Foundation Hand Forms

1. Lau Gar Kuen

This is a set that was incorporated into the Lam Family Hung Gar Curriculum by Grandmaster Lam Cho.  This set is practised in the Lam Family Hung Gar curriculum as an entry level or beginner's level set. Despite being relatively short, the key concepts which are practised in this form include:

(a)  The basis stances of Hung Gar including Sei Ping Ma (horse riding stance), Ji Ng Ma (Front Stance) and the Kei Lun Bo (Unicorn Step).  In particular, the practitioner is required to practise to be able to transition smoothly between the Horse Riding Stance and the Front Stance and to combine this transition with hip and hand movements.

(b) Some basic hand techniques of Hung Gar such as the Kiu Sau, straight punch, joint locks and the tiger claw are also introduced in this form.

2.  Gung Gee Fok Fu Kuen (Taming the Tiger in the Pattern of the word "Gung" Form)

Gung Gee Fok Fu Kuen originates from the Southern Shaolin Temple.  It is said that Chi Shin Sim See taught the form originally to Hung Hei Gwoon.  At that time, the form was called Shaolin Fok Fu Kuen.  However, to hide its Shaolin origins, the form was renamed Gung Gee Fok Fu Kuen subsequently.  It is said that if the practitioner practises on a dirt surface, that the Chinese character which resemble an "I" (i.e. Gung Gee) would be drawn by the footwork of the practitioner.   The form is practiced as the foundation form in Lam Family Hung Gar and is one of the four pillar forms of Hung Gar.

One of the longer forms of the system, the key concepts which are practiced in the form include:

(a)  The basic stances of Hung Gar including Sei Ping Ma (horse riding stance), Ji Ng Ma (Front Stance) and the Kei Lun Bo (Unicorn Step).

(b) Fundamental hand and leg techniques of Hung Gar.  In particular, the student is introduced to:

• Single/Double Kiu Sao training – being one of the fundamental training exercises in Hung Gar.  In particular, the practitioner should focus on exertion of force properly by tensing the forearms, elbows and triceps and focusing this force so that it is transported to the contact point with the opponent;
• Straight punching and kicking;
• Simultaneous attack and defence combinations involving the Fun Gum Choi, Long Sau (Shelving hand), Bik Sao (Inside Block) and Tiu Sao (Deflecting Block) in combination with the straight punch;
• Hak Fu Jau - Black Tiger Claw – This technique is used for attacking and barging an opponent's attack and taking the opponent's centre of gravity.
• Fu Mei Geuk – Tiger Tail Kick which is a block and kick combination.

It is said that the Gung Gee Fok Fu Kuen is the favourite fist form of Grandmasters Lam Sai Wing and Lam Cho as diligent practice of this excellent form will result in the practitioners arms being hardened without the need for training on wooden dummies and the stance being rooted in the ground without the need for sitting for extended periods of time in the horse stance.  Therefore, it is an excellent form for building a strong foundation in the art of Hung Gar before learning other hand and weapon forms.