Jow Ga System

The system of Kung Fu known as Jow Ga (Jow Family) is also referred to as Jow Ga, Zhou jia, and Chow Ka depending on the dialect or translation. Jow Ga has also been referred to as Hung Tao Choy Mei, which translates to “head of Hung and tail of Choy.” It was labeled Hung Tao Choy Mei because the system incorporates two of the best southern styles of Kung Fu known as Hung Ga and Choy Ga. Hung Ga Kung Fu is noted for its powerful hand techniques and strong stances. Choy Ga Kung Fu is noted for its swift footwork, fast hand techniques and complex kicking. Jow Ga also incorporates Nothern Shaolin, which is known for its kicking and long range had technique.

There are 5 Jow Ga founders known as the “Five Tigers:” Jow Lung, the 5th son in the Jow Family; Jow Hip the 6th son; the twins, Jow Biu and Jow Hoy, the 8th and 9th sons, and Jow Tin the 10th son. The main founder of the Jow Ga system was Jow Lung.

What is Kung Fu?

Kung Fu is one of the most effective means of self-defense and is one of the oldest martial arts known to mankind. It originated in China over 4,000 years ago and is practiced around the world. The term Kung Fu has many meanings such as “to do something well” or “mastery of an art.” The term Kung Fu is generally used when referring to Chinese martial arts. The skills used in Kung Fu consist of hand strikes, kicking, grappling, wrestling, ground fighting, and weapons. Kung Fu training is rich in philosophy and health maintenance exercises. Kung Fu history is full of stories about heroes who used their Kung Fu skills for good and justice.

The word “kung fu” refers to Chinese Martial Arts. However, the term “kung fu” was not always identified with the martial arts we know today. The term simply meant “the ability to do something well or readily”. The term “wu-shu” is generally understood as martial arts. The term kung fu is a term coined by the Chinese who migrated to the U.S. in the 1800’s during the California Gold Rush era. The term “kung fu” eventually became the term more recognized for Chinese martial arts to westerners.

Kung Fu incorporates punching, kicking, blocking, wrestling, ground fighting, joint locking/muscle manipulation, pressure point striking, sweeping, meditation, internal and external health, and weaponry. Unlike many other systems of martial arts, Kung Fu is balanced with techniques, which are sometimes soft and sometimes hard, circular and direct, long range and short range. Some styles of kung fu emphasize hand techniques and others leg techniques.

Kung Fu also incorporates the movements, techniques and fighting characteristics of animals such as the tiger, snake, leopard, monkey, lion, horse, crane, etc. Kung Fu has one the most extensive lists of weapons used in martial arts.

Jow Ga is also known for its lion dance techniques. Before World War II, Hong Kong held a huge parade during the inauguration for the King of England, George II. The Hong Kong government sent people to Canton to ask a group from Jow Ga to perform for Queen Elizabeth’s inauguration ceremony. Jow Biu led the group to accept Hong Kong’s invitation. Since the war, Jow Ga’s lion team has performed during any large-scale parades in Hong Kong. When Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 25th silver anniversary of ruling, the Jow Lung Branch sent out a huge Lion Dance team of 300 people for the parade.

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