Hung Gar vs Muay Thai, let’s look at these two iconic and unique fighting systems and their distinct techniques, fighting philosophies, and fitness benefits.
In this article, we embark on an exploration of the differences between Hung Gar and Muay Thai, uncovering their contrasting fighting philosophies and practical applications in various scenarios.
We aim to provide valuable insights into which style may be better suited for self-defense situations and which offers greater potential for weight loss and overall fitness.
By exploring the contrasts between Hung Gar and Muay Thai, their unique fighting philosophies, and their benefits in terms of self-defense and weight loss/health, this article aims to equip readers with a deeper understanding of these martial arts disciplines.
Whether you seek to enhance your self-defense skills or embark on a journey toward improved fitness, join us as we unravel the nuances and distinctions of Hung Gar vs. Muay Thai, ultimately guiding you toward a choice that aligns with your aspirations and objectives.
Hung Gar – Tiger Crane Style
Hung Gar, also known as Hung Kuen, is a traditional Chinese martial art that originated in southern China. It is one of the most famous styles of Kung Fu and has a rich history and heritage.
The style is named after its founder, Hung Hei Gun, who lived during the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and early Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).
It is sometimes commonly referred to as Tiger Crane style.
But Tiger Crane Style, also known as Fu Hok Seung Ying Kuen, is one specific branch or subset of the broader Hung Gar system.
The history of Hung Gar can be traced back to the Southern Shaolin Temple, also known as the Siu Lam Temple.
Located in the Fujian province of China, the temple was a renowned center for martial arts training and a sanctuary for rebels fighting against the ruling Qing Dynasty.
Legend has it that during the Manchu invasion in the 17th century, the Southern Shaolin Temple was destroyed, and many of its monks were killed.
Hung Hei Gun, who was a tea merchant at the time, managed to escape and seek refuge in the Fujian mountains.
There, he encountered a surviving Shaolin monk named Gee Sin Sim See, who had also escaped from the temple.
Under the guidance of Gee Sin Sim See, Hung Hei Gun became a disciple and learned the martial arts techniques of the Southern Shaolin Temple. Over time, Hung Hei Gun developed his own style, incorporating his physical abilities and personal experiences into the art.
He named his style “Hung Gar” after his own surname and the family of his wife, Ng Mui.
Hung Hei Gun later became a martial arts master and trained a select group of students, passing down the knowledge and techniques of Hung Gar Kung Fu.
One of his most famous disciples was Wong Fei Hung, who would become one of the most renowned martial artists in Chinese history.
Wong Fei Hung further popularized Hung Gar Kung Fu and trained numerous students, including Lam Sai Wing and his son, Wong Hon Hei.
Through their efforts, Hung Gar spread throughout southern China and eventually gained recognition and popularity worldwide.
Today, Hung Gar is practiced both as a traditional martial art and as a competitive sport.
Hung Gar vs Muay Thai – Fighting Style
Hung Gar is characterised by its powerful and dynamic techniques, low stances, strong horse stances, and emphasis on internal energy cultivation.
The style incorporates various animal-inspired movements, such as the tiger, crane, leopard, snake, and dragon, each representing different qualities and strategies.
The fighting philosophy of Hung Gar Kung Fu is centered around cultivating strength, power, and resilience through rigorous training, while emphasizing practical combat effectiveness.
It combines external physical conditioning with internal energy cultivation, aiming to develop a well-rounded martial artist capable of defending themselves in real-world situations.
There are several key differences between Muay thai and Hung Gar which are discussed below and they include:
#Internal vs External Energy
Hung Gar has much more focus on internal energy cultivation and chi in comparison to muay thai which focuses purely on external energy and strength and conditioning of the physical body.
In cultivating internal energy, hung gar includes qigong forms such as Iron Thread as well as meditation.
Muay thai is focussed soley on ring competition and does not consider internal energy cultivation in its training.
#Weapons Training
As a traditional Chinese martial art, weapons training in Hung Gar is very extensive and of vital importance.
The weapons use din Hung Gar include:
- Mah Loh Kwan (Monkey pole )
- Pek Gwa Dan Dao (Sword)
- Whu Dip Dao (Butterfly sword)
- Lau Gar Kwan (Lau family pole)
- Kwan Cha (Monkey pole sparring)
- Kwan Dao (Generals sword)
- Bak Gwa Kwan (Long pole)
- Ying Cheung (Spear)
As a ring competition combat sport, muay thai does not include training of any weapons.
However the origins of muay thai lie in battlefiled arts of Ancient Thailand which includes the weapons arts of Krabi Krabong.
#Stance Training
The stance and footwork of muay thai is very distinct and recognizable.
Particulalrly the high hands and marching rhythm that muay thai utilizes makes it easy to recognize.
But the emphaisis on stance in Hung Gar is much more apparent and sitting in horse stance for an hour or more is very common in Hung Gar.
Hung Gar places significant emphasis on strong stances, such as the horse stance (ma bu), bow and arrow stance (gong ji bu), and the tiger stance (fu hu bu).
These stances provide a solid foundation for stability, balance, and generating power in strikes.
Muay Thai vs Hung Gar for Self Defense
Both styles can be very effective and useful for self defense.
Muay thai cultivates strength and conditioning as well as regular sparring which makes the fighter comfortable in combat situations.
The muay thai clinch is also very useful as a self defense tool and can be utilised against bigger stronger attackers to nullify attacks and take attackers to the ground.
However, in terms of self defense it can be argued that Hung Gar could be more suited for people to train for self defense.
This is because Hung Gar is focussed on real world combat rather than combat sports (which muay thai focuses on).
Hung Gar also includes weapons training which can be beneficial for self defense situations which are unpredictable and can include weapons attacks.
Both styles are useful especially in the short and close range with very effective and powerful strikes trained to be delivered with the fists, knees and elbows.
However Hung Gar is not restricted by rules like muay thai and the more vulnerable parts of the body such as eyes and groin area are trained to be attacked in Hung Gar while in Muay thai these are illegal techniques and not trained or taught.
Which is Better for Weight Loss and Fitness
Both styles can be effective for fitness and weight loss.
However in my opinion muay thai would be the better option if weight loss and fitness is your main goal.
Muay thai fights under specific weight classes and is known for high intensity conditioning training which includes cardio and strength training.
Running, skipping, heavy bag work, pads, drilling and sparring are all aspects of every muay thai session and this type of training can get you in shape and lose weight very quickly if you are consistent with this type of training.
Hung Gar with its focus on stance training and weapons is still intense and useful for weight loss and fitness but muay thai has a greater focus on being in shape and maintaining a certain weight for fighting.
