Originally Posted by
Chan Da-Wei
I wouldn’t say it’s more advanced than Hung Gar. I cannot speak for others here but IMHO would say certain foundation skills that are important in Hung Gar (and other arts) will be of significant benefit before learning Hap Gar.
For example, in our Hung Gar, there is a lot of emphasis on developing the explosive power through the legs into the ground whenever the hands or legs strike. Needless to say this develops the deeply rooted kind of power (at first less agile power until the skill is mastered). As beginners we develop this skill in the Hung Gar qigong sets (slowly) later on progressing to hone this under the pressure of some of the more dynamic techniques.
With Hap Gar the body is constantly shifting, evading/striking etc…all as one unit, and at speed, as beginners it is easy to become uprooted and ‘float’ resulting in less power in the strikes/ easier to be toppled also I suppose.
This is one reason why we train Hung Gar first. There are others. Others on this thread with more than my 4 years in CMA may provide a clearer answer.
Am mindful this is a thread on GM Chan Tai San….happy to discuss more elsewhere or take offline (PM) if you like.