The various moods and movements of these animals were imitated in order to keep good health and as self-defence techniques.

Five principal animals were studied and coded...Each of them presents particular attributes. They are:

TIGER :  to develop bony structure.
CRANE : to train the tendons.
SNAKE : for the internal power also known as CHI.
DRAGON : for the spiritual movement.
LEOPARD : to give speed and agility.

The five animals were added to the five elements WOOD,WATER,EARTH,FIRE and METAL to form TEN patterns of which HUNG KUEN is made up.

HUNG KUEN is considered an external martial style. This could be true for the battle,but it is also true that ,during training, the serious disciple should try to use 30% of internal power(CHI). We thought that this power in concentrated just below the navel into your body in a region called DANTIEN. However ,training in the right way with a good sifu ,this energy can be addressed to different parts of the body: fists and parries need this energy flow through the arm into the hand to hit or in forearm to parry.
In any case the internal power gives energy to the technique and protect the body against wounds.

70% of the style is focused on reinforcing the body and limbs.The remaining 30% trains the mind trough a particular kind of respiration called TIDSIN(Iron Wire). This training gives good health and readiness against sudden attacks.

This style is teached as a sequence of movements called Pattern. Each pattern develop co-ordination of body and breath control.
The pattern are different: they go from simple basic movements to complex techniques wich involve union between mind and body.
Hung Kuen is not teached in order to win competitions;his aim is to give self-trust and give physical and spiritual health.

The recognized HUNG KUEN father is HUNG HEI GEUNG. He learned the TIGER STYLE from GEE SIM,who was one of the five
forefathers of Shaolin monastery.
English SIFU JAMES UGLOW began learning HUNG KUEN in London many years before he decided to go to HONG KONG to train
with the chinese master CHAN HON CHUNG. Now he teaches in Essex and surroundings in his fulltime school,WOODFORD GREEN.

Sifu CHAN HON CHUNG.

Chan Hon Chung was the greatest master of Hung Kuen style in Hong Kong.He openly teach for years and years but "It shoul be for the right purpose." -He used to say-"Not only to fight but to character better.These traditional values were handed down from his master LAM SAI WING.
To assure the style continuous life we always have to look at these rules. Respect for forefathers and masters is teached: without none of them there will be nothing to learn or train.

The other aspect of Hung Kuen Kung Fu.

Beside teaching traditional martial arts , one of the most important components of the style is the so-called CHINESE LION DANCE.
It has an ancient tradition and gives goodluck,prosperity and good bargains in every occasiones.Restaurant openings,feasts and New ear celebrations are only some of the opportunities to execute a LION DANCE.
The legend tells that 2000 years ago the Chinese Emperor was separated from his army during a journey in the desert.He rapidly began tired and fainted.They say a stranfìge creature help him to reach the nearest oasis and to find his army again.
When the emperor was back home asked the best artists to draw down the creature he described. It seemed to be a sort of multi-coloured LION.Due to the fact that lions don't live in China,the creature was choosen as GoodLuck symbol.
The different aspects of the LION DANCE as drinking,feeding(very important for the Chinese),being ready,anxious,sleepy or joyous are all emotions that should be present in the executor mind during the show.
The LION DANCE requires great fierce and costance and helps to develop the power in legs and arms.

Hung Kuen to cure.

The style can be used to cure,too.Hematoms and luxation occured during the trainig session can be cured using traditional chinese medicines.In Hong Kong is known the power to cure simple dislocations.