FAQ
WHAT IS HUNG GAR KUNG FU?
Hung Gar is a Southern Chinese style of kung fu. There are different theories about the origin of the system's name, but the most widely accepted theory is that the name, which means "Hung Family Kung Fu," is derived from Hung Hei Goon, who founded the style after learning Black Tiger Fist from Abbot Gee Sim Sin See, said to have survived the burning of the Southern Shaolin Temple in Fujian.
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Hung Gar is widely associated with steady, low stances (though this is a relatively modern interpretation of the style) and hard external techniques. At its core, though, Hung Gar is a practical system of martial arts derived from ten disciplines. These are the five animals (dragon, tiger, snake, leopard, crane) and the five elements (metal, earth, wood, water, and fire).
WHAT IS PAUL FAUTEUX'S HUNG GAR?
Paul Fauteux's Hung Gar is my effort to spread Hung Gar philosophy and teaching methods. I am offering classes that are designed to be accessible to interested students in the Northern Virginia area. To that end, I offer classes at the Discover Kung Fu facility in Fairfax Crossroads as well as outdoors.
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Discover Kung Fu is an indoor facility with mirrors and training equipment. Classes conducted outdoors are held in all sorts of weather.
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Training indoors has certain advantages (a roof, mirrors, air conditioning, etc.), but training outdoors has advantages as well. Students may prefer an outdoor environment due to COVID-related concerns, and outdoor training allows us to make use of trees (important and readily available training tools) and wide open space, which allows plenty of room for forms, weapons, and other training exercises.
HOW ARE STUDENTS RANKED?
Traditionally, students are ranked by sonority. There are no belts, there are no advancement tests, there are no testing fees, and there are no uniforms. Instead, we aim to develop positive relationships with one another and encourage lifelong learning.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO A LESSON?
There are no required uniforms. T-shirts are available, but not required. Students are encouraged to wear loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes.
WHAT ARE YOUR COVID POLICIES?
Unvaccinated students are required to wear masks and maintain physical distance. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 is not permitted to participate in classes.
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Students who are vaccinated may wear masks and maintain physical distance if they so choose. However, physical contact is essential to martial arts instruction. During these circumstances where community spread of COVID-19 is still high, there will only be physical contact during lessons to the extent to which the student is comfortable.
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I am fully vaccinated, and will mask during instruction when in close proximity with students.
WHAT IF I'VE BOOKED AN OUTDOOR LESSON AND THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER?
Come train in the weather with me! We won't usually cancel lessons due to weather, but students may choose to cancel lessons. In these cases, please make the cancellation online to avoid being charged.
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Otherwise, training in different kinds of weather is beneficial. Snow, rain, heat, and cold are fine training conditions; just come dressed appropriately.