In kung fu, the fighting forms are classified according to some special criterion. One of the categories is external or internal kung fu. In the external style, the external part of the body is toughened, which includes many physical exercises or practicing several techniques to enhance the outer power. While in the internal form, more importance is given to the generation of internal strength. This basically involves nurturing of the inner energy. Another classification is made on the basis of the amount of force applied during the different moves. Lau Gar is a hard style, which includes powerful blows and moves. In the soft style, attacks are made in a relaxed way. In long style, moves involve stretching of body parts, while in short hand, moves tend to cover a shorter area with a huge amount of power. Lau Gar Kung Fu is an external, hard and short form of Kung Fu.
There are many levels in the Lau Gar style, which one needs to complete to become a master in this art. The different levels are White Sash, Orange Sash, Green Sash, Yellow Sash, Purple Sash, Brown Sash, and Black Sash. The basic syllabus comprises these levels in which different moves are taught to the learners. These moves involve techniques to maintain the appropriate coordination of the mind and the body. One has to concentrate properly before applying these techniques against the opponent. A low level of concentration will consequently decrease the power required for the different attacks and thus can effect the stability of the fights. Several processes of kicks, punches are included in the syllabus, which gradually incorporates different modified techniques along with the basic learning.
Lau Gar Kung Fu is based on the defensive movements of the five Shao Lin animals namely- Dragon, tiger, snake, leopard and crane. The Dragon symbolizes the gracefulness and the spirit. It includes many flexible moves. The tiger movements are sudden and quick without any self defending strategies. As according to the characteristics of a tiger it does not need any kind of defense rather it go for direct and powerful attacks. Snake moves lay stress on attacking on specific areas, which needs lot of accuracy. This can be gained through proper practice and concentration. Leopard is for speed and power in the moves. Last is the crane, which represents well-balanced quick techniques. Thus maintaining the balance between the grace, flexibility and maneuverability is the key to success.
