Black Belt Martial Arts Academy: Animals

The five classical animals each correspond to a particular aspect of training and each embodies a strategy.

Tiger:

Strengthens the bones. Relies on frontal assault, aggression, and power. Lots of breaking, ripping, and tearing. The tiger teaches us about strength and tenacity. The tiger is powerful and direct in his approach, committing his entire mind and body into each movement.

Leopard:

Trains for muscle strength. More precise than the tiger. Relies on great muscular strength. The Leopard employs many crushing techniques and a lot of internal strikes with the hands. It gets in close to do it's damage. The leopard teaches us speed and agility as he is fast and angular in his movements. The leopard is able to change his movements suddenly and varies his angle of attack. Lacking the size of the tiger, the leopard makes up the difference by using his speed combined with his force.

White Crane:

Trains flexibility. Prefers to work at a distance from the opponent and at angles off-line from his attacks. Requires great flexibility for its attacking and evasion techniques. The Crane has excellent balance and is very good at disturbing the balance of others. It has strong wings and uses them often and effectively.The crane teaches us grace and balance. The crane is ever aware and evasive. The cranes power is often under estimated, because of his lack of weight. He has excellent stances and he takes advantage of being in the proper position to best his attacker.

Dragon:

Trains spirit. Uses simple, basic techniques with a challenging strategy of movement complementary to the opponent's (when he advances, I retreat; when he retreats, I advance). Prefers zigzagging motions. The Dragon has a lot of floating motion and a lot of swinging around and whipping. The dragon teaches us versatility and the importance of having an indomitable spirit. The dragon uses circular movements, with both arms and legs, in his attacks.

Snake:

Trains chi (Internal Energy). The Snake goes for vital points. The eyes and throat being common targets.The snake teaches us inner strength and flexibility. The snake remains calm and strikes with accuracy.