Est. 2003

中外周家

Jow Ga
Kung Fu

South Africa

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Traditional Chinese Kung Fu forged from the legacy of the Five Tigers of Jow Ga — combining the power of Hung Gar, the swift footwork of Choy Gar, and the knowledge of Northern Shaolin.

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The Art

About Jow Ga
Kung Fu

Jow Ga Kung Fu is a traditional Southern Chinese martial art founded in the early twentieth century by Grandmaster Jow Lung. The name "Jow Ga" means "Jow family", reflecting its origins as a family system developed and refined over generations.

The style was formed by combining established Southern Chinese martial traditions into a cohesive and practical system. It draws on the strong, stable hand techniques of Hung Gar and the agile footwork and kicking methods of Choy Gar, with additional Northern influences that broaden its range and movement. The result is a balanced martial art that integrates powerful close-range techniques with dynamic long-range movement.

Training in Jow Ga develops structure, balance, coordination, and practical self-defence skills. Students progress through structured forms, partner drills, conditioning, and traditional weapons training. Each element builds technical precision, timing, and awareness through disciplined and consistent practice.

At its core, Jow Ga is both demanding and accessible. It encourages steady development of physical ability, mental focus, and respect for tradition. Whether training for self-defence, fitness, or personal growth, students are guided through a clear and structured system that preserves the integrity of the art while supporting individual progress.

Jow Ga masters and traditional weapons

"The style had the head of Hung Gar, the tail of Choy Gar, and the patterns of the tiger and the leopard."

Description of Jow Ga at its inception, c. 1919

The Master

Sifu Raymond Keung

Sifu Raymond Keung

Sifu Raymond Keung

  • 1stJow LungFounder, Guangdong, 1891–1919
  • 2ndJow BiuAssumed leadership after Jow Lung's passing
  • 3rdLee NgauHong Kong school, notable master
  • 4thBau Siu KeungMaster to Yip Chi Wah
  • 5thYip Chi WahMaster to Sifu Raymond
  • 6thSifu Raymond Keung"The Dictionary of Jow Ga Forms"
"I want to teach good, honest people. There's no anger or arrogance. My class is a happy class." — Sifu Raymond Keung

Born in Hong Kong on 24 July 1959, Sifu Raymond began his training in Jow Ga in 1973. Initially reluctant, he was encouraged by his father to join a kung fu school to build strength and overcome introversion. When he arrived at class and recognised some of his classmates, his perspective shifted. He began to love kung fu.

Under Master Ho Lok, Sifu Raymond developed the essential foundation of Jow Ga training: correct body posture, low stances, and the discipline required for serious practice. The training was demanding, but it established the structural principles that would define his development as a martial artist.

Seeking to deepen his knowledge, he later trained under Master Yip Chi Wah, a direct descendant of Jow Biu's lineage. Here he expanded his understanding of hand forms, weapon forms, and set fighting. His dedication and exceptional memory led him to become known throughout the Jow Ga community as the "Dictionary of Jow Ga Forms" — a living repository of the art's technical heritage spanning over 20 hand forms and extensive weapon sets.

In 2003, Sifu Raymond immigrated to South Africa with his family and established the Jow Ga Kung Fu Athletic Association of South Africa, a life member and representative of the International Jow Ga Kuen Federation. He interviews every prospective student personally, maintaining the traditional approach to teaching that emphasises commitment, diligence, and consistent practice.

Sifu Raymond also teaches Tai Chi, offering students the complementary art of controlled, meditative movement — the same attention to internal alignment and body mechanics that underpins his kung fu philosophy.

What We Offer

Classes

Traditional · Physical · Complete

Jow Ga Kung Fu

周家拳

Training in Jow Ga is physically demanding and comprehensive. Each class begins with stretching and conditioning, followed by structured practice that develops strength, coordination, flexibility, and stamina. Students learn through forms, partner drills, and traditional techniques that have been refined over generations.

Beyond physical development, training cultivates discipline, focus, and confidence. The structured progression through the curriculum builds both technical skill and mental resilience. Students of all fitness levels are welcome — training is adapted to individual ability, and steady improvement comes through consistent practice.

New students are requested to call ahead before attending their first class. Classes are available on weekdays and weekends.

Syllabus Highlights

Hand Forms

  • Siu Fok Fu Kuen
  • Siu Hung Kuen
  • Law Hon Kuen
  • Say Ping Kuen
  • Chai Jong Kuen
  • Ying Jao Kuen
  • Fu Pao Kuen
  • Man Gi Kuen
  • + more advanced forms

Weapon Forms

  • Bat Gwa Double-Headed Staff
  • Mui Fa Broadsword
  • Mui Fa Spear
  • Double Dagger
  • Butterfly Knife
  • Nine Rings Broadsword
  • Big Fork
  • Dai Bat Gwa Staff

Internal · Meditative · Restorative

Yang Style Tai Chi

太極拳

Taught by Sifu Raymond alongside Jow Ga, Tai Chi offers a complementary practice focused on internal development. It emphasises controlled movement, breath, balance, and alignment — cultivating mental clarity and physical awareness through disciplined, meditative practice.

Tai Chi is suitable for practitioners of all ages and fitness levels. It can be studied as a standalone art or as a complement to kung fu training. No prior martial arts experience is required.

"Hard and soft. External and internal. The two arts are one teaching — different expressions of the same understanding of the human body and its relationship to force." — Sifu Raymond Keung

Class Schedule

Weekday and weekend classes available. New students are requested to call ahead before attending their first session.

Book Your Place

Contact Simo Bonnie: 072 213 2478

Enquire Today
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Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dit Da Massage

跌打

Dit Da is an ancient Chinese therapeutic tradition originating from the treatment of injuries sustained in martial arts training. Practiced and refined over centuries within kung fu lineages, it has been passed down from master to disciple as an essential complement to physical training.

The practice uses traditional medicinal liniments applied through targeted massage techniques to treat external injuries and support recovery. It works by stimulating blood circulation, reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and accelerating the healing of soft tissue damage.

Conditions Treated

  • Bruises and contusions
  • Sprains and strains
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Injured ligaments
  • Injured tendons

Sessions are offered by Sifu Raymond, whose decades of martial arts practice inform a precise understanding of how the body absorbs and recovers from physical stress. Dit Da is suitable for martial artists and non-practitioners alike.

Book Now

25 min
Targeted treatment for injuries, pain relief, and recovery support.

Contact Sifu Raymond directly for pricing and bookings via WhatsApp.

New Students

What to Expect

Do I need to be fit to start?

No. Sifu Raymond welcomes students of all fitness levels. Training is adapted to individual ability, and regular practice develops strength, flexibility, and stamina through consistent effort. Begin where you are.

Do I need to call before my first class?

Yes. New students are asked to call ahead before attending. Sifu Raymond interviews prospective students personally — this is a deliberate part of the tradition that ensures mutual commitment to training.

What should I wear to my first class?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows free movement. Barefoot or flat martial arts shoes. As you progress, you may wish to acquire Fei Yue training shoes, which are available through the school.

How is Jow Ga different from other kung fu styles?

Jow Ga combines three established systems: Hung Gar's powerful striking, Choy Gar's agile footwork, and Northern Shaolin's long-range techniques. The result is a comprehensive martial art that integrates multiple ranges and methods into a unified system.

What does lineage mean, and why does it matter?

Lineage is the unbroken chain of knowledge passed from master to student across generations. Sifu Raymond is a sixth-generation direct descendant of Jow Lung's founding lineage through Jow Biu. What is taught here has been tested and refined over more than a century.

I have no martial arts experience. Can I still start?

Absolutely. Many students begin with no prior experience. Sifu Raymond structures training to meet you where you are and build your foundation systematically. What matters is commitment and willingness to learn, not existing fitness or martial arts background.

Can I do Tai Chi without doing Kung Fu?

Yes. Tai Chi is taught as a complete practice in its own right. Many students train specifically in Tai Chi for health, balance, or internal development. All are welcome.

Is this affiliated with a wider organisation?

Yes. Sifu Raymond is a life member and South African representative of the International Jow Ga Kuen Federation, connecting the school to the global Jow Ga community and ensuring authentic lineage continuity.

Student Conduct

Code of Conduct

When the Jow Ga Five Tigers established the first Jow Ga school, they named it Zhou Jia Quan Ren Yi Tang — the "Jow Family Boxing's Hall of Benevolence and Justice." This name reflects the philosophy at the heart of traditional martial arts training: you must first be a good person, then a good martial artist.

The following code of conduct guides all students in their training and conduct. These principles are expected to be observed both in the kwoon and beyond.

  1. Refer to your teacher as "Sifu" — a title for someone who has achieved mastery of an art.
  2. Show respect for instructors, senior classmates, and fellow students.
  3. Pay respect with the Jow Ga salute (left palm over right fist) when entering and leaving class.
  4. When addressing an instructor, salute first as a matter of courtesy. Extend similar courtesies when receiving guests or visiting other schools.
  5. Do not eat during class. Drinking water is permitted during breaks.
  6. Do not chat or talk loudly during class.
  7. Profanity is not permitted.
  8. Do not be late for class without informing Sifu or without valid reason.
  9. Students must be dressed and ready five minutes before training begins.
  10. Respect the effort of others, even if they make mistakes. No one is perfect, and there is always room for improvement.
  11. Offer help to those who need it, even if they do not ask.
  12. Do not teach others or practise techniques you have not been taught without Sifu's permission.
  13. Do not misuse your knowledge of kung fu, especially against those less experienced or unable to defend themselves. Abuse of martial arts skill will not be tolerated.
  14. Do not disparage other martial arts styles, schools, or their members. There is always something to learn from others.
  15. Be humble. In public, do not boast or behave in a manner that reflects poorly on the Association, your classmates, or your instructors. As practitioners of Jow Ga Kung Fu, strive to be exemplary in all aspects of life.

Sifu Raymond Keung

Jow Ga seal
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Equipment & Apparel

Merchandise

The school stocks a selection of traditional training equipment, apparel, and footwear. Items are available for purchase through the school directly. Contact us to enquire about current stock and pricing.

Assorted traditional kung fu training weapons on the kwoon rack

Weapons

Assorted Training Weapons

Traditional kung fu weapons used in Jow Ga and tai chi forms, including the straight sword, broadsword, staff, and spear. Other weapons are available for import. Contact us about your requirements.

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Fei Yue lightweight canvas training shoes

Footwear

Fei Yue Training Shoes

Lightweight canvas training shoes with flexible soles and a breathable upper. Preferred by kung fu and tai chi practitioners for their comfort, clean lines, and rich history.

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Kung Fu and Tai Chi lantern pants

Apparel

Kung Fu & Tai Chi Pants

Traditional martial arts trousers featuring a loose, baggy fit that tapers at the ankle allowing for unrestricted movement during kicks and deep stances. Ideal for Kung Fu, Tai Chi, yoga, and casual wear.

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Find Us

Contact

Interested in training? New students are invited to enquire. Sifu Raymond meets every prospective student personally. Please call ahead before attending your first class.

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    Phone / WhatsApp 082 359 6433
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    Email info [at] jowga.co.za
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    Address 360 Jan Smuts Avenue Craighall Park, 2196 Johannesburg, South Africa
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    Organisation Jow Ga Kung Fu Athletic Association of South Africa International Jow Ga Kuen Federation — Life Member
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    Schedule Weekday & weekend classes available Call to confirm current timetable