Iron Mountain Kung Fu Center

Xing Yong Chi Lu Chuan-8 Animal Kung Fu

 

Xing Yong Chi Lu Chuan is a Shaolin 8 Animal Kung Fu style, descended from the styles taught by the Shaolin monks of China. Kung Fu, which means "achievement through effort," was originally a form of exercise much like yoga. It was developed by a monk named Damo (Bodhidharma in Sanskrit) in order to condition the body, mind and spirit in preparation for enlightenment. Damo's original creation, the eighteen Lo Han movements, was a response to the poor physical condition in which he found the monks. Years later, around AD 520, two monks from the San Song Shaolin Temple expanded the system into 170 movements.

In developing these movements, the monks were inspired by their fellow creatures: the tiger, dragon, leopard, crane, and snake. Xing Yong Chi Lu Chuan utilizes all five of these animal forms, as well as three developed later; the monkey, praying mantis, and eagle.

 For more information about Shaolin Kung Fu click here.

The leopard will let the attack come, ward off the opponent, and redirect its force against it.

The crane would rather fly away from its opponent than fight, but when given no choice, its attack is fierce and precise.

The dragon likes to twist, wind, and coil. No rules apply; an attack will come when you least expect it.

The tiger has the fiercest fighting style of all eight animals. Using low stances, it throws its opponent off balance while keeping its own.

The mantis will wait until the opponent has committed to its attack, then suddenly react with lightning-quick hand and foot strikes, allowing the opponent no time to move.

The snake likes to coil and choke its opponent. Since it is smaller than its attacker, it will strike a vital target with pin point accuracy; it may not get another chance.

The athletic monkey, like the dragon, is master of the unexpected. Clinging like a shadow, it moves close to its opponent, leaving no room for escape.