TigerCrane

I'm sure that if they could perform all of the aforementioned skills, then they must have mastered "practical means" of training first.

Have you taken enough Chinese Martial Arts to make such judgements? Hearing, seeing, or researching - or a combination of all - are very different than actually taking the art yourself. Back then, rebels and soldiers learned Kung Fu to save their own lives. Every form, every move, every skill was learned to make sure he or she could have the upper hand in battle. If one argues that Wushu seems like a "dancing role", then I could see why. But Kung Fu was studied and used in life and death situations. The soldiers and the rebels don't have time to learn an ineffective art. A lot of skills in traditional Chineses Martial Arts are very subtle. A flashy form or movement is not just a good-looking move. It serves a purpose.

The title pretty much explains it all. Let's not include the projectile / modern weapons. We're strictly talking about Martial Arts weapons. I think the Kwan Dao is the best weapon to use, and it is one of the most spiritual weapons.

I would use the Kwan Doa or Tiger Fork for long range. Chinese Tiger Forks, if used properly, can effectively disarm an opponent's weapon(s). The Kwan Doa is just... powerful and scary. I would also carry a set of Butterfly Knives with me for short range.

Who believes in the existence of Chi and why?

I actually like to practice the form with a spear. You seem like you know quite a bit about Hung Gar weapon forms. How many and what kind of weapons have you learned thus far?

Has anyone gone far enough to learn all of them? If so, how effective do you think they are?

I don't know how much this would help, but directly consulting your Sifu (like HG had mentioned before) is one of the best alternatives you can take. A lot of traditional sifus know a whole lot about the strengths, weaknesses, and the healing of the human body. They sometimes may even have the "Tid Dah Jouw", an ointment used for treating a variety of wounds and for complimenting the Iron Palm training.

Unless the Hexagon Staff Style is a style of Kung Fu of its own, it should be synonymous to the Five Brother's Pa Gwa Staff form found in Hung Gar. And the movie Kung Fu Hustle rocks!!!

I have heard that the Shaolin Temple was one of the few foundations on which other Kung Fu styles were created and derived. I have heard that the five animals did not originate in the Shaolin Temple (not sure how accurate this is). I visited the Shaolin Temple in the Henan province of China in January. The Chinese government bans all forms of martial arts training on the mountain, but many masters have opened up schools on the base of the mountain and in the cities. Many of them are actually Wushu schools; I even saw the one that Jet Li had trained in! And also, has anyone heard of the quote, "All the martial arts in the world derive from Shaolin"? (Or something along the line?)

Be very careful when attempting to practice Chi Gong. Practicing the wrong method could result in serious and disturbing consequences.

Is anyone familiar with this form? Legend has it that Wong Fei Hong himself used this form to defeat several bad monks.

Seems like we have a group of talented and knowledgeable Kung Fu practitioners. Just out of curiosity: is anyone familiar with the twelve "secret" briding techniques of Hung Ga Kuen?

Chi Ball?! Wow, I've never heard of such a thing. Can you only "feel" the Chi ball or can you actually visualize it? If so, can any describe its appearance?

I have heard that Hung Gar is possiblythe closest relative to traditional Southern Shaolin. In fact, I think there was one point in history when the term "Southern Shaolin" substituted "Hung Gar". Not sure how accurate this is though.

I agree that the history of Wing Chun has many variations. Some say that it was created aboard a ship where the space was limited (notice the stances and foot work in Wing Chun). Some even say that Wing Chun evolved from Hung Gar. No one knows for sure, but what really matters is the practical concepts that the style entails.

I checked out the Wikipedia website last night and, although I knwe that there were a number of Chinese Kung Fu styles, I was quite shocked to see such a large variety of them. I wish I could take them all and combine all their philosophies and skills into one ultimate Kung Fu style.

Interesting... I would imagine that quick thinkers would have an easier time visualizing.

Chi is a natural force that we all have access to. What's wrong with cultivating Chi through breathing or other exercises? It's not a "supernatural" phenomenon that only certain people can use nor is it something that people actually worship. Does God not want us to take good care of our bodies and reach for the highest potential with what He gave us?

Hi all! I am a Hung Gar practitioner for over six years and I am knew to this forum. I once attempted to research on both the spiritual and scientific nature of Chi, and to be honest there is still not one real definition or explanation for it. I often introduce it as the "bioelectric" force that surrounds us. I'm excited to see fellow martial artists who are interested in this subject!

I agree... the style does make a very big difference. The style, combined with the martial artist's experience and deep understanding of the art, makes a tremendous difference in real combat.