CHOU
GAR
Chou Gar Kung Fu is
a powerful system based on the
traditions of the Shaolin martial arts. It
is a blending of 2 traditional Chinese Kung Fu
styles Hung Gar and Choy Li Fut and
dates back to the early 1600s.
It
was developed and
perfected by the Chou brothers from the
village of Shafu in the Kwangtang Province.
The brothers 5 in all each
excelled in the martial arts, individually
having their own unique talents, but it was
perhaps the eldest brother Chou Lung
who was most gifted of all and became the
largest influence in the styles development.
Having studied Hung Gar under his uncle
for many years, Lung then went to study Choy
Li Fut under another great master of the time.
After attaining mastery of Choy Li Fut,
Lung took what he considered the best of that
and Hung Gar and created his own distinct
style Chou Gar.
Soon
after, Chou Gars effectiveness, and indeed
its sheer brilliance, was recognised all over
the world, and its creator, Chou Lung, as one
of the
world greatest martial arts masters.
During the early days of the Chinese
Republic, one General Li Fu-lin reportedly
made the study of unarmed combat mandatory in
the Chinese Army.
To find the best possible instructor a
tournament was held.
Chou Lung entered, and naturally, he
won, defeating all opponents and becoming
chief instructor
to the Army.
This
led to Chou Gar and its founder becoming
famous throughout China and requests from many
prospective students who were eager to learn
more about this powerful new style.
Unfortunately,
in early 1919 Chou Lung passed away after
contracting pandemic disease, and did not get
to see how much of an impact he left on the
world of the martial arts.
His
brothers took over the teaching of his
gymnasiums, and soon Chou Gar was spread all
over the world, including Hong Kong,
Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Europe, the USA,
and Australia.
Chou
Gar In Practice
Chou
Gar is a soft/hard style of Kung Fu.
This is evident in many aspects of the style,
but especially in the unarmed combat
techniques. For example, the blocks are
softer than those in most other martial arts,
being performed with an open palm as opposed
to a closed fist. Punches and blows,
however, are made with a circular swinging
motion, allowing the practitioner to generate
a considerable amount of power.
Chou
Gar stresses that the student use any
weapon they have available, and uses the legs
as much as the hands.
Very
deeply rooted in Shaolin Tradition, Chou Gar
contains many animal forms, including the
Tiger, White Crane, Monkey, Dragon, Snake,
Mantis and Leopard. These animal forms are as
deadly as they are beautiful, and can teach
the student correct posture and also how to
move their body in a smooth and flowing
manner.
Weapons
training is also an important part of Chou
Gar, and the student learn to master a large
variety of weapons, including Dragon Pole,
Broadsword, Monk Spade, Three-Section Staff
and Double Broadsword. Many of these
weapons can be very heavy, and can provide the
student with many benefits, including
strength, endurance and agility.
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