Five animals of Shaolin
Snake - Sare (Qi)
The Snake, unlike the other animals does not have legs or arms and moves in a zig-zagging pattern. It can coil its body and rise straight up. These characteristics of the Snake are used within the style. Snake movements are very fast and sleek, but also soft and gentle. Snake form develops the internal power through its soft and gentle moves and uses this power with every strike. Snake strikes are mostly fingertip attacks, which are used to strike the sensitive/softer areas of the body.
Leopard - Pao (Speed, Strength)
The Leopard combines its speed and power with agile footwork to overcome its opponent. It posses surprising strength for its size, and this combined together with its lightning fast movements and relentless attacks makes the Leopard a formidable opponent. The main weapon is the Leopard fist, although again it is the spirit of the animal the exponent is trying to emulate.
Crane - Hok (Sinew)
The Crane is known for its calmness, patience and stability as well as its swift graceful movements with deceptive strength. The Crane uses both long and short hand techniques. Its movements are circular and always soft and relaxed. The most important aspect to remember is that the exponent of the technique is trying to capture the spirit & essence of the particular animal, rather than just performing a movement that resembles the animals.
Dragon - Lung (Spirit, Qi)
Unlike the western Dragon, the Chinese Dragon is a good-natured mythical creature, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The Chinese Dragon has a long snake like body with short arms and legs with sharp claws. This mythical creature can appear and disappear, change at will. These characteristics of the powerful Dragon can be seen within the style. Although Dragon movements are soft, Dragons striking power is produced by combination of both internal (soft) and external (hard) strengths. The Dragon represents internal training (qi) and the cultivation of spirit (shen).
Tiger - Fu (Bone)
The Tiger known for its strong and powerful movements is there to produce strong bones and develop power. Many of the exercises are designed to strengthen the back, kidneys and spine as well as hands, arms and forearms. Tiger form uses hard-external power. Its movements are very aggressive and brutal with lots of breaking, striking, locking, ripping and tearing. Primary weapon of a Tiger is the Tiger Claw.
