5-Family System

5-Family System (五家拳)

Although there are many types of martial arts, let us try to characterize or classify the 5-Family System of Kung Fu or Ng Ga Kuen Kung Fu. As you may have surmised, each martial arts style will contain unique training methods to not only generate and deliver power, but also incorporate different combat concepts, and breathing rhythms. Ng Ga Kuen adapted a practical and simple approach which lies in these 3-categories:

  • Six ways of Ng Ga Power/Strength (五家六劲 [jing]): This power (jing) are exhibited in all the fundamental forms/sets, however, the essence of the posture in generating and delivering the power will be conditioned and taught over the course of exercising the methods provided in the lessons. You may observe difference in posture, power, and form of other styles like Wu Dong Kung Fu, Shaolin Kung Fu or Tai Chi. For example, in one of the basic Ng Ga Kuen sets (Small Cross – Siu Sup Gee), you can observe the delivery of the power (jing ):
    • Hard (刚) jing: Block and Punch.
    • Soft (柔) jing: 2-Hand Circular move into 2-Hand chin-na.
    • Abstract (虚) jing: The Cat Stance and the Transition to Straight Stance and Blocking.
    • Solid (实) jing: The Straight Stance and Actual Punch.
    • Straight (直) jing: The Punch
    • Cross (横) jing: 2-Palm Hit
  • Six ways of Ng Ga Combat Concepts (五家六战):
    • Striking (Fist, Feet, Elbows, Knees, etc.): Shortest Path to Target – straight-line punch/kick.
    • Blocking: Close-quarters
    • Locking/Grappling/Controlling/Submission: Immobilization of Target – disable your opponent’s mobility.
    • Sweeping: to disrupt opponent’s balance.
    • Redirecting: use opponent’s techniques against him.
    • Vital Strikes: Assess Target’s Strength/Weaknesses and hit vital points to remove threat quickly.
  • Six ways of Ng Ga Breathing Rhythms (五家运气手法):
    • Abdominal Breathing (Belly Breathing): Inhale through the nose and expand lower lungs. The belly should expand on the inhaled breath. Exhale through the mouth and exhaust so lower lungs have collapsed.
    • Attention Breathing: Natural breath rhythm, but having your attention on your natural breath rhythm (whether you’re breathing to your abdomen, stomach, or chest).
    • Reverse Abdominal Breathing: Inhale through the nose and your lower lungs (abdomen) should contract (in and up). The belly should contract on the inhaled breath and the upper lung (chest area) should expand. Keep a smooth relaxed motion. Exhale through the mouth and exhaust so lower lungs have expanded (out and down).
    • Upper Chest Nose Panting: Imagine that you are blowing a piece of dust out of your nose by sharply puffing out through the nostrils. This is immediately followed by an equally sharp intake of air through the nose. This in-and-out ventilation should be repeated in rapid succession ten times. When beginning, just concentrate on the nose and upper chest when breathing, but as you progress try to focus on the abdomen.
    • Abdominal Nose Panting: Imagine that you are blowing a piece of dust out of your nose by sharply puffing out through the nostrils. This is immediately followed by an equally sharp intake of air through the nose. This in-and-out ventilation should be repeated in rapid succession ten times. Abdominal Nose Panting consists of contracting the abdomen as you puff out.
    • The Completed Breath: In the beginning it is best if The Complete Breath is practiced from a lying-down posture so maximum concentration can be placed on the exercise itself, which consists of four separate aspects: inhalation, retention, exhalation, and suspension.
      • Inhalation: Inhale through the nose. Expand the lower abdomen, pushing out and down, just as if you were starting Abdominal Breathing. Once the abdomen is full, continue inhaling and expand the chest, filling the upper lungs. Raise the collarbone and shoulders as you continue inhaling. Fill the throat and the nose. Stop.
      • Retention: Hold the breath in. Bring your attention to the fullness of the body. Feel the expansion circulating the oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Continue to hold the breath in for a count of ten.
      • Exhalation: Exhale through the mouth. Contract the lower abdomen pushing in and up. Continue to exhale by squeezing the air from the lungs and chest. Lower the collarbone and shoulders. Blow the air from your throat and mouth. Empty it all out. Stop.
      • Suspension: Hold the breath out. Bring your attention to the emptiness of the body. Feel your body like an empty balloon waiting to be filled. Continue to suspend breathing for a count of ten.