As Shaolin teaching developed, other Shaolin styled Zen (Chan) monasteries appeared in China. From a Southern monastery came the lineage of Jee Sin, who taught the five progenitors of “Southern Shaolin.” The five families of martial arts from the Jee Sin lineages became Hung Gar, Choy Gar, Mok Gar, Lau Gar and Li Gar. Jow Lung, one of five brothers, was taught Hung Gar and Choy Gar during his youth, and refined the strengths of each in training with his brothers. Jow Lung later learned Northern Shaolin at a monastery as well, and his teacher there encouraged him to combine all of his knowledge into one fighting system, which he taught to his brothers. Jow Lung further refined his system while teaching soldiers in Canton; he called in his brothers to help him teach, and when they felt the system was complete, they named it after the family. Jow Ga has earned the nickname Hung Tao Choy Mei, or “Head of Hung, Tail of Choy.” Our Jow Ga lineage is through the Wong Chinese Boxing Association, headed by Sifu Raymond Wong, disciple of Dean Chin.
