Student
What is the purpose and philosophy of having five animals in a self defense system?
Sifu Chris
Each of the Siu Lum five animals represents qualities that are applied in both health development and self defense strategies related to the principles of yin and yang. Two of the animals are Yin (Snake & Crane), two are yang (Tiger & Panther) and one represents the balance of both (Dragon).
For health the Tiger develops bones and muscles. The self defense skills developed are pure aggression, power and strength. This is why it is the primary animal that is developed in the early stages of training.
Panther further develops muscles and flexibility throughout the body. The self defense skills developed are speed, explosive power and strength. It is a great compliment to the tiger development.
Crane develops calm (concentration), grace, flexibility and libido (internal power). The self defense skills are proper timing, accuracy and relaxed power (whipping power).
Snake develops Qi (chi), flexibility, stamina and breath coordination. The self defense skills are speed and explosive power coordinated with breath and softness.
Dragon develops Qi (chi) balanced both internally and externally, it also further develops calm and awareness. The self defense skills are balanced - Hard power when needed and soft power when needed. The Dragon requires complete body unity, it also develops wisdom and spiritual strength.
This is a basic explanation of the idea behind the five animals of Siu Lum (Shaolin).
Student
Are kicks used in the five animals?
Sifu Chris
Yes, but mainly low, below the waist.
Student
Why are only low kicks taught?
Sifu Chris
We teach high and low kicks. High kicks are taught to develop flexibility and so the students can help each other learn how to defend against high kicks. Low kicks are safer and quicker. They can easily be combined with hand skills and the foot can be brought back to the ground quickly for better balance and mobility. Occasionally we use high kicks for closing the door.
Student
What do you mean by closing the door?
Sifu Chris
We use the term "opening the door" in reference to first gaining control of an attacker's center of balance either mentally, physically or both. The term "closing the door" refers to finishing or putting an end to the confrontation.
Student
How do you teach students to open the door?
Sifu Chris
Many ways. Some of the main exercises we use are sensitivity drills that develop proper timing, adhering, distance, control and releasing power. These are defined as bridging methods and are commonly trained from circular two-person drills. When you open a door to a house you can then go in. If you apply this concept to defense you need to knock or find an opening to get in to your opponent's center, then you can gain control.
Student
What is adhering?
Sifu Chris
This is sometimes called sticking. These qualities are found in all of the five animals but especially the crane, snake and dragon. It is a way of listening to the opponent through touch so you can sense your opponent's movement and intent.
Student
Why is it important to control your opponents center?
Sifu Chris
Controlling the center means controlling the opponent. You can do this in many ways. Mentally means the opponent is distracted and can no longer focus their energy properly. Physically means the opponent has lost balance or equilibrium. If you have ever begun to fall back in a chair there is a split second where you feel both physically and mentally out of control, this is controlling the center. Once the center is controlled you can do anything you want or need to end the confrontation.
Student
Why is it important to sense your opponent?
Sifu Chris
Sensing enables you to learn to feel and adapt to the opponent's attacks and movements so you can properly execute your counter attacks and get in to control the opponent.
Student
Do you use any methods similar to Jujitsu or grappling?
Sifu Chris
In most traditional Chinese systems the art of Chin Na (the mother of all Jujitsu development) is used. Each of the five animals have Chin Na methods. Many are similar or identical to the methods used in modern day Jujitsu or grappling, but are also greatly expanded on and include devastating striking methods to vital points including eyes, throat, groin, etc.
Student
Do you teach how to defend against modern day weapons like guns and knifes?
Sifu Chris
The principles that we teach are so versatile that we can adapt them to virtually any situation (guns, knifes, sticks, bats, chains, etc.). After a student has trained long enough they will eventually be able to create their own methods (techniques) that are based on the principles we teach. Ultimately enabling them to adapt and create as needed in the moment.
Student
Is the system you teach difficult to learn?
Sifu Chris
It seems challenging especially in the beginning. I would not considerate it difficult. But I do think it takes time and determination. Our beginning forms are relatively easy to learn but can take years to uncover the layers of details and hidden principles lying within them.
Student
Are there lots of forms required to learn in your system?
Sifu Chris
There are many forms a student can learn but there are 4 main hand forms that have the essence of the system in them. Less is more.
Student
Are students required to learn weapons ?
Sifu Chris
No, but after the first level and part way through the second level we allow the students to choose a beginning weapon form if they are interested. This helps them further develop their coordination and skills in general.
Student
What weapons do you teach?
Sifu Chris
We teach a number of different weapons. The most common are staffs, spears, swords, etc. But there are many others. All weapons are simply an extension of the hands, so hand forms are most important and most applicable in modem times.