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 1600’s. 

 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 Gar’s 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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