Styles

Hung Gar Kuen

Hung Gar Kuen (Hung Clan Fist) is a southern Shaolin system that originated during the Qing Dynasty. It is known for solid stances and powerful techniques at close and medium range. This style is often referred to as “tiger-crane kung fu,” as it contains all five of the classic Shaolin animals but focuses on tiger and crane techniques. This dual specialization provides a balance between hard (Yang) and soft (Yin) power.

This system is excellent for developing physical strength and endurance, while simultaneously improving overall health and longevity. In terms of combat application, the style balances aggressive, direct strategies with evasive, subtle tactics, allowing a practitioner to adapt to a variety of situations. Modern Hung Gar can be traced to Wong Fei Hung, a folk hero who lived in the mid-1800s who expanded the system to include more dynamic footwork and introduced “long bridge” techniques to the curriculum.

Our Hung Gar lineage descends as follows:

Wong Fei Hung - Lam Sai Wing - Chiu Kao - Chiu Chi Ling - Robert Lopez - Jacob Stiver

Wing Chun

According to classic folklore, Wing Chun was handed down from a former nun named Ng Mui. In this tale, the system was taught to a young woman over the span of a year, allowing her to defeat an unwanted suitor. While this tale is most likely only allegorical, it illustrates the important aspects of Wing Chun. Wing Chun relies on structure, tactics, and sensitivity rather than brute force to overcome an opponent.

It also can be learned very quickly, focusing on partner drills with only three empty-hand forms in the orthodox curriculum. Wing Chun incorporates snake and crane tactics, sharing a history with Hung Gar and several other southern kung fu systems. It was made famous by Bruce Lee, as Wing Chun was the first martial art he studied under Ip Man.

Our Wing Chun lineage is as follows:

Ip Man - Ho Kam Ming - Augustine Fong - Robert Lopez - Jacob Stiver

Weapons

Weapons classes cover material from Hung Gar, Wing Chun, Choy Lee Fut, and Bak Mei. The weapons taught are the staff, the single saber, double saber, straight sword, butterfly knives, spear, trident, double daggers, and polearms (PuDao, GuanDao).