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.

Insight videos

Here we give additional bonus insight videos for our students, to help them improve even better.

Yuen Sao Pattern

https://youtu.be/X5Aq89_t-a4

Soc Sao - Shock Pulling Hand

https://youtu.be/o0d_RiI5J0c

Live messenger session

https://vimeo.com/852368076/c9b70f853a?share=copy

Got Sao - How to do it right

https://vimeo.com/833599157/8d729e1f1a

Jee Lik Hints

https://vimeo.com/780450720/19aeba716a

Yin Kum - Hints

https://vimeo.com/756904789/05eb0f1d8f

Yiu Kiu - Hints

https://vimeo.com/745810177/7f9b48e50a

Soft & Hard

https://vimeo.com/670395168/9211513bba

Thank YOU!

24.01.2022

https://vimeo.com/669014327/c2cf01bc9f

Chest & Elbow

https://vimeo.com/665376130/6413049895

Why elbow in is so important?

https://vimeo.com/641209238/9ca34b8763

Jee Lik Advice

https://vimeo.com/598460387/5623b1592d

Push-up Advice

https://vimeo.com/562687715/29478a6867

Proper Kim Ma

https://vimeo.com/570605580/241938d238

Spring Skill Test & Explanation

https://vimeo.com/547375002/c4f91814af