Lau Gar Kuen
There are many schools of kung fu and Lau Gar Kuen is one of the oldest being one of the original 5 ancestor styles. Lau Gar Kuen translated means ‘Lau Family Fist’.
Origins of Lau Gar
Lau Gar Kuen is derived from a form of boxing practiced at Kuei Ling Temple situated in Kong Sai (Guangxi) Province in west China. It was learned from a monk on retreat from that temple by Master Lau Sam Ngan, “Three Eyed Lau”, a tiger hunter, whom we honour as founder of our style. He is reputed to have earned his name because of a deep scar in the middle of his forehead which resembled a third eye. The style subsequently became popular over a large part of south west China. In fact all of the southern systems of kung fu are derived from 5 major styles namely: Lau, Hung, Choy, Li and Mok.
Towards the end of the last century Master Yau’s grandfather (Yau Luk Sau) conceived the desire to learn Kung Fu. Consequently at the age of thirteen he left Kowloon and travelled to Kong Sai Province to find a teacher.
Within a short space of time his training commenced, under the master Tang Hoi Ching. Nine years passed before he was given the right to teach independent of Master Tang. Master Yau’s grandfather subsequently met the master Wan Goon Wing with whom he continued his studies for a further six years and whom he served as a son until the latter’s death.
On his return to Kowloon, Master Yau Luk Sau taught only his family and close friends before opening his club to the public. During this period Master Yau commenced his own training at the tender age of three & a half (Chinese age five years). This training continued for 4 hours a night 360 nights of the year for fifteen years. Master Yau brought the style to Britain when he came here in 1961. In 1972 the British Kung Fu Association was set up, and Master Yau being the current keeper of the Lau Gar style was invited to be chief instructor. Subsequently Lau Gar has become Britain’s most popular (and widespread) form of Chinese boxing.