编者按：洪拳，广东名拳之首，威震岭南百余年。影视作品的热潮虽使其在国内外一度兴盛，但缺乏深入理论研究，只是表面的繁荣；尤其是李连杰先生演绎的夸张动作，对洪拳发展产生了极大的负面影响，甚至误导国际武术界认为那是一种正宗的洪拳表现。这一现象让洪拳界内的高手感到忧虑，他们立即对洪拳进行了深入挖掘和全面研究，以期有所建树。其中，武术家周至誌先生的文章，对洪拳有全面的宏观把握，代表了这一领域理论研究的先进水平，其价值不容小觑，对于欲探索深层奥秘的武友而言，是难得良机。

“三月成小器，大业十年功”。无论何门武艺，都离不开刻苦修炼和持之以恒，这便是南派称之为功夫。林世荣先生在《虎鹤双形拳》的自序中这样说：“一道真功夫，易学难精。先要明规矩、习标准，再假以气力、善接桥。”古人云“学武先求明师”，知其然亦知其所以然，再加上实力与持久努力，将其融会贯通，便是这门道理。

从扎马碌桥起步，就体现出洪家拳是一门注重气力的实用技巧，没有过多花哨的地方。“讲桥马”、“讲快打”，这些流传下来的谚语更直观地表达出了桥手和马步对于洪家的重要性，而前辈们在桥马上的三年五年的苦练则是一个普遍现象。如果没有稳固的地脚，即便轻松浮动，也难以抵御对方的一击；如果没有强悍的手臂，即便力量充沛，也无法有效应对对手。不仅如此，如果不能通过苦练来理解其中奥妙，那么就无法真正进入到这门艺术的大门。

bridge and horse, known as the five elements of the inner and outer forms of Hong family boxing. The inner five are essential for one's physical cultivation, while the outer five are techniques used in applying the art.

Inner Five

The inner five refer to Jing (精), Li (力), Gu (骨), Qi (气), and Shen (神). These interrelated elements form the foundation of one's body cultivation and martial arts practice. They correspond to dragon, tiger, leopard, snake, and crane respectively.

(1) Jing

Jing is considered the core element among the five. It encompasses both pre-natal energy inherited from parents and post-natal energy derived from food intake. A balance between these two energies ensures that one's body is nourished internally. Practitioners must cultivate their Jing through exercises such as slow movements like those found in zhan zhuang or standing meditation.

(2) Li

Li refers to strength which originates from tendons and bones. A strong physique with sturdy bones provides a solid foundation for powerful movements. Practitioners should first relax their muscles before cultivating strength by building up their bone structure.

Outer Five

These represent various techniques used in practicing Hong family boxing:

(3) Bridge Hand

Bridge hand involves using both hands together to create a stable base while moving around opponents or absorbing incoming attacks.

(4) Horse Step

Horse step refers to quick footwork that allows practitioners to maneuver effectively during combat situations.

(5) Single Whip

Single whip denotes a single-handed technique often used when facing an opponent who attempts multiple simultaneous attacks.

(6) Embrace Tiger Return To Mountain

This term signifies embracing an opponent with both arms while simultaneously returning back into a defensive position like mountain stance.

(7) Golden Rooster Stands On One Leg

This move symbolizes maintaining balance on one leg while keeping alert for potential threats around you.

Each movement within Hong family boxing serves specific purposes depending on its application during actual combat scenarios or training sessions for personal development."