| The Martial Arts, and this includes Shaolin kung fu, | | | | deceptive practices of the snake. Thus, the snake |
| are passed on through unique strategies of | | | | gives way without giving way, allowing the enemy |
| motion. They are, at their source, a mythology | | | | to fall into trickiness and deception. |
| created to represent a unique methodology. They | | | | There is some argument whether the fifth animal |
| are the science of an ancient culture, passed | | | | is a leopard or monkey, and I opt for the |
| down to us by dance. | | | | monkey. Whichever animal you choose as the |
| Thus, to understand the martial arts, we must | | | | best representation of Shaolin Kung Fu, the |
| ask ourselves what martial science were the | | | | attribute of the animal is tricky footwork and the |
| ancients trying to pass along. Science is science, | | | | ability to acrobat and gyrate out of the fight. |
| however, and I think you will find that the real | | | | Thus, the Monkey (leopard) has the ability to |
| reasons for the five animals are quite logical. Also, | | | | extract himself from the fight and reset the |
| you will find that there is a distinct combat | | | | whole thing to whatever animal characteristic he is |
| strategy behind the animals. | | | | strongest at. |
| The tiger is an aggressive animal, and he is | | | | The fifth animal is the dragon, and this is an |
| designed to go forward. Claws and teeth, he | | | | imaginary animal which represents the best of the |
| drags down the runner and rends him fiercely. | | | | previous four animals. The dragon is the |
| Thus, the direction of the Tiger is forward, and he | | | | embodiment of understanding and employing all |
| charges and charges and charges. | | | | animals so that they work together. Run, |
| The Crane is a lighter animal, giving way as he | | | | manipulate, trick or flee, the dragon does them all, |
| manipulates and uses legs. He does not run, but | | | | smoothly and at the right time. |
| rather and deflects the attack to set up his kicks. | | | | The five animals of Shaolin Kung Fu represent |
| He does not charge, but fights on the edge of a | | | | motions in space, and a distinct distance of |
| circle, never letting that circle collapse. | | | | combat. Practice each animal until you have |
| The Snake coils and twists and allows the | | | | mastered the talent, then blend them all together. |
| attacker to get close. The artful deflections of the | | | | This is the fighting strategy of the Five Animals |
| crane become full blown traps and locks under the | | | | of Shaolin Kung Fu. |