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"If a man dwells in the past, he robs the present. But if a man ignores the past, he may rob the future."
  
       
  THE FIVE ANIMALS OF SHAOLIN    
      DRAGON
 

The imagery of the five animals: Dragon, Tiger Crane, Snake and Leopard represent the five forms of Shaolin Kempo. Each form embodies the mannerisms, strengths, styles and abilities of each animal.

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

   TIGER
    CRANE
    SNAKE
    LEOPARD
     
     
       
 
The Dragon represents fighting spirit & wisdom.From
the Dragon we learn to " ride the wind " meaning the Dragon is especially noted for its flexibility, it uses simple, basic techniques with a challenging strategy of movement complementary to the opponent's motions. The Dragon is a primarily defensive animal and the strategy of the Dragon deals with the yielding to and redirecting of force used against it. The simplest application of Dragon strategy is to move out of the way as executed in the Total Evasion discipline. A War Art application of Dragon strategy would be judicious use of critical distance. That is to position just within the range of your opponent offering an apparent target. As the attack is committed the Dragon enjoins and directs or redirects the force in a different or merely exaggerated direction increasing the intensity, angle speed of the movement.
   
       
 
Tiger represents courage, tenacity and power.The Tiger is an intelligent powerful animal that reacts to any threat with an offensive effort. The strategy of the Tiger is to skillfully apply a superlatively balanced attack consisting of powerful kicks, handstrikes and blocks. The Tiger will move relentlessly down the center attacking the opponents most vulnerable and vital parts and prefers to meet force with greater force. The Tiger might well embrace the Kenpo credo every block a strike, every strike a block..
    
       
 
Crane represents grace, balance and breathing. The Crane is a master of balance and judgment. The Crane, like the Dragon, is a docile animal that uses force only in cause of self defense and applies the a an very defensive modality. The Crane will rise up and open its wings to give an illusion of greater size and then strike with the beak to a vital target as soon as the opponent is within critical distance. The Crane uses its ability to strike long range to compensate for its lack of ability to overpower its opponent. The use of long range kicks, such as the rear kick, rear thrust and front thrust are examples of a Crane strategy. Once its critical distance has been compromised the Crane will respond with a fusillade of strikes with the wings claws and beak. Much like what Kenpo styles do with fists, fingers, elbow, knee and teeth. Once the opponent is disabled, injured or put on the defensive the Crane will reacquire its critical distance. .
    
       
 
Snake represents endurance and accuracy. The Snake, like the Tiger moves down the center and targets the most vital targets in order to accomplish the most damage to the opponent with each strike. The Snake will, however, take hold of its opponent and wrap around him in order to constrict and suffocate the opponent into unconsciousness or death. The Snake is most vulnerable once it crosses into critical distance and must close quickly with its opponent in order to neutralize long-range defensive strikes. Once engaged with the opponent the Snake is fully committed to that struggle and incapable of dealing with multiple attackers.
   
       
 
The Leopard represents speed and agility.The Leopard, like the Snake, is employs an offensive strategy in combat. The Leopard uses its apparently blinding speed coupled with a continuous recombination of complimentary lines and angles to mesmerize its opponent with continuous strikes that seem to come from everywhere. Much like the Kempo missile attack strategy, the Panther never relies on a single strike to necessarily settle the matter. The Leopard is both ambidextrous and highly mobile, moving in and out of critical distance striking at will. The Leopard however, lacking the strength of the Tiger, does not do well once it has been taken to the ground and its mobility and striking skill and speed has been compromised.
   
       

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