Hong Cha

Hong Cha Kung Fu is a southern Chinese martial arts style that incorporates training and techniques that are characteristic of that region. Some of these characteristics are short-range kicks and punches, low stances, and ground fighting. Few kicks are utilized with greater emphasis on hand techniques. Because of these traits, Hong Cha is similar to Hung Gar. Like Hung Gar and other Southern Shaolin based styles, Hong Cha techniques are based on the Five Animals system: Dragon, Tiger, Crane, Leopard, and Snake. Its training incorporates both hard and soft techniques with emphasis on proper breathing technique. Each animal from is performed with its own unique breath and sound. Hung Gar incorporates these animals forms too but with primary emphasis on the Tiger and Crane. Hong Cha on the other hand puts primary emphasis on the Dragon and Tiger. Additionally, both Hong Cha and Hung Gar incorporate the idea of the Five Elements (fire, water, wood, metal, and earth) in its training.

Hong Cha was promoted by the late Lao Kim. A martial artist from Southern China who traveled to Binondo, Manila in the Philippines and finally to Hong Kong. His student Johnny Chiuten and Johnny's student, Rene Navarro are promoters of this style in the United States. [ cite web | author = Rene Navarro | title = Lao Kim: The Mysterious Master of Kung Fu | publisher = Beta Sigma Fraternity | url = http://www.beta-sigma.org/ | accessdate = 2008-04-02 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tItmXHc-qwI Lao Kim performing a form]