Hung Gar originated in the first Shaolin Temple in Henan province. According to legend, Qing government soldiers burned the temple to the ground in 1768.  Gee Sin Sim, one of the monks who lived in the temple, fled to Fukian province in southern China. Master Gee See taught a local merchant named Hung Hei Gun the Shaolin Tiger Style. Hung combined the skills learned from Master Gee See with elements from his wife's White Crane system, movements from the Dragon, Snake, and Leopard forms, and techniques from the Five Elements Fist. Through this process, he developed a fighting system that was balanced in long and short-range techniques.  That system grew to become the Hung Gar system that we know today.

Hung Hei Gun brought this fighting art to Guangdong province, and, along with student Luk Ah Choy, popularized the tiger-crane style in that region. The style was eventually passed down to Wong Kay Ying, who then taught it to his son, Wong Fei Hung. 

Wong Fei Hung was born in 1850 and was trained by his father.  As a result of his incredible strength, skill, and courage, Wong Fei Hung became known as one of the "Ten Tigers of Canton."

Wong Fei Hung established a famous “dit dar clinic” in Canton where he offered medical care to many poor people.  His clinic also doubled as school where he taught Kung Fu to a select group of students, including  the famous Lam Sai Wing.  Wong Fei Hung died in 1933, but his legend lives on through the innumerable books and movies that have been made depicting him.  Wong Fei Hung is such a legendary figure because of the honorable way he lived his life, and Hung Gar embodies his spirit even through modern times.  In fact, "Hung" means to "stand tall with integrity." And, Hung Gar practitioners espouse honesty, directness, iron will-power and righteousness.

Hung Gar training is based on strong, low stances; low, snapping kicks; ambidexterity in all techniques; simultaneous blocking and striking; and tremendous power. Hung Gar training is difficult.  However, it develops great physical strength and endurance as well as confidence and skill.