Monkey Kung Fu (Hou Quan) 猴拳 Hóu quán

Animal style mimicking monkeys: agile footwork, rolling, grabbing and sudden strikes. Variants include Da Sheng (Great Sage) Monkey.

Key characteristics

• Five monkey characters (Drunken, Lost, Tall, Stone, Wooden)
• Ground rolling

Forms & curriculum

• Da Sheng Monkey forms

What training looks like

Classes typically combine stances and footwork (basics), conditioning, solo forms (taolu, kata or hyung) and partner drills. Sparring is introduced gradually, usually with protective gear.

Questions to ask a school

• How is sparring introduced and supervised?
• What do a beginner's first three months look like?
• Is there a family, health or seniors class?
• How are injuries prevented?