How can CLF forms from different lineages look so different?

[Fu-Pow]

When you compare forms with the same name, they are completely different in terms of content and sequence. It's almost as if they are different styles.

Tat Mau Siu Mui Fah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxOhKTpWqKU

Doc Fai Wong Siu Mui Fah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLFzV4b2Csc

Chan Family Siu Mui Fah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocr5SPFNQbQ

This has bothered me for a long time. In other systems there will be differences in how forms are executed, but the basic postures are similar and follow a similar sequence.

[Jimbo]

Of the three versions, the Wong Tat-Mau version looks the most different. And although the sequences differ to varying degrees, they don’t look like different styles to me; the movements and techniques are clearly recognizable as CLF, just done in different ways.

My Mantis teacher in Taiwan also studied and taught a Hung Gar lineage whose forms differed greatly from those of the Lum Sai-Wing lineage and the Tang Fung lineage. But it was still recognizable as Hung Gar.

Speaking of Mantis, in Taiwan I studied two lineages that had the same forms, but the same-named forms differed as much from each other as the CLF forms you posted.

The main part of my CLF lineage (which was passed down to my Sifu Primicias through John Lem) has sets that are VERY different from any other CLF lineage I’ve ever seen; more different than the above forms are to each other. But it’s still CLF. The fact that there are differences doesn’t bother me in the least. I used to be really into getting everything just so, but at this point in my life, variations in kung fu forms among other schools, lineages or even individuals within a school no longer concerns me. I’ve gotten away from practicing a lot of forms anymore, and only practice a few nowadays.

[hskwarrior]

When you compare forms with the same name, they are completely different in terms of content and sequence. It's almost as if they are different styles.


The Fut San Hung Sing lineage doesn't share in this problem. However, Chan Heung did NOT, i repeat ....DID NOT create all of the CLF forms. Many students of Chan Heung created their own material based on what they already learned. in 1970, they corralled as many CLF forms they could and lumped em all up in one basket.