PATTERN ANALYSIS OF FIVE-ANIMAL SET
Grandmaster Wong revealing the Secret of Continuous Snakes
The beginning patterns of the Five-Animal Set, like in some other kungfu sets, are meant to develop internal force. These patterns, of course, can also be used for combat.
“Single Planting of Flowers” in the beginning patterns contains a “close secret”, i.e. a secret that is taught behind close doors to selected disciples only. Understandably it is not shown in the video clips here.
But Grandmaster Wong reveals the “Secret of Continuous Snakes”, which is a deadly attacking tactic. It requires much skill to execute this secret. In other words, even if one knows this secret, if he lacks the necessary skill, he still will be unable to apply it effectively.
Patterns to Develop Internal Force
Chris and Nicholas perform the opening patterns of the Five-Animal Set. The patterns are “Single Planting of Flowers”, “Beauty Looks at Mirror”, “Single Dragon Emerges from Sea” and “Upturn Thunder Rolling in Sky”. These patterns are meant to develop internal force. They can, of course, be used for combat too.
Single Planting of Flowers
Nicholas demonstrates an application of “Single Planting of Flowers” as a strike on an opponent's ribs. Grandmaster Wong then shows the same application (not shown here in the video) but of a high level.
Rolling Thunder to Release Grip
“Rolling Thunder” is a useful pattern to release an opponent's grip on your wrist. However, many students forget to cover the opponent's hand after the release, thus giving the opponent the chance to counter-strike. After the release, you could cover the opponent's hand and simultaneously counter-strike him with an upward cannon fist.
Defence-cum-Counter
Nick demonstrates how he would apply “Poisonous Snake Shoots Venom” to counter Chris' punch. Grandmaster Wong shows how one can improve the application of this technique from “first defence then counter” to “defence cum counter”.
Release Grip and Counter Strike
Grandmaster Wong goes further to show that the pattern “Poisonous Snake Shoot Venom” can be used not only to deflect a striking attack, but also to release a grip on the wrist and then counter-strike.
Poisonous Snake Basking in Mist
Sifu Anthony shows another deadly application of the snake pattern. He throws Nick a punch. Nick intercepts and counters with a hanging fist. Following the momentum of Nick's attack, Sifu Anthony deflects it and counter strikes.
Tricking an Opponent to Counter-Strike
Grandmaster Wong elaborates on Sifu Anthony's technique. He throws a horn punch at Nick, purposely leaving out his guard hand to trick Nick to counter-strike. As Nick counter-strikes, Grandmaster Wong brushes away the attack and slices Nick's eyes with “Poisonous Snake Basking in Mist”.
The Secret of Continuous Snakes
Grandmaster Wong reveals the secret of “Continuous Snakes”. He attacks Nick with “Poisonous Snake Shoots Venom”. This could be a real attack or a feint one. As soon as Nick responds, Grandmaster Wong continues with “Poisonous Snake Basking in Mist”.
Pattern Analysis of Five-Animal Set from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.
LINKS
How to Think and Act as a Master
- Returning to the Basics
- Form, Force, Flow and Element of Threat
- Reviewing the Basic Combat Sequences
- Devising Strategies Using Combat Sequences
- Applying Strategies for Effective Combat
- Free Sparring with Prescribed Conditions
- Combat Sequences to Train Spontaneous Attacks and Responses
- Using Strategies and Tactics in Attack and Defence
- It is Heartening to see so Many People Using Kungfu in Free Sparring
- Felling and Gripping Techniques in Shaolin Kungfu
- How Sequence Training and Chi Flow Enhance Combat Efficiency
- The Tiger-Crane Set — Manifesting the Hard and the Soft in Shaolin Kungfu
- The Dragon-Tiger Set — Crystallization of Two Wahnam Traditions
- The Dragon-Form Set — Demonstrating that Softness Can be Very Powerful
- Shaolin Monkey Set — Symbolizing Spiritual Path from Cheekiness to Enlightenment
- Shaolin Five-Animal Set — Gist of Shaolin Forms and Essence
- Shaolin Pakua Set Set — An Exclusive Set Fit for Kings and Generals
- Combat Application pf Pakua — Sharing Secrets for Combat Efficiency
- Beginning to Learn some Monkey Tricks
- Refining Techniques in Combat
- Some Examples of High level Combat
- Collective Effort for Greater Benefits
- Can Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques be Used in Combat?
- Skills are usually More Important than Techniques
- One-Finger Shooting Zen — the Treasure of Shaolin Wahnam
- Raising Levels of Techniques and Tactics in Combat
- Bringing Combat Skills to More Sophisticated Levels
- Monkey Techniques are Flowing and Agile but can be Very Devastating
- Flowing with the Opponent's Momentum
- Beware of the Monkey Tricks
- Marvelous Techniques Beget Marvelous Techniques
- How to Raise your Level of Combat
- How you can Defeat your Opponents
- Employing Sophisticated Kungfu Techniques to Enhance Combat Efficiency
- Systematic Training is Essential for Combat Efficiency
- Raising Combat Efficiency from Basic to Advanced Levels
- Kungfu Philosophy and Swaying Willows
- Hands Pave the Way, Kicks to Clinch Victory
- Six Harmonies of the Double Tiger Claws
- The Amazement and Effectiveness of Monkey Kicks
- A Bag Full of Monkey Tricks
- Gentle and Flowing, yet Very Powerful
- Can your Responses still be Correct and Spontaneous in Real Fights?
- Incorporating Kicks into Combat Sequences
- Elaborate Patterns to Meet Complex Combat Situations
- The Benefits of Understanding and Applying Kungfu Philosophy
- Our Kungfu is a Training of Energy and Mind
- Ensuring Own Safety when Felling Opponents
- The Beauty and Profundity of Shaolin Felling Techniques
- Felling Techniques of the Dragon and the Monkey
- Felling an Opponent Without him Realizing What has Happened
- Pattern Analysis of the Tiger-Crane Set
- Tiger Patterns for Chin-Na, Against Kicks and Countering the Shoot
- Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Tiger Set
- Revealing the Secret Tactic of Leak Hand
- From the Level of Techniques to the Levels of Tactics and Strategies
- Pattern Analysis of the Dragon-Form Set
- Effective Techniques for Fighting on the Ground
- Pattern Analysis of the Monkey Set
- Soft Techniques and Internal Force in Monkey Kungfu
- Interesting Monkey Patterns that are Deadly for Combat
- Pattern Analysis of the Pakua Set
- Pattern Analysis of the Five-Animal Set
- Variety of Techniques in Shaolin Five Animals
- Investigating the Combat Applications of Some Patterns
- Similar Patterns but Different Applications
- Effective Counters against Kicks, Grips and Knee Jabs
- Secrets of Skyward Cannon Punch in Continuous Attack
- Cannon Punch Towards Sky and Fierce Tiger Crouching on Ground
- Flowing Monkey Techniques against Powerful Tiger Claws
- Sophisticated Grips and Sophisticated Counters
- Breaking an Opponent's Elbow and Wrist
- Neutralizing Wrist Lock and the Three Harmonies
- Advanced Chin-Na Techniques and Counters
- Two Stories about Kicks
- How to Respond to Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
- Can Beautiful Patterns and Flowing Movements be Effective in Combat?
- Linking Combat Sequences into a Set
- From Pre-Arranged Sparring to Combat Efficiency
- Crystalization of Combat Techniques from Past Masters
- Hei Sai or the Spirit of Energy
- Manifesting the Energy and Spirit of your Form
- Manifesting the Spirit of the Form
- Kungfu Practice is not just Physical Training but also Spiritual Cultivation
- Fluidity of Form, Energy and Spirit
- Shaolin Kungfu is Chi Kung and Meditation
- Revealing the Secrets of Shaolin Masters
- The Profundity of Shaolin Combat Application
- It is Easy to Fight against Boxers
- Avoiding a Boxer's Strong Points and Attacking his Weaknesses
- Some Effective Tactics against Boxers
- The Strategy of Not Allowing an Opponent to Escape
- The Strategy of Letting Trick Manifesting Trick
- The Strategies of Interception and of Striking Form
- Standardized Routines of Kick-Boxing Attacks
- Some Effective Counters to Kick-Boxing Attacks
- Felling a Kick-Boxer when he Kicks
- The Secrets of Two Tigers Subdue Dragon
- Shaolin Counters against Kick-Boxing and Karate
- Some Important Combat Philosophy and Principles
- It is Relatively Easy to Handle Karate Attacks
- Good Spacing When Executing Kicks
- A Variety of Taekwondo Kicks
- Effective Shaolin Counters against Taekwondo Kicks
- Trapping Legs and Subduing Opponents
- Making Expedient Changes to Surprised Attacks
- The Legacy of Sigung Ho Fatt Nam — Planting Willow in Front of Camp
- Having Fun in Throws and their Counters
- Sharing the Secret of Move Stance Change Step
- Some Unorthodox Felling Techniques Not Commonly Seen
- Felling Opponents with your Stances!
- Beware of Monkeys; they are Expert at Plucking Peaches
- Sophisticated Footwork and Leg Techniques of Monkeys and Gorillas
- Wrestling Throws are Found in Shaolin Kungfu Too
- Real Fighting is Different from Martial Sports
- Who Says there is no Ground-Fighting in Shaolin Kungfu
- An Incredible Secret of One-Finger Zen
- Understanding Muay Thai Fighting Strategies and Techniques
- Various Strategies to Counter Muay Thai Fighters
- Responding to Muay Thai Attacks Spontaneously and Correctly
- Avoiding Opponent's Strength and Attacking his Weakness
- Effective Ways to Counter Sweeping Kicks
- Effective Counters against Knee and Elbow Strikes
- Crouching Tiger against Grab Neck Elbow Strike
- Shaolin Kungfu for Combat Efficiency, Good Health and Spiritual Development