Hung Leng Kuen was founded by Sijo J.R. Dutton in 1974. It is derived largely from Fu Jow Pai and Hut Pao Tzut taught to him by his Sifu, Di Sifu J. Rostron.

Sijo Dutton also studied many other martial arts systems including Pak Mae, Choy Lee Fut, Tong Long and Yang Family Tai Chi. From these he took what he found to be the most effective and relevant elements and together with his knowledge of what it is like to realistically defend yourself on the street, formed Hung Leng Kuen.

The Hung Leng Kuen forms are very influenced by the traditional animal styles - Tiger, Black Leopard, Dragon, Praying Mantis, Snake, Monkey, White Crane & Eagle. Found out more about these styles in The Eight Animals of Hung Leng Kuen.


A word on the definitions of Kung Fu & Wu Shu

The Chinese term Wu Shu originated around 500 A.D. and translates roughtly as Martial Skill. It refers to an individuals' fighting technique. The term Wu Yi translates as Martial Art but with more of a reference to the stategies of battling armies. However, Wu Shu became more commonly used. This, therefore, is the definition of Traditional Wu Shu.

It was in the 1960's and 70's that the definition of Chinese Martial Arts became altered by the Chinese government and athletic committees, with the definition Wu Shu coming to refer to a display art, emphasising beauty and somewhat ignoring martial application. This is Contemporary or Modern Wu Shu.

Therefore, when speaking of Wu Shu, one should make the distinction between Traditional and Contemporary Wu Shu. Hung Leng Kuen practitioners study Traditional Wu Shu as serious self-defence application is the fundamental focus of our forms.

Fu is difficult to translate precisely into English, but refers to a length of time you have to spend. Kung (pronounced Gong), again roughly, means work. Together they come to mean something like "great achievement through hard work" or "work person of merit". Therefore, Kung Fu could refer to any form of artistic, manual or achedemic study to which one has given a lot of time in order to become an expert.

It is in Western society that Kung Fu is believed to purely refer to martial arts, but this is a mistaken belief. However, it is because this is the common belief, that we and many other styles are referred to as Kung Fu styles, although we also make the distinction the Hung Leng Kuen is a Traditional Wu Shu.