THE DEADLY KICKS OF NG GA KUEN KUNG FU

Written By Allen Woodman / Angel Velasquez

Photographs by Angel Velazques

Ng Ga Kuen, also known as Five Families/Five Animals Kung Fu or Five Family Fist is a major traditional Southern Chinese Martial Art that traces its origins to the Shaolin Temples of China. Ng Ga Kuen roughly translates to “Five Family Boxing/Fist”.

As the name implies, it is distinctive in that it brings together techniques of five different family styles: Choy Gar, Li Gar, Mok Gar, Fut Gar, and Hung Gar, taking the best of each style to create a very complete system.

The Ng Ga Kuen style also incorporates techniques and forms from the 5 legendary Shaolin animals, the Tiger, the Dragon, the Leopard, the Snake and the Crane.

Ng Ga Kuen Kung Fu, a traditional Chinese martial art, is renowned for its lethal array of kicks, particularly the Long Front Kick and the Tall Front Kick. Each of these kicks embodies a unique blend of skill, agility, and strategic combat prowess, making them pillars of excellence in this ancient art form.

The Long Front Kick: A Fusion of Strength and Technique.

The Long Front Kick is a cornerstone of Ng Ga Kuen Kung Fu. It represents a harmonious fusion of strength and technique, demonstrating the fundamental principle of hip rotation to amplify the force behind the strike. By channeling the power of the hips and extending the leg with precision, this kick becomes a formidable weapon with an enhanced reach.

It is designed to strike opponents from a distance with both accuracy and impact, making it an essential tool in a martial artist's arsenal.

1. Side Kick (Ping Choi):

Although not strictly a front kick, the side kick is delivered by turning the body sideways and striking with the edge of the foot, targeting the opponent’s side or knee.

2. Push Kick (Bong Choi):

More about creating distance than inflicting damage, this kick involves thrusting the foot forward to push the opponent away, used to maintain space or disrupt their balance.

The journey of mastery and self-discovery practicing these kicks goes beyond mere physical movements.

3. The Long Front Kick teaches the importance of generating power from the core and utilizing proper body mechanics. The Tall Front Kick emphasizes agility, timing, and flexibility.

Together, these techniques guide practitioners on a journey of self-discovery, discipline, and mastery. Through relentless practice and dedication, individuals can unlock the true potential of these techniques, harnessing their power to overcome challenges and emerge victorious in combat.

4. Front Kick (Chop Choi):

A straightforward kick aimed at the midsection or head. It involves raising the knee and extending the leg

5. The Tall Front Kick: Speed, Accuracy, and Agility In contrast, the Tall Front Kick is tailored for close-quarters engagements where speed, accuracy, and agility are paramount.

This kick targets the opponent's face or jaw with surgical precision, demanding a high degree of flexibility and control. Practitioners who master this technique can unleash swift and devastating strikes even in confined spaces, showcasing the adaptability and versatility of Ng Ga Kuen Kung Fu.

The Three Variations of Front Kicks In addition to the Long and Tall Front Kicks, Ng Ga Kuen Kung Fu also includes other essential kicking techniques

Each kick, although in shape and structure are the same, are individual techniques that demonstrate the lethal effect that each movement can deliver to an attacker.

6. Lower Front kick

"Begin the encounter in a strong fighting stance, radiating confidence and readiness. As soon as your opponent, initiate the action with a powerful sidekick or a spinning kick to disrupt their balance and set the tone of the fight.

Transition smoothly into a crossing leg stance, grounding yourself with one hand while keeping the other hand raised to shield your face, prepared for any counterattacks.

This defensive posture allows you to maintain awareness of your opponent's movements. Next, execute a sliding serpent sidekick aimed at your opponent's groin. This aggressive and unexpected maneuver targets a vulnerable area, catching them off guard and forcing them to react.

As they turn in response to your kick, use their moment of distraction to vanish from their line of sight. Strike from underneath, leveraging your agility to surprise them with a swift and decisive attack.

This approach not only showcases your martial arts skills but also emphasizes the importance of strategy, timing, and adaptability in securing victory."

These techniques are more than just combat techniques. They are a testament to the rich history and strategic depth of this martial art. By mastering these kicks, practitioners can achieve a balance of power, precision, and agility, making them formidable opponents in any combat scenario.

Embrace the teachings of Ng Ga Kuen Kung Fu, embody the spirit of the Long Front Kick and the Tall Front Kick, and let the legacy of martial excellence guide you on a path of enlightenment and empowerment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Master Si-Gung Dr. Angel Velazquez is a disciple of Grand Master Seming Ma. SiGung Velazquez is a 8 time Hall of Fame inductee by the MA World Federation, MA History Museum & USA MA Hall of Fame. Awards range from Competitor of the Year, Best MA School of the Year to Lifetime Achievement in Martial Arts. Martial Arts Recognitions Awarded by: California State Senator Bill Emerson, US Senator Barbara Boxer, California State Senator Gloria Romero & California Legislature Assemblyman John Benoi.

Sifu Angel’s Black Tiger Academy is a Five-Star-Rated Martial Arts Institution in Kung Fu Shaolin 5 Animals System in the State of California. Master Velazquez’s Titles outside of Martial Arts include: Doctor in Chiropractic Medicine (Summa Cum Laude). Master of Education in Sports Management (Summa Cum Laude) and Master in Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude).

Currently Si-Gung holds a 7th Degree Black Sash by the MA Masters World Federation and he teaches at his own school “Angel’s Black Tiger Kung Fu Academy” (74 W Ramsey St # A, Banning, CA 92220).