Shaolin
Animals
Of
the many great styles of Kung Fu to emerge from Shaolin, animal style
is perhaps the most famous. Monks in the temple observed the movements
and characteristics of animals, and incorporated these themes into
techniques. Most famous of Shaolin animals are Dragon, Tiger, Leopard,
Snake and Crane.
These
techniques are not only based on the obvious overt aspects of each
animal, such as the ferocious gripping and tearing of the Tiger Claw
but also on the spirit of each animal. For example the Crane is elegant
and precise, whereas Leopard is fast and agile.
Of
course, Dragon is a mystical being, however its principals take into
account the characteristics of this legendary beast, such as chi cultivation,
twisting, cirular movements, and Dragon Claw.
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