Dragon Tiger Gate is a martial arts academy established by two powerful martial artists (one specializing in attacks with the hands, and the other, attacks with the feet and legs) to stand up for righteousness, so that citizens of the city will no longer be bullied by the triad gangs. The school also acts as a haven for children who have have become orphaned as a result of gang activities.
Wong Xiao-Long ("Little Dragon") and Wong Xiao-Hu ("Little Tiger") are the sons of one of the school´s two founders, each from a different mother. Dragon´s mother chose to leave the gate and live with her son. She gives him a jade amulet pendant, which has the character "dragon" written on it, and tells him that Tiger wears a matching half of the pendant, so that they will always know that they are brothers. She also tells Dragon not to be evil when he grows up and to achieve greatness. Dragon goes out to stroll around, thinking about what his mother meant, but then fire starts and Dragon runs towards his house to attempt to save his mother, but Ma Qwun, a triad boss working for Loushu Gate, a rival martial arts gang, prevents him from doing so, and in the process saving him. Ma Qwun then raises Dragon and Dragon becomes his bodyguard..