There are five very distinct styles of fighting incorporated within the Hawaiian-Shaolin Kempo style of Karate, each one based on a different animal.
These different animals teach the students different way to move his or her body, unlike the traditional style that makes
up our basics. Theses animals show different characteristics as well. Each student learns the five animals and their characteristics.
Tiger
From the Tiger we
learn Strength and Tenacity. Strength can be defined
as the ability to endure great hardship. Tenacity is the driving force within
that refuses to quit until a goal is reached. The Tiger is very powerful and
direct. The Tiger commits its entire mind and body into each move. There is no hesitation in the Tiger's mind.
Leopard
From the Leopard,
we learn Speed, Agility, and Stealth. The Leopard is extremely fast and angular.
It sneaks up on its enemies and uses the element of surprise to
devastate its opponent before there defenses have the opportunity to be deployed. Master
Joe Salomone states, “Real speed comes from being quiet. When you are internally
and externally still, there is nothing to block the focus of your movement and thus that movement will be very fast”.
The Leopard is not as big as the Tiger, but is capable of "providing great effect."
Crane
From the Crane, we learn Grace and Balance -- Fluidity. The
Crane is very aware of its surroundings and evasive. Many
people underestimate the Crane's powerful 6-foot wingspan.
It utilizes its beak for poking and its wings for trapping,
blocking and striking. Almost all of our kicks are based off of the crane stance,
and the crane stance itself is a basic tool of learning for balance.
Snake
From The Snake we learn Inner Chi and ground fighting.
Some Snakes attack with their fangs and bite where others constrict their opponents.
Because of the lack of arms and legs the snake uses its inner chi, while we work on developing our own inner power. We study the snake to improve precise strikes and for grappling.
Dragon
From The Dragon,
we learn Knowledge, Wisdom, and its legendary Fighting
Spirit. It is the Dragons' incredible will to continue
to fight against all odds that are to be emulated. Spinning Dragon tail and circular movements help us study the “Dragon
Style” of fighting. The Dragon can change into any animal at any moment. This is a key part of the secrets of
movement. It is the dragon spirit that we must dig down deep
for to sustain in a fight or any situation where you feel like quitting, in doing so you will likely emerge successful.
