"How long have you been doing Kung Fu for?", I'm asked....
"Oh around five years", I reply.
"Wow you must be like a black belt!" is the answer.
With me smiling, I explain: "Every day I train I feels like I'm only scratching the surface of a system that is constantly growing, while only very slowly exposing it's secrets to me. I know that I can never know all it's secrets, because not only is it impossible to fit 1500 years of history into my life-time, but I also started learning late in my life."
"Jeez but you should be able to take a bouncer or something out with what you do know?", I am asked.
"No, on the contrary, realizing how little I know, creates the humbling awareness that someone out there probably knows more than I do. Besides our system teaches us to use our abilities to get out of a situation, not to create one. It gives you the confidence and strength to use your greatest weapon - your brain."
I recall my first Tiger class like it was yesterday. Having recently come to terms with the physical demands of my evening Wing Chun classes, I was keen to learn what all the fuss was about the Saturday morning class, focusing on the animal form, Tiger. I knew the instant we tried the first application of the first movement of the Tiger form, that this was a form that suited me. By the end of the class my body was shaking from the exertion of this style. I quickly recognized the differences presented by this forms more aggressive style vs. the more defensive movements of the Wing Chun style. Later on I realized that this is also a defensive style, but that the retaliation is furious and very final. If, like me, one carries a low center of gravity and a little(maybe too much) weight, this explosive style is extremely effective.
The extra physical demands produces increased strength and body conditioning, preparing one for the rigors of the more substantial sparring styles. In time one begins to feel the presence of the Tiger in the style. The patience, required waiting for the perfect strike. The absolute commitment of that strike. The sacrifice of perhaps taking a blow before that strike lands. The direct full frontal assault of the attack needed to completely overpower one's adversary. The recovery techniques in utilizing the tiger roll and other ground work should your opponent succeed in getting you to the ground. The knowledge that the 'tiger claw' is a formidable weapon if the correct strengthening and conditioning techniques are applied to hands and fingers.
The tiger teaches tenacity and power. A tiger charges straight forward into battle, ripping and tearing with it's powerful front paws and driving itself forward with the help of it's rear feet. Tiger style emphasizes low powerful, forward stances. In striking, the spine is aligned with the rear leg, creating a very solid position. Most of the hand strikes utilize an open palm with the fingers curled into a claw. This delivers crushing palm strikes.
A quick search on the world wide web will bring forward a wealth of information and history about this style and always there is a common thread. This description from the Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy in Mooresville, North Carolina http://hgkfa.tripod.com/hgkfa.htm summed it up for me the best:
Hung Gar is basically a tiger system, but it also contains the fighting tactics of dragon, snake, leopard and crane. Each animal has an important lesson to teach the Hung Gar student.
In China the dragon is thought of as the spiritual king of the animals. It gives the Hung Gar practitioner bold internal power and spirit.
Soft and internal, the snake has a smart deceptive nature and can easily change from one move to another.
The tiger emits courage and strength.
The leopard embodies speed and dangerous power.
The crane teaches alertness, agility, active spirit and balance.
And the following extract was taken from "Kung Fu - History, Philosophy and Technique by David Chow and Richard Spangler"
"Should this powerful Hung Gar style sound appealing, you must understand its basic moral principles, which promulgate honesty and righteousness, chivalry and iron willpower. Even the surname 'Hung' means to stand tall with integrity. Hung Gar Ch'uan has epitomized Buddha's teaching, "He trained himself to avoid abusing others, and then he wished that all might have the serene mind that would follow in living in peace with all others."
Our tiger class has started teaching us mind and style of these animals. It adds a dimension to the Chinese boxing techniques that we are taught in the Wing Chun classes. This added dimension gives one a level of adaptability much needed in a unpredictable fighting situation.
Andre Nel
Head Office
Shaolin Martial Art Center.