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Leopard (Bao Xing)

In China, the leopard's fierce and ferocious power yields only to that of the tiger. Though the leopard is a smaller animal, it is believed to be, pound for pound, stronger. The leopard relies on a lightning-fast, powerful force that is produced from relaxed, whip-like techniques. It is important for the practitioner to develop a flexible waist, which allows him to develop quick footwork and explosive strikes.

Since the leopard form focuses on quick movements, there is little internal energy training. But the internal strengths of the dragon and snake blended with the speed and force of the leopard make a devastating combination. The main technique used in the leopard form is a leopard fist that penetrates vital areas of the opponent's body, such as the throat, solar plexus and groin. There are also elbow and forearm techniques. The leopard's footwork is quick and short, which helps the practitioner develop strong stable stances.

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Leopard defense. From a ready position (1)
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the attacker opens with a right snap kick (2)
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Early uses a left-arm downward block and right horizontal leopard strike to the throat. He follows with a left vertical leopard strike to the solar plexus (3)
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and a right leopard strike to the groin (4)
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The finishing move is a left thrust kick to the chest (5)
 
3 Stages of Training

Once the five animal practitioner has mastered the pattern within the form, he practices the three stages of training. In the first stage, the practitioner performs the whole form slowly, mimicking tai chi or moving meditation. The slow and soft movements massage the organs and lead to health and longevity. The martial artist also learns the essence of each animal by moving slowly and methodically. Breathing is deep and from the abdomen to improve the circulatory system and build the practitioner's qi.

The second stage of training is practiced with external power. The emphasis is on conditioning the bones, tendons and muscles, while developing speed and power. This type of training helps the practitioner build strong stances while increasing stamina and external strength. The five animal practitioner puts all his skills together in the third stage of training. The emphasis is on the spirit and strengths of each animal-both internal and external energy are intertwined to give each animal life within the form.

The snake and crane forms are performed with relaxation and soft, or internal, energy until explosive power is released at the moment of impact. The tiger and leopard produce devastating, lethal attacks that are performed with quick and powerful, yet relaxed, external energy. The dragon combines both internal and external movements to deliver powerful techniques.

Five animal training not only provides the martial artist with the strength and power for devastating fighting techniques, but also teaches him to remain calm and relaxed in even the most dangerous self-defense situations.

I have truly benefited from the health aspects I received from studying five animal kung-fu. My kung-fu training contributed greatly to my success and longevity in the NFL and even though I am now retired, five animal remains an integral part of my physical and emotional well-being.


(For a better understanding of the shaolin five animal form, read "Shaolin Five Animal Kung Fu" by grandmaster Doc-Fai Wong and Jane Hallander. For more information visit the Plum Blossom International Federation at www.plumblossom.net.)

Quinn Early is a 12-year veteran of the National Football League. Retired since 1999, Early has more than 16 years of martial arts experience and has competed in numerous national and international competitions, winning medals in both combative and forms divisions. Early continues his study and practice of shaolin five animal kung-fu from his teacher, master Nathan Fisher.

 


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