编者按：洪拳是广东名拳之一，威震岭南数百年。由于这些年影视作品的大力倡导，洪拳在国内外一度出现了空前的繁荣，但并无真正的理论建树，只是虚假的繁荣；尤其是学院武星的典范李连杰先生那些夸张的动作，对洪拳正常发展具有极大地破坏性，甚至导致一些国际友人错误地认为李连杰所演练的风格才是真正的洪拳。这种现象令洪拳界的卓识之士深感担忧，有鉴于此，他们对洪拳立即作了比较深入地挖掘与全面研究，以求有所建树。其中，武术家周至誌先生的文章，对洪拳有整体的宏观把握，代表了洪拳理论研究的先进水平，极有参考价值，对欲从深层次探索洪拳奥秘的武友而言，不失为满足夙愿的良机。

“小成三年中，大成十年功”。不论何家武艺，均离不开刻苦砥砺和持之以恒，是以南派称武艺为功夫。林世荣先生在《虎鹤双形拳》的自序中如是说“拳术一道，诚易学而难精”，先要明其规矩，“习其标准，然后假以气力”，善于接桥。明此则功自进，更从而求其横直吞吐，“四到之秘、五门之法、八面之形、生死之路”。

古人说学武先求明师，“知其然和其所以然，再加力气并持之以恒，将其融会贯通，就是这个道理”。

洪家拳从扎马碌桥开始便是一门实实在在的手脚技巧，没有花巧可言。“洪家讲桥马，蔡家讲快打”；“洪家桥马佛家快打”，这些流行的话语更加突出香港正宗六合太极系统中的内外五要，其中包含着各种各样的手式与腿式技术，这些技术对于提升自身实战能力至关重要。

Bridge and horse stance are the foundation of Hong family boxing, it is a simple but powerful way to train your body. The famous saying "Hong family bridge and horse, Buddha's quick punch" reflects the importance of these two stances in Hong family boxing.

Bridge stance includes five key points:

footwork

balance

posture

movement

relaxation

Horse stance also includes five key points:

- leg position

- weight distribution

- core stability

- movement direction

- breathing control

These five key points for each stance must be practiced together with proper breathing and focus to achieve maximum efficiency.

The internal strength training in Hong family boxing emphasizes on building up one's inner power through proper breathing, mental focus, and physical exercises. It involves techniques such as "qi manipulation", "bone marrow washing", and "inner alchemy".

The external forms training focuses on mastering various hand techniques (such as punches), foot techniques (such as kicks), joint locks, throws, takedowns, etc., which are all based on the principles of leverage and timing.

By combining both internal strength training and external forms training, one can develop a well-rounded skill set that enables them to handle various situations effectively in combat.

In conclusion, Hong family boxing is not just about practicing certain movements or techniques; it requires dedication to learning its underlying theories and principles. By understanding these concepts thoroughly and putting them into practice consistently over time, practitioners can unlock their full potential in martial arts.

With this new understanding of the art form comes an increased appreciation for those who have dedicated their lives to mastering it. It also highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge so that future generations can continue to learn from it.

As we explore further into this ancient art form filled with wisdom passed down through generations by some great masters like Ip Man & Bruce Lee who were known for their mastery over Wing Chun system which originated from Fujian province China but gained popularity globally due to its effectiveness against larger opponents.

For now let us appreciate what they have left behind – countless hours spent honing their skills at gyms around world where sweat pours out like raindrops falling from sky onto dry parched earth thirsty for nourishment.