Kung Fu Five Animal Forms
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Traditional Kung Fu contains a multitude of animal styles. Ancient Shaolin trained in the five styles of tiger, dragon, snake, crane and leopard. There were still other styles representing praying mantis, monkey, elephant, phoenix, eagle and even dog.
The self defence movements of Siu Lum Gar Kung Fu resemble those of various animals, using circular soft movements in addition to straight thrusts and powerful strikes. The style has chosen to incorporate five distinctive animal forms, each emphasising a particular aspect of kung fu.
Dragon Powerful yet flexible the dragon emphasises mobility. Supplementary training includes iron arm training and use of hand weights. Side kicks and back kicks feature in the form. The staff is also taught to complement this form |
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Tiger Emphasising strength, supplementary training in the tiger form includes iron palm training and the use of iron rings. Take downs and chin na techniques feature in the form. The weapon associated with the tiger is the broadsword. |
Monkey In the monkey form agility is emphasised. Groundwork and gymnastics are featured with applications involving sweeps and rolls. The double daggers are taught as a complement to this form. |
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Snake Flow and speed are emphasised in the snake form. Supplementary training includes Iron finger training and wooden dummy techniques. Chi sao (sticking hand) and advanced kicks are featured. Applications target vital points. The spear is associated with the snake. |
Crane The crane emphasises balance with supplementary training using wooden blocks. Applications involving evasiveness and open hand strikes feature in the form. The straight sword is the weapon associated with the crane. |
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