What is Gung Ji Fook Fu Kuen?

[TenTigers]

What do the characters mean?
Not just literally, but figuratively as well.
Why is it taught?

[sanjuro_ronin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeTA4zJyNkU

:p

[sanjuro_ronin]

I think that, depending on the characters, it can mean a few things:
subduing the tiger
Conquering the tiger
cross tiger fist
"I" tiger fist
I am sure there is more.

[TenTigers]

I edited my original post-what do they mean,
not just literally, but figurativelly as well>
Why subduing the Tiger?
Why Gung Ji-besides the stepping pattern-"embusan" in Japanese

[sanjuro_ronin]

Typically it is taught in most HG schools as the "first" form and as such, is the most important form.
The "literal" name aside, one can view it as a way to "subdue" our inner tiger, to conquer some of our natural instincts that may be counter-productive at this stage of training.
The foot work is quite good, teaching the basic angles that stay with us forever and are quite practical.

[chusauli]

"Gung Ji" refers to the pattern - and a play on words - "Do your Work, fella!"

"Fuk Fu" means to "beat a skillful fighter".

In Chinese, a "Tiger" is a "skillful fighter", whereas a "Dragon" is an "enigmatic" or "spiritual" person...

hope that helps!

[chusauli]

BTW, its generally taught to pull out 2 - 3 months of tuition out of the student. Dumb ones it will pull out 6 mo - 1 year...

...just kidding, but not really!

[David Jamieson]

Gung Gi Fuk Fu Kuen / Gong ji fook foo kuen

"Along the Character I, Subdue the Tiger"

Many also call it "taming the tiger"

The underlying meaning is interesting and quite varied depending on who you ask, but ultimately the essence is the same.

This set, in my opinion, (and that of others as well), is the closest connection to the ancient shaolin that Hung Gar as a style has.

[CFT]

Think I read somewhere that the original form was just "Fook Fu", can't remember who added the "Gung Ji" part. Wong Fei Hung/Lam Sai Wing?

[David Jamieson]

I was taught by my primary Hung sifu George Fong, Taming or Subduing the Tiger is in reference to the novice indiviual, that raw energy wild like a tiger that needs to be subdued or tamed before one can really begin to learn and or appreciate.

Gung Gee Fook Fu is just the skill to enable one to do so with good leadership.

Yes, this is in line with what I've been taught as well.

[JAZA]

Gung Ji is the I character, the form follow this pattern on the floor.

Fook Fu, is because you use the energy of the tiger. It's a strong form, it is not fast, it's bone not shen.

[David Jamieson]

Gung Ji is the I character, the form follow this pattern on the floor.

Fook Fu, is because you use the energy of the tiger. It's a strong form, it is not fast, it's bone not shen.

I believe you mean "lik" :)


just chiming in. :D

[SDJerry]

Taming the tiger or taming thy self.

I was told that Lam Cho views this form as one of the most practical forms for self defense. There are a ton of great techniques in there.

[GeneChing]

There's a vid if you follow the link.

Lam Chun Fai was on our 2002 March/April cover (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=146).


Video: English-language kung fu manual aims to boost global popularity of Hung Kuen
(http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1237813/english-language-kung-fu-manual-aims-boost-popularity-abroad)
English-language book aims to preserve ancient style of Hung Kuen, and boost popularity abroad
Wednesday, 15 May, 2013 [Updated: 18:00]

http://www.scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/486x302/public/2013/05/14/69c1f69c5a68212e8f4021e633ab5013.jpg?itok=54Cbkkgt
Hung Kuen master Lam Chun-fai, 73, and his son Oscar Lam Chuen-ho, 28, demonstrate their craft. Photo: Felix Wong

International fans of the martial-arts style made famous by kung fu legend Wong Fei-hung will find it easier to learn with the publication of its first English-language manual.

Publishers of the manual - to be launched next week - hope it will help to preserve the 300-year-old style known as Hung Kuen while also popularising it overseas.

They also want the government to adopt the style as part of Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage.

Believed to have originated in Southern Shaolin along with other southern Chinese martial arts, the style was adopted by Wong, who was famed for his fighting prowess and righteousness in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

It was passed to Wong's student Lam Sai-wing and his adopted son Lam Cho, becoming the subject of countless movies and television series.

Lam Cho's son, Lam Chun-fai Si Fu (master), who has taught Hung Kuen in Hong Kong for 60 years, now fears it faces extinction because of a dwindling number of serious practitioners and the apathy of young people.

"Pupils were more persevering and single-minded in the past. They could easily spend a day practising Kuen," Lam said.

"But now, pupils can't stand any hardship. They say practising is tiring and give up easily."

Lam, 73, attributed this to the many modern-day distractions.

"There are many entertainments nowadays, making it difficult for young people to focus on one thing," he said.

"Though the number of Kuen learners overseas is growing, it's not the case locally," he added.

He hopes with the launch of the book, not only more overseas kung fu lovers will be interested in learning Hung Kuen but also more local youngsters will learn and pass the tradition on. The book, Hung Kuen Fundamentals: Gung Gee Fok Fu Kuen, comprises three parts with the first introducing the origin and development of Hung Kuen, in particular the Lam family's version.

The second illustrates the techniques of the foundation empty-hand set - Gung Gee Fok Fu Kuen - in Hung Kuen while the third carries memorial dedications to Lam Cho.

"Chinese martial arts were usually orally transmitted. Only very few written records were made," said the book's co-author Hing Chao, co-founder of the International Guoshu Association. Chao has been pioneering the research and revitalisation of traditional Chinese martial arts culture.

"By publishing this book, we have produced a systematic record of Hung Kuen and have taken the lead in preserving it," he said.

During the months of preparation, Chao said they took reference from the way that Japanese karate had been preserved, properly documented and published.

He plans books about other kung fu styles in future.

Chao, a student of Lam Chun-fai, said the government should support the preservation of South Chinese martial arts by listing it as a national intangible cultural heritage.

"Hong Kong is a unique city which has been witnessing the development of southern Chinese martial arts," said Chao. "It has the responsibility of passing it on to the next generations."

The manual will be launched next Wednesday at Western Market, Sheung Wan.

It will be available at all major book stores in Hong Kong at HK$299.

[Golden Arms]

Gung Ji Fuk Fu Kuen is one of the master key's to the Hung Gar I practice and teach. It gives you the shapes to be effective, the strategies to get a feel for what Hung Gar is, and the power and resilience to function in close.

The tiger is the mind (including the desire to give up or be lazy), and the set directs us to tame it and face unpleasantness. The prelude to learning this set is holding the sei ping ma for 30 minutes without moving while facing a wall.

[TenTigers]

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/lohans18.htm

[taichi4eva]

what does everyone thing about the theory that gung ji fook fu is a combination of 18 luohan style and tiger style? is there any credence to that theory?

fook fu is the only form in common to village and Wong Fei Hung hung gar right?

[David Jamieson]

what does everyone thing about the theory that gung ji fook fu is a combination of 18 luohan style and tiger style? is there any credence to that theory?

fook fu is the only form in common to village and Wong Fei Hung hung gar right?

It is the closest remnant to what came from Shaolin in Hung Kuen styles.
It's the oldest set and is the foundation of Hung Kuen of pretty much all clans.
Some schools split it in half, but it is still what it is. Old.

[TenTigers]

I believe it's the other way around-it was combined later by Lam Sai-Wing, into one set. The older versions are two separate sets.

[taichi4eva]

Another thing I always wondered was why does the Lam Saiwing version do the foot shuffle before the up block, while in Tang Fong (Frank Yee) version, there is no foot shuffle. Any thoughts?

[PM]

Check out my article on GJFFK here:

http://practicalhungkyun.com/2013/02/taming-of-the-tiger-in-gung-pattern-gung-ji-fuk-fu-kyun/

[David Jamieson]

I believe it's the other way around-it was combined later by Lam Sai-Wing, into one set. The older versions are two separate sets.

Interesting.

Is this what happened for sure? Is there something that indicates that LSW did this?
I wasn't aware of it being the other way round and had only in the last 10 years encountered information about schools that split the set.

Cheers n' Thanks!

[TenTigers]

There were older versions, pre LSW. Dahn Gung Fook Fu, and Seurng Gung Fook Fu.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUNB_S6U1Eg

[sanjuro_ronin]

The issue with the "dwindling" popularity of Hung Kuen ( And according to some, TCMA in general) is a complex issue.
I don't think it is because students don't like to work hard, go to any boxing, MT or MMA gym and you will find very hard workers, guys putting in serious hours.
I think the issue is, in some regards, the people looking to fight well look for proven fighting methods and as such, base don the media, they will look to sport combat systems that have been proven over and over to be effective.
What TCMA will attract will be those that are either looking, for whatever reason, a TMA in particular and those looking for a "kung fu" school.
Typicaly these people are NOT looking to be fighters or even eat bitter, but wanna "do kung fu".
HUng Kuen is, IMO, one of the best "core" MA you can do.
It is a system that you can do as a "stand alone" for life or, if you find something more better suit to you, well have developed a core of fundamentals so well that it will translate well into anything else you may do.

That said, a HK sifu needs to know what market he is after and teach accordingly.

[lkfmdc]

The issue with the "dwindling" popularity of Hung Kuen ( And according to some, TCMA in general) is a complex issue.
I don't think it is because students don't like to work hard, go to any boxing, MT or MMA gym and you will find very hard workers, guys putting in serious hours.



when I think back to my generation, we were all young, mostly kids and young teenagers, we all thought that there were secrets to be learned... we also thought that we had to work long hours, and put up with all sorts of stupid stuff to get those secrets....

That is the ONLY reason people put up with all the TCMA associated crap. And, of course, as the world changes it's mindset so goes those who are willing to put up with the crap

[Golden Arms]

There IS more than one way to skin a cat....some of them are ok, and a few of them are amazing. For me it was more than worth the work, and I am still at it.

That being said, I have had plenty of experience with the "mo lum" in the USA as well and there is plenty of poor behavior and dishonesty at work on both sides of the equation with many of them.

I wouldn't go back and change it even though I have been burned a few times.

[Frost]

The issue with the "dwindling" popularity of Hung Kuen ( And according to some, TCMA in general) is a complex issue.
I don't think it is because students don't like to work hard, go to any boxing, MT or MMA gym and you will find very hard workers, guys putting in serious hours.
I think the issue is, in some regards, the people looking to fight well look for proven fighting methods and as such, base don the media, they will look to sport combat systems that have been proven over and over to be effective.
What TCMA will attract will be those that are either looking, for whatever reason, a TMA in particular and those looking for a "kung fu" school.
Typicaly these people are NOT looking to be fighters or even eat bitter, but wanna "do kung fu".
HUng Kuen is, IMO, one of the best "core" MA you can do.
It is a system that you can do as a "stand alone" for life or, if you find something more better suit to you, well have developed a core of fundamentals so well that it will translate well into anything else you may do.

That said, a HK sifu needs to know what market he is after and teach accordingly.
My current teacher (whose first art was hung gar and who still teaches it as one of his three foundation arts) simply calls what he does chinese boxing as he was fed up with the kind of students attracted to the name kung fu

My first master when he came over only taught a few short sets, one long power generation set and the rest of the class was hard sparring (unfortunately this was before my time, decades before) as his popularity grew and more and more students came to him he had to teach more and more forms, and make them longer and longer, water down the sparring to really light semi contact and introduce sticking hands etc because that’s what the new students wanted. Which was kind of ironic because what made the style name here in the UK was full contact and semi contact fighting in the days their weren’t much difference between the two. And the new guys looked at the fighters and said they weren’t using the style they were simply kick boxing….go figure. When I was still training in his style he would let the senior student teach the class and only really come alive when we did application work, or if some of us younger blacksashs would start sparring at the back of the class, he was never that interested when we drilled forms or did line work.......

[sanjuro_ronin]

when I think back to my generation, we were all young, mostly kids and young teenagers, we all thought that there were secrets to be learned... we also thought that we had to work long hours, and put up with all sorts of stupid stuff to get those secrets....

That is the ONLY reason people put up with all the TCMA associated crap. And, of course, as the world changes it's mindset so goes those who are willing to put up with the crap

Yep, pretty much.

[taichi4eva]

does jow ga's siu fook fu and dai fook fu have any relation to hung ga's gung ji fuk fu?

[lkfmdc]

does jow ga's siu fook fu and dai fook fu have any relation to hung ga's gung ji fuk fu?

certain technique and form names have always been "in fashion" while the actual sequences can be quite different,,,, look at CLF

[yeshe]

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/lohans18.htm


The founders or HK were of course Buddhist and so they used many Buddhist terms in naming things poetically .So they would know the story of this particular arhat,and being that the set has many tiger claw techniques this name would be very appropriate.
Taming the tiger would have the meaning of overcoming the wild inclinations of the mind that is the cause of the emotional afflictions.I have seen animals represented this way in Buddhism very often.Fer instanz pig-ignoranc snake-anger rooster-pride.In Tibetan Buddhism they talk about the mind being like a distracted monkey.
The tiger would have the added conotation of the aspect of the mind that is very vicious and dangerous.

[yeshe]

There were older versions, pre LSW. Dahn Gung Fook Fu, and Seurng Gung Fook Fu.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUNB_S6U1Eg

If you notice in this set there are not any techniques that is not in any of the other sets in HK .

[yeshe]

"Gung Ji" refers to the pattern - and a play on words - "Do your Work, fella!"

"Fuk Fu" means to "beat a skillful fighter".

In Chinese, a "Tiger" is a "skillful fighter", whereas a "Dragon" is an "enigmatic" or "spiritual" person...

hope that helps!

In the version that I do, the form is split, the 工子 part goes on floor in this 工 shape,but the 虎服 part don't really.
I like the beat a skillfull fighter cause the fuhu part has more fighting self defence type stuff in it.There is some almost identical stuff that I learned in Krav Maga.

[lance]

There's a vid if you follow the link.

Lam Chun Fai was on our 2002 March/April cover (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=146). Are you going to be selling the book & video on the merchandise section of your store website ?

Lance