be practiced in just such a way, never truly stopping from beginning until the end. I for one, can't wait to try it.
   
   Sincerely, Erik D. J. O'Brien The Drums of Doom: Part 2 of The Duaredheim Staff Saga