History of Lau Gar Kung Fu
Lau Gar is one of the oldest kung fu styles, originating from a Shaolin monk called Master Lau Sam Ngan AKA 'Three Eyed Lau' in southern China, who was a tiger hunter. It is said that he gained this nickname due to a scar on his forehead which resembled a third eye.
It is one of the five remaining Shaolin styles that survived the burning of the Shaolin temple, the system has stood the test of time & remains a well known & practiced fighting art.
Animal styles
The concept of animal forms in Chinese martial arts comes from southern Shaolin kung fu styles.
Those animals are:
Dragon
Tiger
Leopard
Snake
Crane
The Dragon
Dragon exercises emphasise flexibility and graceful movements, inspired by the mythical creature that symbolises courage and energy.
These exercises incorporate flowing movements that include pronounced back arches, side horse stances, and twisting body postures.
The style highlights the importance of flexibility and grace in their execution.
The Tiger
The ultimate predator, the tiger doesn't require defensive measures such as evading, blocking, or defence tactics.
Its approach in any conflict is straightforward and aggressive, leaping into attack mode for a swift resolution.
Its technique is purely reactive, relying on the strength of its bones and movement characterised by the strong use of shoulders and waist - the hallmark of the tiger style.
The Leopard
The Leopard style embodies courage and fierceness. It demands the cultivation of strength, particularly in the waist and lower half.
Favouring fast, short range techniques, the leopard’s power is generated through loose, whip-like techniques.
The leopard harmonises the raw strength and power of the tiger with the agility and precision of the crane, striking a perfect balance between the two.
The Snake
The Snake style places great importance on developing "chi" and relies on precise strikes to vulnerable points on the opponent's body.
This style is known for its use of flexibility, elasticity, and diagonal movements. Attacks in the Snake style typically involve strikes to the opponent's vulnerable areas with the shooting hand.
Practitioners may use distracting and swaying motions, as well as occasional feints executed with the same intensity as a real attack, this style does not involve any overly complicated manoeuvres.
The Crane
Crane style focuses on strength training and swift movements along with developing your sense of balance. The style employs deflecting, jabbing, hooking, and poking movements to target vital areas of their opponents.
Primarily relying on counterattacks, executed from various angles except the front. Skillfully sidestepping incoming strikes, sometimes employing its wings to conceal the movement, and redirects its direction to potentially deliver a technique to the assailant.
The Crane style excels in evasion techniques supported by blocking and redirection. Its objective is to frustrate the opponent, leading them to defeat themselves.
West Acton, West London
Tuesday: 7:30pm - 9pm
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West Acton Community Centre,
Churchill Gardens,
West Acton, London W3 0JN
Ilford, East London
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Parkside Community Centre,
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