Hung Ga (also known as Hung Gar or Hung Kuen), a southern style of Chinese kung fu, well known for its balance in creating a healthy mind and body, as well as its practicality for self-defense applications. All of our students get individual attention from Sifu Peter Berman Yee, fourth generation lineage holder from Wong Fei Hung and oldest ranking disciple of Grandmaster Frank Yee. Whether you are looking to learn practical self-defense, to compete in tournaments, or simply to get in shape, our Hung Ga program will allow you to meet your goals.
Classes typically begin with warm-ups consisting of calisthenics, stance work, breathing exercises, and several drills to improve conditioning. The curriculum for beginner students emphasizes fundamental techniques and stance training to develop a strong foundation. The goal is to build strength, improve flexibility, and to understand body connection (the coordinated movements of body and energy).
As students progress, certain classes will be devoted to learning and practicing the traditional forms of Hung Ga, which incorporate hard (external) and soft (internal) techniques. Other classes will focus on practical self-defense techniques, with emphasis on real-world applications. The student will learn both long and short range techniques to apply to sparring situations and San Shou, eventually moving on to more advanced techniques involving grappling, locking, and throwing. Advanced students also train in forms and fighting with classical weaponry including the broad sword, staff, butterfly knives, kwan dao, and tiger fork.
Hung Ga makes use of the classical five animals of Shaolin (tiger, dragon, crane, snake, and leopard), as well as the theories of the five elements (earth, water, wood, metal, and fire). Advanced stages of training include the understanding of how to combine the five animals techniques and theories with the five elements.