Shaolin Abbot Gee Sim fled the burning of the Northern Shaolin Temple in 1768 and went into hiding, disguised as a travelling performer on the red boats of China. Eventually residing at the Southern Shaolin Temple in Fujian, Gee Sim met up with other patriots such as Hung Hei Guen, who became his disciple. Hung Hei Guen traveled to Guangdong and taught many famous students, the most well known being Wong Fei Hong. There are countless stories and over 150 movies of Wong Fei Hong and his students.

Hung Gar draws heavily on the influence of the five animals and five elements. The core of the System is the tiger and the crane. The Hung Gar practitioner prides himself on his solid low horse stance and iron bridge (forearm training).