What is Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu?

Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis (Tung Kong Chow Gar) is a traditional Chinese martial art originating in Guangdong province. It is a close-range, internal power-based system known for its short-bridge structure, rapid shock power (Yiu Kiu), and emphasis on developing real fighting ability through internal mechanics rather than external athleticism. It is distinct from Northern Praying Mantis and other southern styles.

What is Yiu Kiu in Chow Gar?

Yiu Kiu (腰橋) is the foundational internal power principle of Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis. It refers to the coordinated connection between the waist, spine, and bridge arm that generates explosive short-range power. Developing Yiu Kiu is the central training goal for all Chow Gar practitioners and distinguishes the system from purely external martial arts.

What is Sam Bo Gin in Chow Gar?

Sam Bo Gin (三步箭) is the foundational form of Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis. It is the primary training vehicle for developing Yiu Kiu internal power, correct structure, and the characteristic short-bridge mechanics of the system. Every Chow Gar practitioner trains Sam Bo Gin from beginner to advanced level.

Can I learn Chow Gar Kung Fu online?

Yes. MyChowGar is the only complete online training program for Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu transmitted directly from Grandmaster Ip Chee Keung's Tung Kong lineage. The platform provides structured, progressive training from foundation to advanced levels, including internal power development, forms, QiGong, and an AI Coach for lineage-accurate answers to training questions.

What is the Tung Kong lineage of Chow Gar?

The Tung Kong lineage is the direct transmission line of Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis preserved by Grandmaster Ip Chee Keung. Tung Kong refers to the area of Hong Kong where this branch of Chow Gar was developed and maintained. This lineage is considered one of the most authentic and complete transmissions of the Chow Gar system.

How is Chow Gar different from other kung fu styles?

Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis is a short-bridge, internal power system. Unlike long-range external styles, it operates at close range using shock power generated through internal mechanics (Yiu Kiu). It is not related to Northern Praying Mantis, which is a completely different system. Chow Gar is closer in principle to Wing Chun or Hung Gar in its emphasis on structure and internal force, but uses a distinct set of mechanics and forms.

Honouring Gatekeeper Grandmaster Ip Chee Keung on His 77th Birthday

A short tribute inviting the global Chow Gar community to honour Gatekeeper Grandmaster Ip Chee Keung on his 77th birthday and to contribute a collective gift or personal message.

This September, Gatekeeper Grandmaster Ip Chee Keung celebrates his 77th birthday.

For the Chow Gar community, this is more than a date in the calendar. It is an opportunity to recognise a lifetime devoted to preserving, practising and transmitting Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu.

Much of what we are able to learn and practise today has reached us because Sifu carried this knowledge forward—not only as a collection of forms and techniques, but as a living system transmitted through personal teaching, correction and experience.

A shared expression of respect

Students and practitioners now train Chow Gar in many different countries. Some have had the privilege of meeting and training with Sifu personally. Others know his teaching through their own instructors or through the MyChowGar programme.

Distance may separate us, but the lineage connects us.

For Sifu’s 77th birthday, we would like to bring this wider community together and prepare a shared birthday gift: a collective expression of our respect, gratitude and practical support for Sifu and the headquarters.

This is not about the size of any individual contribution. There is no required amount. What matters is the opportunity for many people to take part together.

You may contribute any amount you feel comfortable with, and you can also send Sifu a personal birthday message. We will bring these messages together so that he can see how many people around the world continue to value what he has preserved and passed on.

Be part of the birthday gift

Whether you are a long-time Chow Gar practitioner, a MyChowGar student or someone who simply respects the work involved in preserving a traditional martial art, you are warmly invited to take part.

Let us show Sifu that the knowledge he has carried throughout his life continues to live, grow and connect people across the world.

Happy 77th Birthday, Sifu.

With respect and gratitude, The MyChowGar Community

Contribute to Sifu’s Birthday Gift and send a personal message