Back to the main tips and ideas page
Animals
by
Matt Woods
Tiger
Tenacious and aggressive, the tiger is a pure fighting spirit in budo (Martial
Arts). It operates with no hesitation whatsoever. At the top of the food
chain, tigers function off of one impulse – Action!
A powerful force to be reckoned with, the tiger moves with a low center of
gravity and uses its body weight throughout each movement. Its focus in martial
arts training is bone strength and power.
This animal form relies on direct frontal assault and emphasizes lots of
breaking, ripping, and tearing techniques. The tigers main applications are the
claw and palm strike.
As ferocious as the tiger may seem, it leads a simple and honest, and honorable
life, leading its emotions on instinct and intuition. But, because there is
always another tiger trying to claim its throne, it lives a life of dominance.
What has been said by ancient Chinese sayings is true. "Two tigers cannot live
on the one mountain. When tigers fight, one will die, and one will be severely
injured!"
Crane
Light and agile, the crane can be underestimated by most predatory animals.
Although it shows graceful, and fluid movements, it is a wielder of spiritual
muscle and strength. It is a true representation of pan-gai-noon (half hard /
half soft).
The crane is known for its ability to grip the ground with its resilient claws
and root itself to the earth, utterly becoming an immovable force.
The crane is calm, preferring harmony and respect, as opposed to confrontation.
It is a sociable animal hesitant to conflict at all times, however, it will
defend itself in any manner it sees fit if necessary.
The crane trains flexibility for optimum performance in evasive technique. The
bird functions best by working at a distance from its opponent. By using its
strong wings to aid in angling off from the adversaries attacks, it is a master
at disturbing the balance of others.
The crane's techniques consist of the chicken wrist strike, cranes beak and
wing strikes (which aid in trapping). It also focuses on front, back, and
crescent kicks.
Dragon
The dragon is an ancient mythological creature. Legend has it that the dragon
is the creation of a storm cloud. Based off of a spiritual aspect of martial
arts, the dragon trains in body strength, and inspires breathing.
Master of knowledge and wisdom, this creature instills adaptation of movement to
change into any animal technique at any movement in martial arts training.
Like the mist of a storm cloud, the dragon strikes in all directions using
simple basic techniques with a challenging strategy of movement that compliments
its opponents. (As the opponent attacks, the dragon retreats; when the opponent
retreats, the dragon attacks) This is also accomplished by floating; zigzagging
motions with whipping and swinging like strikes. In the dragon's great fighting
spirit, palm strikes as well as spinning and wheel kicks are incorporated.
Animals info:
http://oldweb.uwp.edu/academic/hpea/class/karate/animals.html
http://www.shaolin.com.au/animal.html
75 Tosca Drive, Stoughton, MA - telephone: 781-341-1382 - email: stodojo@aol.com