Hung Tao-Choy Mei Kuen: The Legendary Hybrid Lineage of Southern China and Malaysia

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Forged in the fires of anti-Qing secret societies and perfected through decades of migration across Southeast Asia, Hung Tao-Choy Mei Kuen (洪頭蔡尾拳) represents one of the most dynamic, combat-effective styles of Southern Chinese Kung Fu. Literally translated as “Hung’s Head, Choy’s Tail,” this distinct style blends the devastating, heavy power generation of Hung Ga Kuen (洪家拳) with the swift, agile footwork and evasive hand attacks of Choy Gar Kuen (蔡家拳). Often referred to as “Quick-Hand Hung Kuen” (快手洪拳), it is a heritage art currently preserved and passed down in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia.

Part 1: Historical Origins & Secret Society Roots

The origins of Hung Tao-Choy Mei trace back to the mid-19th century in Foshan, Guangdong, during the turbulent years of anti-Qing uprisings led by secret organizations like the Tiandihui (天地會 / Heaven and Earth Society).

Master Chen Jin Gang (陈金釭) & The Quan Sheng Tang

Born in Qinghu Village, Sanshui District (Foshan, Guangdong), Chen Jin Gang (陈金釭, 1820–1863)—also known respectfully as “Big Brother Ah Zhe” (阿澤大哥)—was a 3rd-generation disciple of legendary Hung Ga master Hung Xi Guan (洪熙官) via his teacher, Zhu Fu (朱福).

Burly, charismatic, and formidable in martial ability, Chen Jin Gang was celebrated alongside Hou Chen Dai, Zhou Chun, and Zheng Jin Xing as one of the “Four Heavenly Kings” (四大金剛) of Hung Ga Kuen.

As the owner of the Quan Sheng Tang (全勝堂 / Total Victory Hall) martial academy in Sanshui, Chen Jin Gang reformed traditional Hung Ga pedagogy. Realizing that classic forms were overly long for training rebel forces, he streamlined the curriculum—combining powerful Hung strikes with versatile Choy hand techniques and practical weapons into a high-speed, direct combat method. The Quan Sheng Tang served as both a training ground and a rebel stronghold. In 1854, Chen led a Tiandihui uprising, captured Huaiji County, established the Da Hong Guo (大洪國 / Great Hung Nation), and fought Qing imperial troops for nearly a decade before falling to betrayal.

Demonstration: Unarmed Forms

Watch: Demonstration of unarmed forms by Sifu Chin Kok-Wei.

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Part 2: Migration to Malaya & The Ow U Lineage

Following the fall of the Da Hong Guo, the art was kept alive through traveling martial artists and traditional bone-setters (Tit Tar practitioners).

Chen Ah Shang to Grandmaster Ow U (區堯師祖)

Around 1880, master Chen Ah Shang (陳阿绱), a highly skilled practitioner of Hung Tao-Choy Mei, passed his proprietary Tit Tar herbal medicine formulas to Huang An (黃安) and his complete combat curriculum to Huang An’s son, Huang Ji (黃紀). Huang Ji subsequently taught at the famous Hong Sheng Guan (鴻勝館) in Xinhui.

It was under Huang Ji that young Ow U (區堯) learned the complete system. As a young boy aged seven, Ow U had personally met the nonagenarian Chen Ah Shang. After mastering the art, Ow U traveled through Shanghai and Hong Kong before permanently settling in Malaya.

In Malaya, GM Ow U gained renown for his martial prowess and acrobatic Monkey Boxing (Hou Quan), earned the affectionate nickname “Ma Lao U” (馬骝堯 / Monkey U), and co-founded the historic Lian Sheng Ten Masters (聯勝十大事傅) in 1943. He taught across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Bentong until his passing in 1975.

Part 3: Modern Preservation in Malaysia

Grandmaster Chen Zhong-Ping (陳忠平)

Following GM Ow U’s passing in 1975, his direct disciple Chen Zhong-Ping (陳忠平) sought permission from his master’s widow (née Chin / 陳氏) to establish the Ow U Chin See Wushu & Lion Dance Association (區堯陳氏醒獅健身學院)—combining the master’s name and his wife’s surname to honor filial respect and traditional values (Zun Shi Zhong Dao).

Master Chen Zhong-Ping spent decades teaching across Kuala Lumpur (including Tsun Jin Alumni, Yan Keng Dramatic Association, and Kongchau Association) and judged major international Lion Dance competitions, serving as a leading authority on traditional Foshan Lion Dance mechanics (Ten Key Factors: Hips, Horse, Footwork, Shape, Expression, Drum, Courtesy).

Sifu Chen Guo-Wei / Chin Kok-Wei (陳國威師傅)

Today, the line is actively carried forward by 3rd-generation successor Sifu Chen Guo-Wei (陳國威). Beginning his martial studies at age seven, Sifu Chen built an expansive foundation across traditional Chinese combat systems (including Yip Kin Wing Chun, Bajiquan, Baguazhang, Choy Lee Fut, Piguazhang, and Xingyi), Taekwondo (1st Dan), Muay Thai, and modern combat sports.

At age 30, Sifu Chen formally became the direct disciple of Master Chen Zhong-Ping, fully inheriting the Hung Tao-Choy Mei lineage. To ensure its survival in the modern era, Sifu Chen restructured the curriculum into a systematic, progressive teaching model, actively preparing students for modern Sanda, traditional routine competitions, and cross-style exchange.

Part 4: Technical System & Weapons Curriculum

Hung Tao-Choy Mei is distinguished by its seamless transition between rigid power and soft, rapid adaptations. It stresses Five Element Stances (五行步), continuous hand techniques (Lian Huan Shou Fa), and nine core footwork patterns (Jiu Tui Fa).

Hand Forms (拳法套路)

The system preserves over 40 distinct hand and weapon routines, including:

  • Two-Character Level Fist (二字平拳) & Youth Fist (童子拳)
  • Iron Wire Fist (鐵線拳): Unlike traditional Hung Gar Tit Seen Kuen which focuses heavily on internal energy breathing (Yun Qi), Hung Tao-Choy Mei’s version prioritizes dynamic frame applications and practical movement structures.
  • Taming the Tiger Fist (伏虎拳) & Long Fist (長拳)
  • Buddha Palm (佛掌) & Shaolin Dragon Claw (少林龍爪手)
  • Monkey Fist Series: Big, Medium, and Small Monkey Fists (大、中、小猴拳)
  • 72-Movement Pi Gua Palm (少林七十二路劈挂掌)

Weapons Arsenal (兵器套路)

The weapon curriculum reflects both classical military weapons and improvised everyday peasant tools:

  • Long Staffs & Spears: Red Tassel Spear (紅纓槍), Single & Double-Headed Staffs (單/雙頭棍), Fishing-Rod Staff (釣魚棍).
  • Blades & Edged Weapons: Broadsword (單刀), Straight Sword (單劍), Butterfly Swords (蝴蝶刀), Kwan Do (關刀), Po Dao (樸刀).
  • Peasant & Improvised Weapons: Hung Gar Bench (橫頭凳), Hoe (鋤頭), Nine-Tooth Rake (九齒連耙), Oil-Paper Umbrella (油傘), Iron Fan (鐵扇), Iron Chopsticks (鐵筷子), Iron Bowl (鐵碗), Rattan Shield (藤牌).

Demonstration: Weapon Forms & Applications

Watch: Demonstration of close-quarters power delivery, footwork transitions, and traditional weapon mechanics.

Part 5: Class Locations & Contact Information

Sifu Chen Guo-Wei continues to teach traditional Hung Tao-Choy Mei Kuen and Foshan Lion Dance across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor:

  • Location 1: Cheras Kum Yum Tong, Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Kuala Lumpur
  • Location 2: Section 17 Multipurpose Hall (十七區公眾禮堂), Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Direct Contact & Social Media

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