The animals in Kempo/Kenpo

[Gufbal1982]

Originally Posted by kosho

Shaolin Kempo Karate system teaches the twelve branches of Shaolin that were originally taught in the Shaolin Temples of China. These branches include the venerable art of Chin Na (White Tiger); the ultimate form of controlling your opponent by holding, seizing, locking, throwing, felling and delivering pain that can be controlled. No other art can have such control over an attacker. The Immortal Monkey, known for its art of illusion. It cannot be hit. Its movements are lightning quick and it can change direction rapidly. It never exhausts its energy and the monkey is always happy! The art of the Tiger with its character ferocity and strength. The Tiger fears nothing and, thus, is feared by all. The Leopard is another important branch of Shaolin because it is the fastest of all the animals in the system and it is through speed that the Leopard is able to generate tremendous power. The branch of the Crane teaches centeredness, balance and grace within our movement and disposition; these are the markings of a truly great fighter. The Eagle branch of Shaolin is also graceful in its technique, but the Eagle differs from the Crane in that the Eagle is a bird of prey. Once held by an Eagle's powerful grip, its opponent is usually rendered helpless. The Snake branch of Shaolin, including the boa and the python, emphasizes flexibility and precision. The Snake doesn't have the power of the Tiger or the Leopard so it must target specific points of the body to administer it's attack, the result is usually deadly. Another branch of Shaolin relates to insects, wherein are taught the movements of the praying mantis, scorpion, centipede and others. The Dragon, however, is the most indomitable of all the animals in the Shaolin system. The Dragon is the spirit of Shaolin. It cannot be defined. It utilizes the movements and traits of all the animals, continually adapting to meet the needs of any situation. The Dragon's will to survive and overcome is what separates it from all the other animals. Weaponry is yet another branch of Shaolin and, within Shaolin Kempo Karate system, all traditional and modern weapons are studied in both offensive and defensive modes.

Just adding a few others that are in the Shaolin kempo animals. Prof ingargiloa
web site has more info on them and in his videos also.
www.shaolinkempo.com
Kosho

Here's what villari.com says about the animals

It incorporates the movements of five animals: Tiger, Crane, Dragon, Snake, and Leopard. The Shaolin theory of fighting is based on circular movements, speed, conditioning, and developing strong internal energy, tendons, and ligaments. These are essential for producing a superior fighter.


That's it.

[Hand Sword]

There were posters hung up in the dojos saying exactly what Kosho posted, when I was last around. They gave an overview of how the system was comprised.

[Gufbal1982]

Originally Posted by Hand Sword

There were posters hung up in the dojos saying exactly what Kosho posted, when I was last around. They gave an overview of how the system was comprised.

They are still around...i was just quoting the website.

[KenpoDave]

Originally Posted by Blindside

I couldn't remember where I had seen this before until you posted it here, and this may make me sound like an ass, but do you really find this useful? Versus describing a fighter as a grappler, counter-fighter, blitzer, evader, etc.

When fighting/sparring a guy, do you think "he's a crane, better go tiger?"
I understand the analogies but I don't understand why we need them, it seems like an unnecessary cultural trapping that is intentionally placed on the system.

Lamont

Lamont, I find these descriptions useful when analyzing mine or my student's performance when sparring. Not while sparring, but later. The descriptions give us a box to place things in. For example, if Jimmy is having trouble with Johnny, then it can be useful to break it down this way and show Jimmy how perhaps a different strategy may be more effective. And, that strategy may require some work on new/different/rusty skills.

I find it interesting, challenging, and stimulating to constantly try and alter my strategy.

[KempoGuy06]

My instructor will do the same thing. He always tells us that fighting the same way everytime is a disadvantage because people will learn the strenghts and weaknesses through continual sparring.

As for the animals I dont know if I said it before but the animals do play a big part in our sparring. They show us how our own bodys can be suited for a particular style or not and how each style has its advantages. It helps me out a lot.

B

[Gufbal1982]

Has anyone seen the BB Magazine article from Steve DeMasco for this month? he goes into the animals and I think he does a really good description...

[Gufbal1982]

Has Anyone Read This Months Black Belt Magazine? It Talks In Detail About The Animals...