Five elements do not exist separately they are influencing each other on many ways. Relations between them are in a balance which creates the man. From one side it ensures achievement of relative stability, on the other side it enables the possibility for changes, which are necessary for living.
The other name for five elements is five changes, because they are not stable magnitudes. Stable changes are when changes arise from another It means that one change(element) is a base for next and is dependent from previous. Each element is a child of previous and a mother for the next change(element). 

CYCLES OF FIVE ELEMENTS

For better understanding, relations between each element were divided to single cycles:

Nutrition cycle, it is a base of mutual compensatation of the elements. There is indication that healthy Mother is  a condition for healthy Child, whereas ill Mother could lead to child illness. (picture)

Exhausting cycle is showing that condition of each element  depends upon not only the condition of previous element Mother, but also from the condition of next element Child. Occurring disturbance at Child could take away the Mothers energy.

Control (destruction) cycle, this cycle illustrates that healthy element supports a balance state for the next element. Grandmother could prevent a situation where grandson become too strong, she will be able to stop him.  Inversely in case of disease, sick element can excessively control and in that way weaken element placed two places further in the same cycle.

Controlling cycle is often being used in martial arts to disturbance the balance between the elements.

Rebel cycle this cycle shows inverse situation to the control (destruction) cycle where Grandson influence on Grandmother balance.

Presented cycles shows that  the balance creation and destruction depend on each other. When any energy becomes too strong it is starts to limit the rest and harm it.

FIVE ELEMENTS IN THE HUNG GAR KUEN SYSTEM

In the Hung Gar Kuen system each of five elements has specified characteristic in the defense and attack techniques. 

Fire – is characterized by quick, simple strokes and kicks. Until the moment when opponent will be defeated. Like a lightening.

Metal - is characterized by the use of  forearms, strokes  with reverse fist (hammer fist), strong forearm blocks.  Metal techniques are perform like a falling movement (cutting) , which separate and break opponent attacks.  It is similar to techniques which are performed with the use of sword blade or knife.  During applying that techniques hands are lightly bend in the elbow pond.

Ground - is characterized by strong, stable and well grounded positions. Hits are very strong, directed on the vital points of the opponent. Techniques are upward, strength goes from the bottom up.

Wood – most often used techniques in which,  at the same time block and attack are being perform, in short and medium distance.  Arms during performing that technique should easily adjust to hits and blocks at various parts of the body, like wood which can be easily formed.

Water – techniques of that element are being performed by hand or legs at long distance with turns. That’ s why these techniques are difficult to block. Blocks and attacks in these techniques are like ocean waves following.