Classifying Lau Gar

Most Martial Arts and Kung Fu in particular can be further classified using terms such as Internal/External, Hard/Soft, Long/Short, Northern/Southern.  Using these terms we can further classify Lau Gar as follows

Internal/External: When classifying a style using these terms the style is generally classified by which part is trained in first.

Internal arts focus their training on the strengthening of the internal organs, improving the generation and circulation of Chi and training the mind.  These styles derive their power from this Chi cultivation rather than using solely muscular force.

External arts use the conditioning of the body and training in the more obvious forms of strength and rely primarily on this strength for the generation of power.

Lau Gar can be classified as an External style but as you move further along in the syllabus a greater degree of Internal training does take place.  Chi Kung or energy training is a regular part of training in Boyne Valley Martial Arts classes

Hard/Soft: A Hard style uses that blows that can be seen by an observer to be powerful.  These blows result in bruises and broken bones and, if the practitioner is skilled enough, in internal damage.  Hard styles use forceful blocks to deal with forceful blows.

A Soft style utilises blows which although they seem to be delivered in a relaxed manner can damage the opponent internally without leaving any visible signs of damage such as bruising etc and use non-forceful means to turn aside a forceful blow.

A style tends to be classified on the appearance of its sets.  If they are brisk and forceful they are said to be Hard.  Lau Gar tends to be Hard although again, there are some sets which could be said to be Soft.

Long/Short: Styles which are classified as long use movements in which the limbs are fully stretched.  Short styles are tight and blows move short distances.  Lau Gar is a Short style.

Northern/Southern: As a simple geographic description this refers to styles that originate in either Northern China or Southern China.  However it has also come to apply to the techniques and methods of a style.  Northern Styles utilise mobile stances, tumbling routines and place an emphasis on dynamic kicking techniques, often to high targets.  Southern styles place emphasis on short, fast hand movements from low stable stances.  Although kicks are used they tend to be to lower targets.  Lau Gar is a Southern Style

In summary Lau Gar Kuen can be classified as a Southern Style of Kung Fu which is External and Hard in nature.  However, Lau Gar like most traditional martial arts is a blend of all of the above.  In addition Lau Gar contains many techniques which have no fighting applications and are used purely to enhance the health of the practitioner.