编者按：洪拳，是广东乃至岭南数百年来威震一方的武术。随着影视作品的大力推崇，洪拳在国内外一度走红，但并未真正有理论建树，只是浮于表面的繁荣；尤其是李连杰先生所演绎的夸张动作，对洪拳正常发展产生了极大的负面影响，甚至误导了一些国际友人，将李连杰的风格当做了真正的洪拳。这让洪拳界深受担忧，因此一些卓识之士对洪拳进行了深入研究，以求有所创新。在这过程中，武术家周至誌先生的文章，对洪拳有全面的把握，代表了这一领域理论研究的先进水平，对于想要从深层次探索洪拳奥秘的武友而言，是一个难得的机会。
“小成三年中，大成十年功”，不论何门武艺，都离不开坚持和不断努力，这也是南派称之为“功夫”的原因。林世荣先生在《虎鹤双形拳》的自序中说：“一道真气，一身法则。”古人云，“学武先求明师”，知其然，更要知其所以然，再加上真劲，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，便是一门注重气力的实用技巧，没有多余华丽的情节。“桥马”与“快打”，这些流行的话语更是突出了桥手和马步在洪家的重要性。前辈们在桥马上的苦练经历，让人感叹不已。想象一下，如果没有足够的手腕支撑，那么即便再强悍，也抵挡不了轻微的一击；如果没有足够的心力支持，那么即使技术精湛，也无法持续战斗。
因此，在进入到这种简单实用的训练方法之前，就已经踏入到了浩瀚无垠、充满奥妙的地方。如果能通过长时间苦练琢磨理解其中精髓，那么就可以被认为已经站在了接近神圣地位的地平线上了。
内外五要中的桥马法门，是指内五要——精、力、骨、气、神，以及外五要——龙、虎、三豹、一蛇、二鹤。这两者相辅相成，是习武者的修身根本，同时也是施展技能的手段。当内五要与外五要相结合时，即可达到身体健壮心灵清澈，加上技巧熟练，无论是在实际操作还是理论分析上都能达到最佳效果。此外，还有一种特殊情况，即祖师为了修炼出一种更高境界，而创造了一套独特的心形功法，用以提升自身能力，这也成为后人的学习参考点之一。
首先来说说精——这是最核心的一个部分。一方面，它直接关系到生命力的存续；另一方面，它对于后天积累到的营养素质也有着直接影响。如果体内精气充沛，则精神焕发生机勃勃，如果缺乏则可能导致疲惫无力。而这正如自然界中的植物需要阳光水分一样，不断吸收新鲜物质来维持生命活力。
(三)骨
骨骼是力量来源之一，所以必须保持健康和强大。通过锻炼可以增强筋肉，使身体更加结实，有利于提高整体力量。
(四)气
气又分为前天真气和后天运化出来的人间真气，两者互相依赖且不可或缺。在修炼过程中，要注意调整好呼吸，以保证身体内部环境适宜，为培养良好的意志提供必要条件。
(五)神
神 refers to the spirit or mind. It is the highest level of attainment in martial arts, and it encompasses all other aspects of martial arts practice. A practitioner who has achieved a high level of spiritual cultivation can perform feats that seem impossible for ordinary mortals.
In conclusion, the five inner essentials are fundamental to both physical and mental development, as well as martial arts skill. They must be cultivated together in a balanced manner for true mastery to be achieved.
The five outer essentials refer to the external forms and techniques used in practicing martial arts. They are derived from nature and represent various animals such as dragon, tiger, leopard, snake, and phoenix.
These two sets of five principles work together seamlessly: cultivating one's internal essence while mastering external techniques allows a practitioner to become proficient in both theory and practical application.
It is important to note that these principles were not created by Li Lian Jie but rather have been passed down through generations of practitioners within the Southern Shaolin lineage. His portrayal may have popularized certain elements but did not create them entirely on his own.
With this understanding it becomes clear why many practitioners feel uneasy about accepting Li Lian Jie's version as representative of traditional Hong Hei Gun skills. While he may have brought some attention back towards this ancient art form there is much more depth beyond what was portrayed on screen.
This brings us back full circle: The original purpose behind creating Hong Hei Gun was not merely entertainment value but an attempt at preserving ancient knowledge which could potentially provide people with new insights into personal growth or self-defense techniques should they choose so do so.
Therefore we encourage everyone interested in learning more about this unique style of Kung Fu – whether you're an experienced practitioner looking for further insight or simply curious about its rich history – explore beyond what you see on television screens; seek out qualified instructors who can teach you how to harness your energy effectively; train diligently under their guidance until you've mastered each principle thoroughly; then use your newfound abilities responsibly for bettering yourself physically mentally emotionally spiritually etcetera...
