Forms / Sets

In a traditional Chinese Kung Fu system, mastering the forms or sets is part of the skill development of the foundation, fundamentals, technical application, body conditioning, system concept and combat strategy. Forms or Sets identify the unique structure and certain specialties of a particular kung fu system. In addition, forms teach us how to coordinate our body movements, use of proper breathing dynamic, intention of the moves to enhance our stamina and power generation and discharge. As an introduction, a student will follow the preset routines of the forms, however, at an advanced level the student is expected to separate the form into the various moves and be able to integrate them into new routines without losing the essence or integrity of the system. Familiarizing one-self with the standard application of each move in the form is the first step. Thereafter, the student will learn how to use or modify the moves to overcome different situations or circumstances. The goal of learning a form is to become the essence of the form yourself and not be bounded to any limitation, however, to maintain its style is to sustain its lineage.

Ng Ga Kuen consists of hand forms, weapon forms, prearranged 2-men hand fighting and weapon fighting forms in different training levels, which are divided into beginner, intermediate and advance levels. Beginner forms focus on using the basic movements to build a solid foundation, intermediate forms introduce the complexity of the transitional moves, and advance forms encompass the spiritual and physical aspects of various animals (e.g. dragon, snake, tiger, leopard and crane). Weapons training begins at the intermediate level. Ng Ga Kuen weapons are categorized into short, medium, and long-range weapons. Daggers or butterfly knives are considered short-range weapons; broadsword or the nine-ring knife are considered medium-range, while the quan-do and spear are considered long-range weapons. The type of weapon can be distinguished as soft (amorphous) or hard (shaped) by its nature; the steel whip chain is a soft weapon, while the tiger fork is considered a hard weapon. One weapon that has unique characteristics is the 3-sectional staff. It could be used in a manner of a soft, hard, short, medium, or long-range weapon. Both, 2-men hand and weapon fighting forms are the methods used to develop awareness, reflex, accuracy, and timing in a semi-practical condition. However, additional methods will be introduced to the advanced students in order to simulate and provide “real-time” sense of awareness, enhance reflex, and execute timing in a non-scripted environment.

Foundational Forms/Sets:

Sets/Hand Forms (拳): Salute -Small Cross – Butterfly – Combination – Black Bird – Palm – Dragon – Snake – Tiger – Leopard – Crane – plus Advanced Animals.

Weapon Sets (兵器): Butterfly Knife – Broadsword – Short Stick – Double head Stick – Spear – 3 Sectional Staff – Double Edge Sword – Quan Do – plus other weapons.

Hand Fighting Sets (對拆套拳): Beginners – Intermediate – Advance.

Weapon Fighting Sets (兵器對拆套拳): Double Head Stick vs Double Head Stick – Spear vs Broadsword – Spear vs 3 Sectional Staff – plus other weapons.