SNAKE

Kenpo & The Five Animals

The snake is one of the most popular animals in kung fu other than mantis, dragon and crane. Just look at this magnificent creature. You never know when it will strike or if it will - but it is ready.

This evasive animal that represents chi strikes exterior targets (pressure points) but the venom travels far within (damaged nerves or organs affected by pressure points).

In snake kung fu fighting we use wrapping, twining, intertwining, constricting movements and utilize retreating and fainting movements only to deploy a sneaky counter attack. When in repose the snake looks powerless and relaxed, but ready. Teaching us suppleness and rhythmic endurance, the snake will look you in the eye showing its determination to defend with total confidence.

In Kenpo Kung Fu, through the snake training you learn rhythmic precision techniques and an endurance building form called “Snake Travels Through the Countryside.” Training to accommodate this animal is precise striking through dime sized targets in motion to effectively strike pressure points. You also learn some advanced chin na training called “cavity press” to where you will learn proper striking/pressing methods, targets, and effected organs. Also you will develop speed required to strike these points effectively along with that precision. Coordination drills are a must for accuracy in combinations used and footwork must be present with strong stances and slithering like movement. Snake is taught after crane while you are 1st brown going for your 2nd degree brown (3rd Pai Hong).

NOTE: One should not attempt any of the Five Animal exercises without proper supervision of a trained specialist.

Click on the links below for more information on each of the Five Animals.

Crane | Snake | Tiger | Leopard | Dragon

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