Ng Ga Kuen is a composite mixture of the Five Southern Family styles (Fut, Hung, Choy, Li, Mok) of the Siu Lum Temple
at Guangdong . In addition, Southern Five Animal Styles are integrated rather than independent. The two should not be
confused as one, the Five Families are the foundation; encompassing all of our concepts, strategies, and theories and it is
from here that Ng Ga Kuen Begins; the Five Animals (see below) constitute our advanced level training (to assist in the
internal and external conditioning of the body); and the additional Animals at an intermediate level, completes the training
(not considering those things which are covered additionally such as combined animal sets, advanced and intermediate
weapons and two person sets, etc).
There is a common misconception amongst Ng Ga Kuen practitioners that our 6 “core” forms are each attributed to one of
our founding ancestors (Fut, Hung, Choy, Li, Mok). It has been said that the Salute is from Choy Ga, Small Cross is Fut
Ga, Butterfly is Li Ga, Combination is Lau Ga (where Lau Ga comes in is a whole different topic), Blackbird is Mok Ga
and Palm is Hung Ga. This is incorrect, although some of our forms may appear to be specific to one family (Palm looks
very much like our old school Fut Ga forms), each of our forms is actually made up with the influence of all of the families.
Look closer and you can see this to be true, in the Palm; the palming movements are Fut Ga, the punches are strong Hung
Ga, without question; there is only one kick but, nonetheless, it is a Mok Ga kick, etc…………
Though none of our basic forms can be attributed exclusively to any one style, we can compare and trace individual
movements. In Blackbird for instance, we see a great amount of palming, slapping and slicing techniques (derived from Fut
Gar) and a few kicks (borrowed from Mok Gar) and shifty footwork (from Choy Ga- the Rat Stepping Style). In other
instances, a connection beyond just single movements may be apparent; Saluting Act for example, when performed with
tension is reminiscent of Hung Gars’ Iron Thread exercise.
One aspect of our system that deserves special mention is Fut Ga. This “Family” style, created by the monk Sam Dak, in
and of it’s self, is all encompassing and represents the collective knowledge of all Southern Siu Lum Martial Skills.
Although, in Ng Ga Kuen we associate only certain movements with Fut Ga ; it IS the epitome of Southern Siu Lum
Temple at Guangdong .
Although, at one time Wong Sifu did teach the family styles individually; in 1969, with the help of our current Grand
Master, Ma Seming, Ng Ga Kuen underwent it’s first standardization. In the process, Wong Sifu felt that since throughout
each of our “core forms” all the families were represented. He felt that the individual family forms were repetitious and not
necessary. There is no question that these forms are a legitimate part of our system but, as of 1969, they were no longer
part of the official curriculum. I am, in agreement with the opinion that the core forms represent, collectively in each form,
the Five Family styles; And aside from historical value the individual Family forms, hold no additional benefit in learning.
The classic five animal systems of Dragon, Snake, Tiger, Leopard, and Crane are probably the most recognized of the
Southern Siu Lum systems. They all have their own distinct applications, but they also blend together well for combination
fighting. For example, tiger and crane is a popular combination utilizing the crane’s elusiveness and the tiger’s power.
Chueh Yuan a.k.a. Hung Yun Szu, between 1206 – 1333, refined the following shaolin classics: Yi Chin Ching, Brain and
Bone Marrow Washing, 18 Lohan, Rock Fist/Diamond Fist and Hua To’s 5 Animal Frolics to the 72 Consumate Arts of
Shaolin (72 forms or techniques). Pai Yu-Feng and Li Cheng of Shansi Province, studied the 72 movements and 18
Lohan Style and from this, created 170 Methods of Fighting. These 170 Methods of Fighting are the basis of Shaolin Kung-
Fu today. Pai Yu-Feng also taught that a man has 5 Principals: Strength, Bones, Spirit, Sinews & Chi. In combining the 5
Principals philosophy with his 170 Methods of Fighting, the essence of the 5-Animals System was brought to life. The
Shaolin 5 Animals system was created in the era of the Ming Dynasty. The early masters also learned some invaluable
lessons by observing the behavior and movements of animals and birds. Zhang San Feng a Taoist Master at the Shaolin
Monastery in Hunan witnessed a fight between a crane and a snake. This gave him inspiration that was to have a
tremendous effect in the history of Kung Fu. He modified Shaolin Kung Fu into softer forms, and emphasized chi training
and meditation.
When considering the Shaolin 5 Animals (one style not 5 separate styles), we need to work from a pure perspective.
Although the principle of the 5 Animal Style is simple it is also like an onion. When you have understood one aspect of it
and sit back to congratulate yourself another layer is revealed.
Do not underrate these creatures: except in brain power, we humans are actually far behind animals and birds in many
aspects of bodily functions, sensual perception and instinct for survival. The power of a tiger, the quickness of a leopard,
the intrinsic coiled energy of the snake and the patience and agility of the crane are proverbial. Each animal form has its own
strategy of combat; the Leopard, for example, is particularly effective against smaller opponents. Tiet Hsin Kune trains the
body to open and close, and float and sink. Most importantly, this form develops the twelve bridges and the correctness of
breath.
Of the animals that have provided inspiration and valuable lessons to Shaolin Kung Fu, the following five are most
significant: dragon, snake, tiger, leopard, and crane. Shaolin masters have adopted from these animals not only their
outward characteristics, like Dragon Palm and Tiger Claw which are incorporated into Kung Fu patterns; but also their
inner essence, like the speed of the leopard and elegance of the crane which have enriched many aspects of Kung Fu
training. Each of the five Shaolin animals is noted for its special characteristic and essence. Each animal style, develops
various aspects of the body and spirit and one of the 5 Principals:
In Ng Ga Kuen, the 5 Animals are taught in the following order