The relationship between Hung Gar Kung Fu and Lion Dance goes back many generations. In fact, the most famous Hung Gar practitioners (Wong Tai, Luk Ah Choi, Wong Fei Hung, Lam Sai Wing) were also known as local "kings of the lion dance". Within the various southern kung fu families (like Hung Gar) the lion dance is an inextricable part of the school. You will regularly see the lion movements associated with the very best southern kung fu schools like Hung Gar, Wing Chun, Choi Lay Fut, Lau Gar etc. On the other hand, the northern lion is normally used in the north of china for festivals and political occasions, and not for kung fu demonstrations.

The sequence of the southern lion dance can be very short and basic to the very long and elaborate. generally the kung fu school will open with some signature movements particular to their family, display the three bows, and then walk the crowd, making friends. Eventually various "emotions" are displayed by the lion from shy/pensive to playful.

The ultimate goal for the lion is to "eat the green" or choi chang. The choi chang can be a simple bunch of lettuce placed on the floor to a more elaborate lofty placement of the greens. The lion normally makes several passes at the greens - once to see if its worth obtaining - second to survey the safety of eating - and third to actually eat it. The lion will eventually find and "eat" the green which brings good luck and fortune to all that participated. The more difficult it is for the lion to obtain the greens - the more luck is bestowed on all concerned.

The Shao Lin Tiger & Crane Kung Fu Academy boasts a lion dance team that has performed for thousands of people including dignitaries such as Senator Carper, the University of Delaware Chinese Scholars, the Chinese New Year celebrations, Newark Community Day , various martial arts competitions, and the list goes on. We learned our traditional lion dance from the "keepers of the flame" at FoShan's famous Chin Woo Association in GuangDong China. Our masters are in direct line from the purest forms of this cultural treasure.

We are available to perform lion dance for your next occasion and will be very happy to give you our best performance!

tigercranesifu@yahoo.com

main street - newark delaware - market east plaza

302-607-5646 (mobile) -or- 302-737-4696 (land line)