The Five Animal Shaolin Kung Fu

[Zaine]

I have been looking into taking some animal kung fu. Now Shorin Ryu uses some White Crane cause it is base of Shaolin kung fu. But i want to learn something with strength behind it, what should i do?

[unknownstyle]

ill give ya love Zaine, i think you should do them all. if you want to do it then dont limit yourself with just one

[Kajukenbopr]

you dont need everything. if you try to have everything, you will end up with nothing.

Concentrate on what you've got and be the best at it so you can truly represent your style. Put all your body and soul into your training and nothing can beat you.

[fallen_milkman]

Animal kung fu styles are very specific, and different body types will excel at certain animals better. Take me, for instance. Stocky, large chest and shoulders, and good upper body strength. Tiger and Ape styles would work very well for me. My friend, however, is smaller and more agile. He has great control and quick reflexes. He is more suited for snake or monkey. If you could tell us a bit about your size and shape, we could help a bit more.

[CagedWarrior]

Boxing has strength behind it. The fundamental problem with animal styles is that they base them on other animals... not people. People don't move like a praying mantis or a bird. Things like boxing, however, teach you to maximize the force in each strike.

[unknownstyle]

i disagree, the animal styles are very effective. and the body types doesnt mean you cant excel in another. ive seen my 310 pound instructor be one of the most graceful people ive ever seen doing a crane style form. so it matters on your mind and what you can adapt yourself to do

[fallen_milkman]

I didn't say he couldn't do any styles not related to his body type, I said they are easier to do for certain body types. If he has an animal style in mind then he should do it, but he came here asking for advice. I think, at least starting out, it makes sense to choose one you'll have an easier time with and then go from there.

[unknownstyle]

i agree, thats not what i thought you meant, sorry about that

[Kajukenbopr]

better to try somehting that appeals to Zaine than try to impose something.

it is easier to learn something if you happen to like it

[Why_Worry]

Just do which ever one you think looks appealing.

Here is a website with a breif description on many forms (but almost certain its not all).

http://tkdtutor.com/02Taekwondo/Styles/Chinese.htm