This is a full translation, commissioned by Sifu Donald Hamby, of the pivotal form in Hung Gar. This translation by Jessica Lee is a full sized 8.5 by 11 inches, spiral bound notebook with single facing pages reproducing the entire original text and wonderful illustrations all with an accurate translation into English of the Chinese instructions. This translation has five sections per page showing the classic Verse accompanying each move, a description of the drawing, the principle illustrated by the movement, the explanation of the usage and an Author's note giving historical and/or theoretical information about the technique.

Master Ho studied from Deng Fang a disciple of the famous Wong Fei Hung. From his deep study of Hung he has developed this version of the "Shooting Star Form" with correct and definite elements of the Tiger and the Crane arts. This is perfectly permissible within traditional lineage as SiFu Ho has created a beautiful and obviously completely classical form that retains Hung's "flavor" while giving a new emphasis to certain combinations. The entire form encompasses 86 postures and has key elements from not only the Tiger/Crane but the 5 Element and Ten Animal forms of Hung Family Fist. Once again proof that the traditional methods can be flexible, beautiful and creative.

The illustrations in this text are of Sifu Ho himself performing all postures for the "Shooting Star Fist".

Printed in Hong Kong this book shows the form and skills of the Southern Shaolin Ten Animals. This is shown by noted Kung Fu movie actor and martial enthusiast Kwan Tak Hing. Mr. Kwan is a famous movie actor from the longest series of Kung Fu films ever made, those devoted to Wong Fei Hong the master of the Tiger/Crane style. He initially received his training from Southern master, Sun Pak.

This is a well done book produced with the help of Leung Ting, noted Wing Chun teacher. The movements of this Southern Style form include ground rolling and many sophisticated hand actions. Each animal is shown with some application and introductory comments on the nature of the different style:

Dragon Tiger Snake Leopard Crane

Lion Elephant Horse Monkey Bear

Not as common as its Northern cousin, Southern Shaolin Fist is a key style in those styles of Kung Fu such as Fut Gar, Choy Lee Fut and Hung Fist. This is a good introduction to one of the best known forms.

The first book in English to our knowledge of that seminal form for the Hung Gar style, the Tiger and the Crane. This is truly one of the masterpieces of Southern Kung Fu. A student of Lum Jo in Hong Kong, Kong has been involved with Hung his whole life. The books shows the full form with side notes on performance and then breaks many moves down into applications. A standard, recognized text on the subject.

 

"Never before have the secret oral teachings of the Hung Gar style appeared in English. Sifu Wing Lam, who traces his Hung Gar lineage to the Southern Shaolin Temple of the 1700s, transforms "back room" teachings into clear and concise how-to instructions. This is the complete Hung Gar book that martial students have been waiting for:

• Learn about the 300-year history of Hung Gar through recent findings and colorful stories about Hung Gar Masters and traditions.
• Study the underlying principles of Hung Gar and their sets: The Twelve Bridges, The Five Animals and the Five Elements.
• Explore the finer points of Hung Gar basics.
• Acquire applications and techniques such as blocks, arm locks, takedowns, chops, strikes and footwork.
• Learn about traditional conditioning exercises and injury treatment.
• Examine the details of Hung Gar hand and weapon sets.
• Learn about Internal Training using the Iron Wire set.

Whether you are curious as to how Hung Gar differs from other styles, are a beginning Hung Gar student, or have practiced for many years, this book will add to your understanding of the Hung Gar style."

This is a catalogue of the Hung system. There is no form shown in its entirety. Rather, this is an overview of the entire system including some interesting notes on Kung Fu medicine. Also included are some good notes on Southern "Ling Nam" Kung Fu; many historical photographs and salient anecdotes about masters and grandmasters.

The Hung system has many "humble" weapons and methods dealing with ordinary or common things such as the bench. This is an interesting book, in both Chinese and English, on such weapons. It contains a "Dragon and Tiger Umbrella Form" of 69 movements. Also there is a written section in the back derived from Hung known as the 8 Healthy Body Methods which is a description of Kung Fu exercises for any age. In the front section which demonstrates self defense the teacher uses the following: empty hands, bench, umbrella, Chinese Iron Fan and walking stick, all as examples of the basic concepts of Kung Fu self defense.