Hung Kuen in the context of 3rd millennium

Nanquan refers to a classification of Chinese martial arts that originated in Southern China.

The southern styles of Chinese martial arts are characterized by emphasis on "short hitting" and specific arm movements, predominantly in southern styles such as Hung Kuen, Choi Lei Fut, Hak Fu Mun, Wuzuquan, Wing Chun, and so on.

Choy Li Fut is a Chinese martial art and wushu style, founded in 1836 by Chan Heung (陳享). Choy Li Fut was named to honor Chan Heung's uncle and the three masters of each family. (in Cantonese pronounced: Choy Fook (coi3 fuk1)) (in Mandarin pronounced: Cai Fu (Cài Fú)) 蔡褔 who taught him Choy Gar 蔡家拳 (蔡家捶), (in Cantonese pronounced: Li Yau-San (Lei5 Jau5 Saan1)) (in Mandarin pronounced: Li You-Shan (Lǐ Yǒu Shān)) 李友山 who taught him Li Gar 李家拳 (李家腳，李家馬), (in Cantonese pronounced: Qing Cho Sim Si (Cing1 Cou2 Sim4 Si1)) (in Mandarin pronounced: Qing Cao Chan Shi (Qīng Cǎo Chán Shī)) 青草禪師 who taught him Fut Gar 佛家掌 (少林掌法), plus his uncle Chan Yuen-wu (陳遠護), who taught him Hung Kuen, and developed to honor the virtue teachings and philosophy of Buddha and the Shaolin roots of the system.

The system combines the martial arts techniques from various Northern and Southern Chinese kung-fu systems; the powerful arm and hand techniques from the Shaolin animal forms from the South, combined with the extended, circular movements, twisting body, and agile footwork that characterizes Northern China's martial arts. It is considered an external style, combining soft and hard techniques, as well as incorporating a wide range of weapons as part of its curriculum. It contains a wide variety of techniques, including long and short range punches, kicks, sweeps and take downs, pressure point attacks, joint locks, and grappling. According to Bruce Lee: