VARIETY OF TECHNIQUES IN SHAOLIN FIVE ANIMALS
Manifesting the majestic force of the Dragon
The Shaolin Five-Animal Set provides a great variety of techniques as well as different forms of internal force. The fast techniques of the Leopard, for example, are different from the graceful techniques of the Crane. The expansive force of the Dragon is different from the powerful force of the Tiger.
Grandmaster Wong also reveals the secret of “Grindstone Leopard Punch”, a technique or tactic that is sometimes heard in Southern Shaolin but little understood. A skillful exponent of this “Grindstone Leopard Punch” can apply it to attack an opponent almost irrespective of the opponent's response!
But, of course, there are also effective counters. Basically it comes down to the skills of the combatants rather than their techniques or tactics that usually decide the outcome of combat.
Every Kungfu Pattern is Combat Functional
Chris and Nick continues with the other patterns of their specialized set, “Shaolin Five Animals”. The patterns are “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”, “Black Tiger Steals Heart”, “Hungry Tiger Catches Goat” and “Angry Leopard Charges at Rock”. Many people think that these patterns are only decorative without any combat functions. They are, of course, mistaken. Every kungfu pattern is combat functional.
Grindstone Leopard Punch
Grandmaster Wong reveals yet another Shaolin secret known as “Grindstone Leopard Punch”. Almost irrespective of how an opponent responds, a skillful exponent can use “grindstone leopard punches” to attack him.
Single Tiger against Leopard Punch
Grandmaster Wong also reveals an effective defence against “Grindstone Leopard Punch”. It is our familiar “Single Tiger Emerges from Cave”. But a skillful exponent of grindstone leopard punches can also penetrate through the Single Tiger defence.
Skills More Important than Techniques
This is a further demonstration of the “Grindstone Leopard Punch”. Nick seems to be quite helpless. Is there a counter to this formidable “Grindstone Leopard Punch”? Of course, there are many. But the important aspect is not just the counter-technique. The skills in applying the counter are more important.
Double Tiger Claws against Grindstone Leopard Punch
Grandmaster Wong explains an effective counter against the Grindstone Leopard Punch (not shown in this video). It is the Double Tiger Claws. But he also demonstrates that a skillful exponent of the Grindstone Leopard Punch can also overcome the Double Tiger Claws.
Satisfied Reincarnation Crane
The next pattern is “Satisfied Reincarnation Crane”. Many students who have performed this pattern for many years, may not know how to use the Crane Beak. They mistakenly think it is meant for pecking. It is not. But do you know how it should be used?
Minimum Force against Maximum Strength
Nick demonstrates an application of “Satisfied Reincarnation Crane”. It effectively employs the principle of “minimum force against maximum strength”. Good footwork and body-movement are essential.
Manifesting Force and Combat Applications
The next two patterns are “Crane Stands Amongst Cockerel” and “Dragon's Chi Spread Across Stream”. The Dragon pattern is excellent for manifesting internal force. But it also has useful applications. Grandmaster Wong asks the participants to suggest some of the applications.
Variety of Techniques in Shaolin Five Animals from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.
LINKS
How to Think and Act as a Master
- Returning to the Basics
- Form, Force, Flow and Element of Threat
- Reviewing the Basic Combat Sequences
- Devising Strategies Using Combat Sequences
- Applying Strategies for Effective Combat
- Free Sparring with Prescribed Conditions
- Combat Sequences to Train Spontaneous Attacks and Responses
- Using Strategies and Tactics in Attack and Defence
- It is Heartening to see so Many People Using Kungfu in Free Sparring
- Felling and Gripping Techniques in Shaolin Kungfu
- How Sequence Training and Chi Flow Enhance Combat Efficiency
- The Tiger-Crane Set — Manifesting the Hard and the Soft in Shaolin Kungfu
- The Dragon-Tiger Set — Crystallization of Two Wahnam Traditions
- The Dragon-Form Set — Demonstrating that Softness Can be Very Powerful
- Shaolin Monkey Set — Symbolizing Spiritual Path from Cheekiness to Enlightenment
- Shaolin Five-Animal Set — Gist of Shaolin Forms and Essence
- Shaolin Pakua Set Set — An Exclusive Set Fit for Kings and Generals
- Combat Application pf Pakua — Sharing Secrets for Combat Efficiency
- Beginning to Learn some Monkey Tricks
- Refining Techniques in Combat
- Some Examples of High level Combat
- Collective Effort for Greater Benefits
- Can Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques be Used in Combat?
- Skills are usually More Important than Techniques
- One-Finger Shooting Zen — the Treasure of Shaolin Wahnam
- Raising Levels of Techniques and Tactics in Combat
- Bringing Combat Skills to More Sophisticated Levels
- Monkey Techniques are Flowing and Agile but can be Very Devastating
- Flowing with the Opponent's Momentum
- Beware of the Monkey Tricks
- Marvelous Techniques Beget Marvelous Techniques
- How to Raise your Level of Combat
- How you can Defeat your Opponents
- Employing Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques to Enhance Combat Efficiency
- Systematic Training is Essential for Combat Efficiency
- Raising Combat Efficiency from Basic to Advanced Levels
- Kungfu Philosophy and Swaying Willows
- Hands Pave the Way, Kicks to Clinch Victory
- Six Harmonies of the Double Tiger Claws
- The Amazement and Effectiveness of Monkey Kicks
- A Bag Full of Monkey Tricks
- Gentle and Flowing, yet Very Powerful
- Can your Responses still be Correct and Spontaneous in Real Fights?
- Incorporating Kicks into Combat Sequences
- Elaborate Patterns to Meet Complex Combat Situations
- The Benefits of Understanding and Applying Kungfu Philosophy
- Our Kungfu is a Training of Energy and Mind
- Ensuring Own Safety when Felling Opponents
- The Beauty and Profundity of Shaolin Felling Techniques
- Felling Techniques of the Dragon and the Monkey
- Felling an Opponent Without him Realizing What has Happened
- Pattern Analysis of the Tiger-Crane Set
- Tiger Patterns for Chin-Na, Against Kicks and Countering the Shoot
- Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Tiger Set
- Revealing the Secret Tactic of Leak Hand
- From the Level of Techniques to the Levels of Tactics and Strategies
- Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Form Set
- Effective Techniques for Fighting on the Ground
- Pattern Analysis of the Monkey Set
- Soft Techniques and Internal Force in Monkey Kungfu
- Interesting Monkey Patterns that are Deadly for Combat
- Pattern Analysis of the Pakua Set
- Pattern Analysis of the Five-Animal Set
- Variety of Techniques in Shaolin Five Animals
- Investigating the Combat Applications of Some Patterns
- Similar Patterns but Different Applications
- Effective Counters against Kicks, Grips and Knee Jabs
- Secrets of Skyward Cannon Punch in Continuous Attack
- Cannon Punch Towards Sky and Fierce Tiger Crouching on Ground
- Flowing Monkey Techniques against Powerful Tiger Claws
- Sophisticated Grips and Sophisticated Counters
- Breaking an Opponent's Elbow and Wrist
- Neutralizing Wrist Lock and the Three Harmonies
- Advanced Chin-Na Techniques and Counters
- Two Stories about Kicks
- How to Respond to Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
- Can Beautiful Patterns and Flowing Movements be Effective in Combat?
- Linking Combat Sequences into a Set
- From Pre-Arranged Sparring to Combat Efficiency
- Crystalization of Combat Techniques from Past Masters
- Hei Sai or the Spirit of Energy
- Manifesting the Energy and Spirit of your Form
- Manifesting the Spirit of the Form
- Kungfu Practice is not just Physical Training but also Spiritual Cultivation
- Fluidity of Form, Energy and Spirit
- Shaolin Kungfu is Chi Kung and Meditation
- Revealing the Secrets of Shaolin Masters
- The Profundity of Shaolin Combat Application
- It is Easy to Fight against Boxers
- Avoiding a Boxer's Strong Points and Attacking his Weaknesses
- Some Effective Tactics against Boxers
- The Strategy of Not Allowing an Opponent to Escape
- The Strategy of Letting Trick Manifesting Trick
- The Strategies of Interception and of Striking Form
- Standardized Routines of Kick-Boxing Attacks
- Some Effective Counters to Kick-Boxing Attacks
- Felling a Kick-Boxer when he Kicks
- The Secrets of Two Tigers Subdue Dragon
- Shaolin Counters against Kick-Boxing and Karate
- Some Important Combat Philosophy and Principles
- It is Relatively Easy to Handle Karate Attacks
- Good Spacing When Executing Kicks
- A Variety of Taekwondo Kicks
- Effective Shaolin Counters against Taekwondo Kicks
- Trapping Legs and Subduing Opponents
- Making Expedient Changes to Surprised Attacks
- The Legacy of Sigung Ho Fatt Nam — Planting Willow in Front of Camp
- Having Fun in Throws and their Counters
- Sharing the Secret of Move Stance Change Step
- Some Unorthodox Felling Techniques Not Commonly Seen
- Felling Opponents with your Stances!
- Beware of Monkeys; they are Expert at Plucking Peaches
- Sophisticated Footwork and Leg Techniques of Monkeys and Gorillas
- Wrestling Throws are Found in Shaolin Kungfu Too
- Real Fighting is Different from Martial Sports
- Who Says there is no Ground-Fighting in Shaolin Kungfu
- An Incredible Secret of One-Finger Zen
- Understanding Muay Thai Fighting Strategies and Techniques
- Various Strategies to Counter Muay Thai Fighters
- Responding to Muay Thai Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
- Avoiding Opponent's Strength and Attacking his Weakness
- Effective Ways to Counter Sweeping Kicks
- Effective Counters against Knee and Elbow Strikes
- Crouching Tiger against Grab Neck Elbow Strike
- Shaolin Kungfu for Combat Efficiency, Good Health and Spiritual Development