In the realm of traditional martial arts, few practices carry the mystique and allure of the legendary animal styles of Kung Fu. Rooted in ancient Chinese traditions and popularized by the revered Shaolin warrior monks, these unique fighting techniques have fascinated practitioners and enthusiasts for centuries. Influenced by the movements and traits of different animals, the styles feature a wide range of techniques, philosophies, and traditions. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to explore the fascinating world of animal styles of Kung Fu wielded by Shaolin warrior monks, delving into their origins, characteristics, and significance in martial arts history, as well as their enduring presence in folk arts. culture.

THE TIGER

While the lion is considered the undisputed king of the animals, the tiger is often regarded as the king of the jungle. A single, explosive and at the same time smooth looking stroke is usually enough for the tiger to break the neck of its prey, making it look effortlessly.
Essence:
In martial arts, the tiger stands for internal force. Frequently it is mentioned that tiger forms strengthen the bones, i.e. promote the “Gu” Chi (bone energy), which in turn is another synonym for internal force. Tiger techniques make special use of consolidated internal force. The tiger also stands for courage and ferocity as well.
External Form:
As is true for a (large) cat, tiger patterns also have a smooth and soft component. Above all, however, they express concentrated power and superiority. Typical hand forms are the fist and the “tiger claw”. The frequently used “tiger claws” are not meant to merely scratch the opponent, as it is commonly shown in movies. Rather, they are used to pull out the flesh, paralyze energy points, or dislocate joints.

THE DRAGON

Although the dragon is not regarded as a “real” animal in the West, it is firmly established in Chinese philosophy and mythology and is valued as a fortune-teller everywhere. It is found not only in art, as a zodiac sign in astrology, in Feng Shui, in temples and fashion, but also in Chinese martial arts, where it is often regarded as the highest of the animal forms.
Essence:
The dragon symbolizes “Shen,” meaning the spirit and its presence. The training of dragon techniques develops a clear, powerful mind and sharpens the mental focus.
External Form:
Dragon techniques are characterized by swaying, curving, majestic, soft and smooth movements. Frequently, the feet remain in the same place, while Shen-Fa (body movement) is used to evade and immediately counter again. Defense and attack are often united in a single pattern. As hand forms the “dragon palm” is used for striking, the “dragon hand form” and “One Finger Zen” for Dim-Mak and sometimes the “dragon claw”.

THE SNAKE

By its manoeuvrability, its soft and round movements, it resembles the behaviour of harmonic chi. The serpent is often referred to as earth dragon, because of certain similarities and because of the close connection between energy and the spirit.
Essence:
The characteristic feature of the snake in Kung Fu is “Chi“. Snake techniques are therefore particularly suitable for training energy flow, strengthening it and promoting endurance. In addition, Chi is the basic substance for internal force.
External Form:
The movements of snake techniques are, on the one hand, soft and flowing, but also very targeted and direct. The “Snake-Hand” is the hand form most commonly used to thrust or slice.

THE LEOPARD

Leopards stand out as excellent hunters and can take up high speed over a short distance. After they have quietly succumbed, or have lurked on a tree, they rush into their prey explosively.
Essence:
The Leopard is characterized by speed. The explosiveness of the leopard is used when immediate action is required, for example with a fast-paced counter-attack or with combinations of several strikes. Another characteristic is the training of muscular strength, “Li“, a property that has no special significance in Shaolin Wahnam.
External Form:
Leopard techniques are usually very direct and use the “leopard fist”, which should be preferred over the normal fist by people with long fingernails.

THE CRANE

This delicate bird is known to preserve its energy elegantly standing on one leg, then suddenly rising into winds. With his beak, he pecks quickly and precisely.
Essence:
The crane trains “Jing“. Its characteristic features are elegance and essence. Here, essence means that movements are straightforward and reduced to the bare minimum.
External Form:
The most common crane techniques are kicks. However, very direct attacks with the “crane beak”, the typical hand form, against eyes or genitals are its specialties too. Do you know how the beak is used properly? In addition, the “Phoenix-Eye Fist” is used for striking vital points.