What’s your favorite kung fu style out of the famous ones (Mantis, tiger, etc)?
Love this question. It's interesting how my tastes have changed over the years. When I first got into kung fu cinema, drunken fist was the coolest thing I'd ever seen. For years, that was my favourite style, like every other teenager discovering Jackie Chan for the first time...
Then I settled on mantis fist. I loved its rapid pace and the the shape the fist makes (the little hook thingies)...
Mantis was my favourite style for years. I'd watch any film featuring mantis fist - Northern or Southern.
Then I became a fan of kicks. I won't say Taekwondo was my favourite style (it wasn't), but I was always a fan of those actors that put in crazy work when it comes to their kicks. People like Hwang Jang Lee, Kim Won-jin, Casanova Wong and John Liu. The flashier the kicks, the better...
Fast forward and now, at the age of 43 (almost 44), I find myself liking traditional styles more than the flashier stuff. I'd say my current favourite style is Hung Gar (also known as Hung Kuen). It's not always easy to spot, but this vid should help...
I love the tiger and crane components as well as the style's absolutely unwaverable power. I'm always happy when I see it used. If I could learn any kung fu style at my age, it'd be Hung Gar. Thouhg I hear it isn't easy to learn.
I hope this helps!
