When Shifu Hwang asked his instructor Master Doc-fai Wong who taught him Elephant Style Kung Fu, who was the original creator of the style, even Master Wong did not know the answer this to this question.

Judging from its form and structure, it belongs to the Southern Kung Fu system. In Elephant Style Kung Fu there are no high kicks. Its energy is strong, yet its gravity is low. Attack and defense are applied in one movement.

The form's benefits can be easily felt. It encourages the turning and rotation of the waist, while one's feet and legs remain in place. The vertebrae of one's spine move in a circular motion. As a result, those who suffer with lower back problems may benefit from greater spine alignment. In addition, when the practicioner keeps their knees bent and torso straight, the chi can easily sink into the Dantien.

In many martial art forms the practicioner faces to opponents while defending or attacking. Although Karate or Tae Kwon Do practicioners might perform side kicks without facing their opponent, they don't punch or block from the side. Shaolin Long Fist form contain techniques for punching from the side, however it is a long side punch, but not a short side punch with a block as found in the Elephant Style.

Elephant Style practicioner's react very differently in comparison with many other martial arts styles. Yet, it is still considered a hard style martial art, and its focus is more on attacking than defending.

Doc-fai Wong is a famous martial art master. He started his martial arts school when he was 19 years old, and continues to this day (he is 54 years old at the time of the writing of this article). He currently lives in the Bay Area and teaches Yang style Tai Chi as well as Choy Li Fat Kung Fu.

Additional Commentary on the Elephant Style Kung Fu form by Shifu Hwang.

Excerpt on Elephant Style Kung Fu from Chronicles of Tao by Deng Meng-Dao.

Click here to view a list of postures from Elephant Style Kung Fu Form