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.

Iron neck

As part of our Chow Gar insight video series, here is the next one in which SIfu Bálint talks about the neck power and its importance..

https://youtu.be/QNguNyhbR4I

If you want to know more about our program, check it here Get The Taste of it