Animal Techniques Part 3

 The Crane represents grace, balance and breathing. The Crane prefers to work at a distance from the opponent and at angle off-line from his attacks. This can involve using long range striking to keep an attacker away, short range strikes like knees and elbows to drive an attacker back, or creating space while grappling in order to set up a reversal or counter attack. Effective use of Crane requires the development of balance.  With a calm and quiet nature, its movements are soft, relaxed and circular. However, they are explosive and can be used in close or at a distance. The Crane has excellent balance and is very good at disturbing the balance of others. The Crane is very aware and evasive. Many underestimate the Crane's power. It doesn't have much body weight, but it utilizes it very well and it positions itself effectively. The Crane has excellent stances, but its understanding of being in the proper position at the proper time is probably its most valuable resource.

Animal Techniques Part 2

Leopard this time:

The Leopard represents speed and agility. The Leopard is more precise than the tiger. Leopard strategy uses speed and angulation to confuse and overwhelm an opponent. Leopard strategy uses rapid fire striking combinations to attack multiple targets from every conceivable angle. The result is an opponent who doesn’t know where to defend and is always open to attack. Training in Leopard strategy involves developing speed and agility.   The Leopard's power is primarily produced from a loose, relaxed, whip-like action generated by speed and balance as well as limber waist and hips movements. The Leopard employs many crushing techniques and a lot of Internal strikes with the hands. It gets in close to do its damage. From The Leopard, we learn speed and agility in our techniques. The Leopard is extremely fast and angular. It is noted for its sudden changes of movement and varied angles of attack.

Eight hands of the Leopard

One of the other black belts at the school (Tom) found this technique.

I like it.  Interested in your opinions.



I like that the opening block is counted in the "eight hands."  That fits with my "blocking is striking, striking is blocking" mantra.