1. Kung Fu

It doesn’t just mean “martial arts” — literally it’s “skill achieved through hard work.” So yes, binge-watching Kung Fu Panda doesn’t count. Kung Fu = effort over time.

2. Sifu

Your teacher, mentor — the person you bow to (and hopefully don’t embarrass yourself in front of). Literally “master father.” The one who might try to kill you with a loving smile.

3. Forms

These are the choreographed sequences you often see in demos or competitions. Some say it’s like dancing, others call it martial poetry. In fact those are encyclopedias in motions: collections of techniques and strategies own to each of the kung fu styles.

4. Horse Stance

Sei ping ma, literally "Four Level Stance" — this is a squared, powerful stance used in many southern styles like Hung Gar. Think of it like building your house on solid foundation... except your house is your body, and the foundation is burning your thighs while you try not to wobble. It’s not wide because it’s dramatic — it’s wide because it works. In Mandaring, this stance is called Ma bu, horse stance.

5. San Da / Sanda

China’s modern full-contact fighting system — kind of like kickboxing + throws.

6. Neigong

The internal power that trained martial artists develop. It’s the “secret sauce” beyond muscles — the kind you feel, not flex.

7. Iron Shirt

Not a Marvel thing — this is real training to make your body tougher, so you can take a hit. It involves breathing, bracing, and sometimes letting someone whack you with a stick. Yes, on purpose. It's like a conditioning but from the inside.

8. Tiger Claw

Kung fu styles often involve much more than a fist formation of your hand. Open hand, or hand folded in a other formations, such as a tiger claw. Very popular in Hung Gar Kung Fu, with many benefits and usage not only as a strike, but also as a block and grip.

9.“Tiger Crane Paired Form”

This is one of the signature Hung Gar forms combining the strength and power of the tiger with the grace and precision of the crane. It’s like embodying two very different animals in one style — fierce yet elegant. People often search for it because it’s both iconic and challenging, showing the heart of Hung Gar’s philosophy: hard power balanced with soft technique.

10. Five Animals

Tiger, Crane, Leopard, Snake, Dragon. No, it’s not Pokémon. Each animal represents a movement strategy and energy. Different ways to express force and flow.

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