Basically C.A.I.'s teachings come from a family Hong Kong-style. Hong Kong style meaning close range combat and defense which is the environment of Hong Kong's crowded city life. Mainland Kung-fu was forbidden to be practiced in China for many years, when it did emerge again, it was in a more aerobatic, gymnastic, sport-based form named Wushu, the other "traditional" styles adapted this crowd and eye pleasing sport as well.
However, in Hong Kong under a free government and the dangers of a growing international trading city and port, the city had it's own problems, and REAL survival was a necessity.
Many families had styles, but not necessarily conformed to one particular style or way, basically whatever REALLY worked.
Our foundation is a Hong Kong family-style, primarily a very fundemental Five Animal or Wu Xing Quan, focused on the defense applications and Chin-na (Seize and Control) tactics which are well suited in today's world and legal constraints.

Although these (our) styles (ideas) have been passed down from generation to generation, eventually leaving the direct family lineage in the late 1960's in America, some contemporary concepts have blended in over the last several years, such as Jeet Kune Do.
"Use what is useful, eliminate what is not."
Bruce Lee