编者按：洪拳，广东名拳之一，威震岭南数百年。影视作品的推崇使其在国内外一度繁荣，但缺乏深入理论研究；李连杰先生演绎的夸张动作影响了洪拳正常发展，让一些国际友人误以为那是真正的洪拳。这种现象让洪拳界担忧，有鉴于此，他们对洪拳进行了深入挖掘与全面研究，以求有所建树。其中，武术家周至誌先生的文章，对洪拳有宏观把握，代表了理论研究的先进水平，对探索奥秘的武友而言，是满足愿望的良机。

“小成三年中，大成十年功”。武艺离不开刻苦和持恒，这也是南派称之为功夫。林世荣先生在《虎鹤双形拳》自序中说：“一道真功夫诚易学而难精”，需先明规矩、习标准，然后用气力接桥。这是打好基础后，再追求横直吞吐、四到之秘、五门之法、八面之形和生死之路。

洪家拳从扎马碌桥开始是一门实实在在气力的功夫，没有花巧可言。“讲桥马”、“快打”，这些流行谚语突出了桥手和马步不可或缺性。前辈们在桥马上下三年的苦功很普遍。如果没有坚固的手脚怎么能搏斗？通过练习便能理解其中奥妙，便踏上了进入殿堂的大道。

bridge-hand-and-horse-riding, or bridge-hand-and-horse-riding, the fundamental approach of Hung Gar Kung Fu. The external Five Essentials include Bridge Hand and Horse Riding.

One: Inner Five Essentials

Jing (Essence)

Jing is the core of the inner Five Essentials. It is responsible for maintaining physical health and energy.

Li (Vital Energy)

Li refers to the life force that flows through our bodies.

Gu (Bone)

Gu represents strength and stability in our physical structure.

Qi (Breath)

Qi refers to our breath and vital energy flow.

Shen (Spirit)

Shen represents mental clarity and focus.

The internal Five Essentials are essential for martial arts training as they provide a solid foundation for physical strength, mental discipline, and spiritual awareness.

(1) Jing

Jing is crucial for overall health as it influences both physical vitality and mental acuity.

(2) Li

Li is derived from bone density; strong bones yield greater power while weak bones result in weakness.

(3) Gu

Gu signifies robustness; stronger muscles lead to greater force while weaker ones produce less might.

(4) Qi

Qi denotes fluidity; its balance determines flexibility & adaptability in martial arts practice.

(5) Shen

Shen symbolizes tranquility; cultivating this quality fosters introspection & self-awareness in one's martial journey.

Thus, by harmonizing these five elements within oneself - jing with gu, li with qi - practitioners can attain an extraordinary level of skill in their chosen art form.

With this profound understanding at hand, we delve into each element further:

Jing: The essence of life.

Li: Strength derived from bone density.

Gu: Robust muscles.

Qi: Fluid movement.

Shen: Mental clarity.

By balancing these elements effectively within ourselves - jing with gu, li with qi - we unlock an extraordinary level of mastery over our chosen art form.

In conclusion, mastering Hong Kong's beloved fighting style requires not just brute strength but also a deep understanding of one's body's intricate systems.

For those seeking a more refined approach to their own martial journey,

the teachings presented here offer valuable insights into unlocking your full potential.\

"Small accomplishments take three years' time,

Great accomplishments ten years' effort."