Shaolin Animal Kung-Fu

[Dim Wit Moc]

Ya know, some Gong fu styles have grappling and breaking tactics. There is even a Chinese wrestling style. And in most Gong Fu systems, for example 7-Star Mantis, there are hardly any mimicks of it. But why relate any of it to animals? For that matter, we could relate any physical activity to a animal. like intercourse-you could say I have humping Chuawaua style.

Did the social science teachers drop the ball completely in teaching culture? In Chinese culture, animals play a huge role in everything, including kung fu. Kung Fu originated in China (unless you want to argue it was brought to China from India by way of Da Mo). My own belief is that it existed in China before Da Mo.

At any rate, the Chinese historically did not teach Kung Fu to non-Chinese. Many only taught styles to family members, or close friends. They couldn't have cared less about what we thought of incorporation of animal movements into their systems. As a matter of fact, they didn't want us to know anything about their systems. The more that remained hidden, the more surprises that could be sprung.

Even today, a true TCMA would say, if you don't want to incorporate animals, then go find something else. If the half fist and Leopard Paw are the same concept, but their is a disdain for animals, then call it a half fist.

Many TCMA have had huge bones to pick with anyone who would teach Kung Fu to outsiders. Remember the Bruce Lee, Wong Jack Man controversy?

Instead of criticizing the incorporation of animals movements, we should examine what people have to say about them and respect other cultures.

If that is unacceptable to some, then there are plenty of martial arts systems that have no use for Eastern Philosophy, animal movements, or other cultural trappings that they find unacceptable.

[47MartialMan]

Did the social science teachers drop the ball completely in teaching culture? In Chinese culture, animals play a huge role in everything, including kung fu. Kung Fu originated in China (unless you want to argue it was brought to China from India by way of Da Mo). My own belief is that it existed in China before Da Mo..

Yes-but not all Kung Fu has an association with animals. Kung Fu, martial arts, was there before DA Mo, however Da Mo did not have any association with Kung Fu (the fighting skill)

At any rate, the Chinese historically did not teach Kung Fu to non-Chinese. Many only taught styles to family members, or close friends. They couldn't have cared less about what we thought of incorporation of animal movements into their systems. As a matter of fact, they didn't want us to know anything about their systems. The more that remained hidden, the more surprises that could be sprung..

I agree. And this is another reason that many movements were hidden in forms and descriptions.

Even today, a true TCMA would say, if you don't want to incorporate animals, then go find something else. If the half fist and Leopard Paw are the same concept, but their is a disdain for animals, then call it a half fist..

Not so much a disdain, but maybe in some cases a animal reference to make it more intriguing?

Many TCMA have had huge bones to pick with anyone who would teach Kung Fu to outsiders. Remember the Bruce Lee, Wong Jack Man controversy?.

True-This is because it was also thought, along with isolation, that outsiders would screw it up.

Instead of criticizing the incorporation of animals movements, we should examine what people have to say about them and respect other cultures..

Anything is subjected to criticism. If we are to respect other cultures, then as you said, TCMA did not want to teach outsiders-therefore we should not desire or go learn it.

If that is unacceptable to some, then there are plenty of martial arts systems to have no use for Eastern Philosophy, animal movements, or other cultural trappings that they find unacceptable.

True, why asscociated animals moves, whereas some effective fighting systens do not and do a good job.