Dragon

The Dragon symbolizes grace and beauty along with power.  In Chinese mythology, the dragon comes from water, and its movements are fluid and circular.  The Chinese dragon differs from the Western Dragon because it does not stand upright or breathe fire.  It has a long snakelike body with short legs and sharp claws.  The Dragon Style uses its claw to grab and hold while delivering a powerful blow with another part of the body.  The dragon's power comes from a circular movement such as twisting, and the development of internal power call "Chi."  Dragon training develops internal strength as well as smooth fluid movements.

The Dragon represents spiritual strength, which comes with seasoning.  This mental attitude is attained during the individual's later years of training.  It is placed above earthly strength since the individual at this stage has learned to develop humility and self-restraint.

The Dragon uses long, flowing, continuous movements with emphasis on breathing and coordination of mind, body, and spirit; yang or spiritual force in nature.

Tiger

The Tiger represents early strength derived during the early stages of learning.  This is the stage where the individual is more impressed with his own physical ability. 

The Tiger is know for its powerful claws and great external strength and agility.  Tiger training will produce tremendous strength in the bones, joints, and tendons.  The Tiger claw differs from the Dragon's Claw because it will pull, rip or tear at an opponent.  The Dragon's claw will hold an opponent.  The great strength comes from a twisting of the body and using the ground to develop powerful blows and kicks.

The Tiger uses short, snappy, hard movements with emphasis on early strength, dynamic tension, and development of bones, tendons and muscles; yin in nature.

Leopard

The Leopard combines speed and agility to overcome an opponent.  The leopard uses short, quick, powerful strikes.  In defensive posture, the Kenpo Animals leopard moves ever so slightly to deflect an opponent's blow and strikes at the first opening.  The Leopard's footwork will develop great balance and quick reaction time.

The Leopard uses fast, shifty, and crafty movements with emphasis on narrow stances and clinched fists; speed and strength developed.

Snake

The Snake derives its power from coiling then exploding with great speed to strike out at its target.  The Snake style uses its fingertips and palms to strike at the opponent's pressure points.  The strikes must be offensive and defensive at the same time.  The snake generates internal energy and releases it at will.  To do this, a student must fight in a relaxed state.  The more relaxed, the more power can be generated when moving from a ready position to an offensive strike.

The Snake uses flowing, rippling movements with emphasis on fingers and deep, soft breathing to develop temperament and endurance.  Symbolizes death and rebirth.

Crane

The Crane is the most patient of the five animals.  Its ability to stand on one leg for hours and not move is a testament to its concentration and focus.  The Crane defeats opponents

through its ability to hook an attacker's blow, divert it, then strike from either close in or from a distance.  Crane training is excellent for developing the fingers, arms and legs.

The Crane develops control, character, and spirit; and are characterized by gracefulness and sharp pecking movements.