Originating in the Henan Shaolin Temple, the Five Animal martial arts is a Southern-style Chinese fighting technique, which aids in improvement of health and getting into shape as well. This form of martial arts increases fitness and raises strength in a practitioner. The five animals, which in Chinese are named as pinyin or ‘five forms”, are the Tiger, Crane, Snake, Dragon and Leopard.

 

According to Chinese legends, a monk, named Tao Mo, studied and then applied the Shaolin Kung Fu to martial arts. He studied each of the five animals, and incorporated their fighting styles to kung fu then. Each of the animal styles were designed for specific types of bodies, and it allows a practitioner a range of defensive and offensive techniques.

 

To learn and understand the 5 animals of Shaolin Martial Arts, read further and master this form of martial arts.

 

Tiger (Hu Xing)

According to the Shaolin saying, “Tiger strengthens the bones.” Chinese believe that the tiger is the king of all the beasts, and the Shaolin Monks then adopted the tiger’s spirit of courage and strength. The strength of the tiger in powerful strikes. The main technique of the tiger form of martial arts is making a tiger claw, and then targeting the opponent’s face, neck, arms, wrist, and groin. Palm strikes, fists, and kicking techniques are also applied with it. A proper breathing is vital to create the force in this form of kung fu.

 

Dragon (Long Xing)

The Chinese believe that the dragon represents the internal strength. The dragon form is a combination of internal and the external energy of creating strikes. In this form, circular movements are applied to penetrate into sudden explosiveness. A claw is made as a primary technique in the dragon form, and the palm and fists are used to attack as well. The waist is used with a whipping action to produce the power of dragon energy. In this, the lower body has to pull in air in slow breaths. This breathing technique leads to flexibility and strength.

 

Snake (She Xing)

The snake form requires a practitioner to be agile and fast like a snake. This form develops qi for all 5 forms of animals. The energy in this form is more calm, and in it, a practitioner cultivates their energy, while making piercing strikes. The fists are not closed in it, and the open hands are used for penetrating finger and chop strikes.

 

Crane (He Xing)

As the crane is known for its longevity, so is believed by Chinese that this animal has a long life as the large body has an ample amount of jing in it. The crane is a calm and meditative animal, which can stand on one leg for many hours, without shifting weight. This form of animal helps the practitioner to hold their internal energy, and develops the bones. The crane techniques are circular, with soft and relaxed strikes. The extended strikes used mimic that of outstretched wings.

 

Leopard (Bao Xing)

The Leopard is known in China as a fierce and ferocious animal. It is believed to be a strong and proud animal. In this form, a lightning-fast force is used with whip-like techniques. A flexible waist is needed for it to allow them to make quick footwork with strong strikes. The internal strength of a dragon and snake are blended in it to make devastating combinations. Elbows, forearms, and strong footwork are key elements in the leopard form.