No school can teach you everything you need to know to be an all round fighter no matter how much they claim otherwise. For a full explanation of why this is so read the article What is the correct way to…Įvery martial arts style, whether it is aware of it or not specialises in just one element of combat. Each school will interpret the animals in different ways. Please note that the information below refers only to my teachings and interpretations of the animal styles. There are many different variations of each of the animals taught in different schools so the knowledge that is briefly described here may not be the same as is taught in other kung fu traditions. These are the original 5 of tiger, monkey, leopard, snake and dragon plus the crane, the mantis and the eagle. In the Jade Dragon kung fu tradition that I teach, we study 8 animal kung fu styles. These 5 animals have lived on in kung fu legend and now many other animals styles are practised around the world. These exercises were given to strengthen the bodies of the monks who had been sitting all day in meditation. In the traditional legends of the Shaolin temple it is said that the monks there originally learned exercises from 5 animals – the tiger, monkey, leopard, snake and dragon. Training in the animal kung fu styles brought to the student the qualities of that animal so that you would become more like the animal whose style you were studying.Įach animal would also develop certain physical and personality traits within the student such as patience, aggression, fluidity of movement, awareness of environment, playfulness and so on. They copied their movements and their fighting tactics and created some of the most beautiful and deadly martial arts the world has ever seen. The Chinese of old admired the beauty, power, grace and fluidity of various animals and sought to emulate them. Some of the most famous kung fu styles have been based on the movements of animals. Read on and discover some of the marvels of the animal fighting styles of China.

Stories have been written about them and films, even cartoons made.Īlthough there has never been a Panda style I sense that in you, the reader there lies the spirit of Po the Panda, excitedly poking his nose around the door of the temple to see the marvellous mysteries within. Incredible legends have been woven about the exploits of animal kung fu masters.

The animal kung fu styles of China have long held a fascination for many. Have you ever been inspired to walk through life with the confident power of a tiger or to achieve the tranquil balance of a crane or the playful agility of a monkey? If so you certainly wouldn’t be alone.

Snake style kung fu