This section is here to answer commonly asked questions about the school and about Hung-Ga Kung Fu in general. If you have further concerns, please contact us
What is Hung-Ga?
Hung-Ga is a fighting system that began in the 17th century and is signified by its deep stances and powerful movements.
Why Hung-Ga?
Hung-Ga is not for everyone. The demanding physical workout as well as the mentally fatiguing practice is hard on everyone. However, those that have the willpower to continue will find themselves achieving new levels of physical strength, fighting ability, as well as improved mental health.
Is there a belt system?
We use sashes. Every member of the school gets a black sash. Rank is signified by red stripes on the sash (One stripe for each rank advancement). Instructors wear a black sash with a single red stripe running the full length.
Do you participate in tournaments?
We do. We attend traditional kung fu tournaments where we compete in empty-hand and weapon forms. Recently we began a fight team, which trains to compete in the different styles of tournament fighting. However, our primary goal at Circles Center is to produce competent fighters who are capable of performing in real combat situations. Tournaments give us a chance to see other people's kung fu and are also a lot of fun.
Where did Hung Ga Kung Fu come from?
Hung Ga originated from the Shaolin Temple in the Ching Dynasty of China (1644 - 1911a.d.). (See History)
What are the benefits of training Hung Ga Kung Fu?
Hung Ga Kung Fu offers a complete self-defense system, while providing a way to maintain better health and fitness, increased strength and power, and growth of personal character. Our students are able to focus better, relax more, get better quality sleep, and have increased happiness in their lives. And of course, will be able to effectively use the self-defense techniques when needed.
Do women learn Hung Ga Kung Fu?
ABSOLUTELY! Many of our students are female, both children and adults. The Great Wong Fei Hong had taught his wife Mok Gwai Lan his Hung Kuen (Hung Ga), and she eventually became the instructor for all women's classes in Hung Kuen. Mok Gwai Lan survived her husband by many years and later became an assistant teacher along side Tang Fung. (See History for more information).
Does size matter? What if I'm not very strong or small framed?
Because much of our Kung Fu does NOT rely on brute strength, size does not matter. In fact, in some ways smaller size can be an advantage. Even if you never use your Kung Fu to defend yourself, you will still have all the other benefits Kung Fu provides, like better health, increased physical fitness, peace of mind, and more awareness.
Can children learn Kung Fu? What is the minimum age requirement?
We do not have a minimum age requirement. If your child can pay attention, we will be able to teach them. The key factor in learning Kung Fu is desire - your child must WANT to learn Kung Fu in order to be successful.
Will training Kung Fu make my child more violent or aggressive?
History has shown that children who learn martial arts are actually LESS violent, and not more. This is because we not only teach the physical art, but we teach the philosophy behind it, stressing humility and respect towards others. In fact, training Kung Fu helps to build character. Kung Fu helps students to control their aggressiveness, and learn self-respect and self-control. Students are constantly encouraged and respected by our teachers and other students. Unlike most popular sports like football or Basketball where winning is the goal and competition with peers is a main factor, students of Kung Fu learn at their own pace, and compete with their own goals.
What are the chances of getting injured? Is Hung Ga safe?
As with any vigorous exercise routine, you should be prepared by warming up and stretching to prevent injuries. While there IS contact in our classes, it is light contact and very controlled. Safety is a priority for us and our students and every precaution is taken to avoid injuries.
What is "Qi" energy, or "Chi"?
Chi is essentially blood and breath. It can be described as a bio-kinetic energy, or life-force, that all living things have. While many present or perceive Chi as some spiritual and mystical force, it is very real, and can be physically measured by scientific and photographic equipment. Chi flows through definite channels in the human body called meridians. A collection of Meridians in the body make up a body system, just like your circulatory system, nervous system, or lymph system. Chi, of course, is an important part of Kung Fu training. By learning how Chi moves in the body, and how it can be created and manipulated, Kung Fu practitioners can use it to increase their striking and blocking power, have more energy, learn how to relax more effectively, and even heal others.
How long will it take for me to earn a Black Belt in Kung Fu?
It takes as long as you take...everyone is different, and progresses at a different rate. With consistent training, it should take an average of 4-5 years. Note that a Black Belt is not necessarily equivalent amongst different styles of martial arts or even amongst different schools within a style. A two-year student at our school will already be learning very advanced fighting techniques that may be compared to many "Black Belt techniques" from other schools and styles. Furthermore, we feel that while it is important to have specific goals, Black Belt is not the end, but just the end of the beginning of your Kung Fu journey. Hopefully you will focus not only on what rank you will achieve, but who you will become in the process.
How is Kung Fu different than Karate and other martial arts styles?
Kung Fu specifically originates from China. It has a wider variety than many other styles, and is much older. In fact, most other styles of martial arts originated out of Kung Fu. Kung Fu adopts a more circular motion, where as Karate adopts a more linear style. The knowledge of Kung Fu is ongoing, and there is always more to learn. Please read History for more on where Kung Fu comes from.