Shaolin Kung Fu's Five Animals embody a rank-order starting with the lowly Snake and ending with the mighty Dragon. Technique and combat strategies associated with each animal in turn are considered in the following article and reasons advanced for their positions in the Five Animals hierarchy.
The first two Animals are considered Lower, the last two, Upper Animals and the middle-ranking Leopard a 'bridging' Animal linking the first two categories together to give this rank order: Snake, Crane, Leopard, Tiger and Dragon! These add tremendous variety to hand technique in particular via open and claw-hand variations, supplementing traditional fist-forms and facilitate Qin Na (Seize and Control). Footwork and leg techniques matching the nature and 'spirit' of each animal offer similar advantages. Â
 The Snake
How 'low' can you get? Lacking legs, this nifty mover uses internal energies and is therefore a Qi symbol (consider the Body's various Qi Channels and Meridians' 'snake-like' paths). Accuracy and a 'magic' touch (with collapse seconds later) reveal the Snake's association with vital point strikes.
Ground techniques are Snake specialities and footwork with surprising sharp turns, plus sudden long-range lunging techniques--his weakness is lack of aerial ability. Nevertheless, with much to teach he is the subject of many Kung Fu Forms or 'Sets'.
The Crane
Frequently the aforementioned's nemesis. Both are often seen fighting--unfortunately Cranes eat Snakes not vice-versa--one fights for lunch the other not to be lunch! Superbly equipped with wings, claws (thumb and first two fingers extended) and beak, Crane specialities include escape techniques and nigh impenetrable defence.
 Excellent balance enables surprisingly powerful counter-attacks, many at long-range. A Longevity symbol, the Crane is much admired by Martial Artists as a consequence.
The Leopard
Each animal has something to teach--lhe Leopard about power-to-weight ratios, ferocity and treachery (catching your opponent unawares). Tougher than Tigers, Leopards unfortunately lack the size of their striped superior.
Kung Fu's Leopard Fist bending just the first Knuckles, focusses the same kinetic energy as a normal fist into a much smaller striking area, with approximately 2 inches of added reach, often startles opponents!
Elbow and knee attacks, particularly effective at medium range, are also considered Leopard techniques.
The Tiger
Tops the food chain and knows it (preys on everything except Elephants and nothing preys on him)! Unaccustomed to losing fights Tigers' strength and 'heavyweight' status is accompanied by courage and confidence. Kung Fu's Tiger Claw, as much strike as grab, crashes into the target with palm and extended (slightly curved) fingers before these close convulsively and the target is drawn forwards to meet another strike. Power and strength are Tiger keywords.
Tiger techniques take the fight to the opponent (in contrast to, say, Crane counter-attacks) and include leaping and jumping kicks to the upper torso.
The Dragon
Tigers have predictable bravado, whilst the Dragon is usually quiet and polite--until abrupt change occurs and with sudden efficiency threats are eliminated. This calm demeanour and ability to suddenly 'change shape' places the Dragon top in the 5 Animal ranks.
Versatility features high on Dragon agendas--changes of attack levels, multi-level attacks and composite techniques against multiple opponents feature in his repertoire, as do expansive ones like instantaneous transfers from crouch to aerial leap.
Evperienced Shaolin Black-Sash Grades are sometimes addressed (familiarly) as 'Dragon' or, more properly,' Lung.The saying goes: 'Do not despise the humble Snake (beginner) one day he may turn into a mighty Dragon!'
Overall
Ability to fight like five animals, rather than one, allows technique and approaches' selection to fit circumstances. However, the higher, admirable aspects of animal behaviour are embedded in these techniques rather than blind savagery. My favourite? The elegant Crane suits my build (long arms and legs) but I can be a Snake,Tiger and even a Dragon on occasions!
The first two Animals are considered Lower, the last two, Upper Animals and the middle-ranking Leopard a 'bridging' Animal linking the first two categories together to give this rank order: Snake, Crane, Leopard, Tiger and Dragon! These add tremendous variety to hand technique in particular via open and claw-hand variations, supplementing traditional fist-forms and facilitate Qin Na (Seize and Control). Footwork and leg techniques matching the nature and 'spirit' of each animal offer similar advantages. Â
 The Snake
How 'low' can you get? Lacking legs, this nifty mover uses internal energies and is therefore a Qi symbol (consider the Body's various Qi Channels and Meridians' 'snake-like' paths). Accuracy and a 'magic' touch (with collapse seconds later) reveal the Snake's association with vital point strikes.
Ground techniques are Snake specialities and footwork with surprising sharp turns, plus sudden long-range lunging techniques--his weakness is lack of aerial ability. Nevertheless, with much to teach he is the subject of many Kung Fu Forms or 'Sets'.
The Crane
Frequently the aforementioned's nemesis. Both are often seen fighting--unfortunately Cranes eat Snakes not vice-versa--one fights for lunch the other not to be lunch! Superbly equipped with wings, claws (thumb and first two fingers extended) and beak, Crane specialities include escape techniques and nigh impenetrable defence.
 Excellent balance enables surprisingly powerful counter-attacks, many at long-range. A Longevity symbol, the Crane is much admired by Martial Artists as a consequence.
The Leopard
Each animal has something to teach--lhe Leopard about power-to-weight ratios, ferocity and treachery (catching your opponent unawares). Tougher than Tigers, Leopards unfortunately lack the size of their striped superior.
Kung Fu's Leopard Fist bending just the first Knuckles, focusses the same kinetic energy as a normal fist into a much smaller striking area, with approximately 2 inches of added reach, often startles opponents!
Elbow and knee attacks, particularly effective at medium range, are also considered Leopard techniques.
The Tiger
Tops the food chain and knows it (preys on everything except Elephants and nothing preys on him)! Unaccustomed to losing fights Tigers' strength and 'heavyweight' status is accompanied by courage and confidence. Kung Fu's Tiger Claw, as much strike as grab, crashes into the target with palm and extended (slightly curved) fingers before these close convulsively and the target is drawn forwards to meet another strike. Power and strength are Tiger keywords.
Tiger techniques take the fight to the opponent (in contrast to, say, Crane counter-attacks) and include leaping and jumping kicks to the upper torso.
The Dragon
Tigers have predictable bravado, whilst the Dragon is usually quiet and polite--until abrupt change occurs and with sudden efficiency threats are eliminated. This calm demeanour and ability to suddenly 'change shape' places the Dragon top in the 5 Animal ranks.
Versatility features high on Dragon agendas--changes of attack levels, multi-level attacks and composite techniques against multiple opponents feature in his repertoire, as do expansive ones like instantaneous transfers from crouch to aerial leap.
Evperienced Shaolin Black-Sash Grades are sometimes addressed (familiarly) as 'Dragon' or, more properly,' Lung.The saying goes: 'Do not despise the humble Snake (beginner) one day he may turn into a mighty Dragon!'
Overall
Ability to fight like five animals, rather than one, allows technique and approaches' selection to fit circumstances. However, the higher, admirable aspects of animal behaviour are embedded in these techniques rather than blind savagery. My favourite? The elegant Crane suits my build (long arms and legs) but I can be a Snake,Tiger and even a Dragon on occasions!
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