How to Learn the Five Animal Styles of Kung Fu Online

The Five Animal Styles of kung fu are considered the "mother styles" of all martial arts.

The Five Animal styles of kung fu are considered to be the "mother styles" of all Asian martial arts. Developed by the monks at the Shaolin Temple in Northern China, the Five Animal styles are based on the natural movements and fighting techniques of the tiger, the eagle, the crane, the panther and the mythical Chinese dragon. When it comes to learning the Five Animal styles online, you'll find there are a number of excellent resources available.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with good Internet connection
• 6x10 square foot space in front of your computer monitor
• Loose fitting workout clothes

Instructions

1. Clear some space in front of your computer station so that you will have room to move your body. Traditional, Shaolin-style kung fu is a highly physical and mobile martial art; you will need at least 6x10 feet. For more training space, you may wish to connect your computer to your TV so you can train in your TV room.

2. Locate online resources for learning Five Animals kung fu. It's not really possible to gain a comprehensive knowledge of any one animal style by training online; however, by watching online videos you can obtain a decent, functioning skill level in the Five Animals style. It's best to be open to learning forms and techniques from all of the original animal styles of Shaolin kung fu. Youtube is a website where you can find a comprehensive selection of instructional videos on different animal styles of kung fu. Additional resources include: dojoweb.com and kungfutrainingsecrets.com.

3. Watch instructional videos and perform the movements shown as you are instructed. Follow the instructions closely and carefully without eliminating steps or leaving anything out, even if it's difficult. When training by yourself online, you must discipline yourself. That means you must attempt to model your movements to the movements of your online instructors as much as possible.

4. Supplement your training by studying the history and theories of the various animal styles online. Read any written materials that accompany the instructional videos. There is a wealth of information on Shaolin and animal style kung fu available on the web. Reading about the history and theories of the various styles will help you to better understand their origin, which will increase your ability to learn them. Additional sources for reading about Shaolin animal style kung fu include: shaolin.com and talkkungfu.co.uk.

Tips & Warnings

• Studying kung fu online is preferable to not studying it at all. However, it's always optimal to receive instruction in person from a qualified teacher. Consider your online learning to be an introductory primer. Studying the techniques online may help you learn which of the Five Animal styles you like best. Eventually you may choose to pursue a particular style at a martial arts studio.

• Always stretch and warm up prior to any martial arts related activity. Failure to do so can result in injury. Also take care to remove lamps, glass tables or other breakable objects from your training space before you begin.

References

• Shaolin 5 Animal Kung Fu
• Inside Kung Fu: 5 Animals Techniques
• Dojoweb.com
• Kung Fu Training Secrets

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish