Relation of Animals to their Element.
Each animal represents a distinct strategy and style of movement that corresponds to one of the five elements. Once the animals are related to their equivalent element, the controlling and creative order of combat has been fully defined. Nature follows a path: Seasons progress in their turn, the moon follows its phases, and water seeks the lowest point. In self-defense, there is also a path which nature follows. Those is harmony with the path find victory, those who are in opposition with the path find defeat. The primitive Chinese character for "Tao" is a man running along a path. In martial arts, we are following Tao, the path, when without thought or unnecessary action we blend in harmony with the attacks of our opponent. To identify this path, we need to first see the distinctions of yin and yang. The model for detailing the yin and yang process is the study of five element theory. The five animals are the combative metaphoric extension of the five element concept.
Dragon corresponds to the element of fire. Fire is very dangerous yet does not assume a tangible form. Fire grows and spreads only when it is fueled. Fire engulfs and takes the shape of its target. In time, the fire will disappear on its own, leaving only ashes as evidence of its presence. The dragon does not utilize tangible fighting technique, but through timing, sensitivity, and relaxation, allows his opponent to defeat himself through capitalizing on his attacker's committed force. The dragon blends and compliments the technique of his opponent.
Snake corresponds to the element of earth. Earth spans the breadth of the plains to the peaks of a mountain. Earth is a container, holding in its banks the mighty rivers and lakes, and by its geographic presence separates and defines the oceans. The mountains provide the walls that contain nations and define borders. Like earth, the snake contains. The snake contains and traps its prey by wrapping around and squeezing the life force from its victim. Along the earth, the belly of the snake crawls. Often still and motionless, and camouflaged by the dirt and rocks upon which he lays, the snake patiently awaits his victim. The fangs of a viper come to focus like the peaks of a mountain.
Tiger corresponds to the element of metal. The great warriors conquered by steel. The blade of the sword for centuries was respected and feared. In our time, swords are for sport and museum, but metal still reigns as the element of terror: bullets, missiles, tanks, battleships, and fighter jet planes are all examples of contemporary power utilizing the element of metal. The tiger, in Asia, is the king of the jungle. He is at the top of the food chain, the most feared predator, and the most powerful and respected warrior. His claws and teeth tear and cut like a blade made of fine steel. When hungry, he attacks the weaker prey and feeds upon their carcass. His power is explosive, decisive, and penetrating. One swipe of his claw can collapse his prey.
Leopard corresponds to the element of water. Water takes the shape of its container. Water flows around an obstruction. You can not grab hold of water. As you grasp, the water slips through your grip. You can not get rid of water. Drink water and it becomes part of you, but will still exist. Pour the water out, and it will eventually ascend to the clouds to return. Water can be contained and channeled, but not eliminated. The leopard, like a fast moving stream, is agile. In pursuit of his prey, his body will twist and turn, he will accelerate and slow down, and quickly change direction as needed. In combat, he lacks the power and follow through of the tiger, but his formidable speed and combination of attacks overwhelm his prey. Like water, he flows to the crevice, the secret opening, and strikes.
Crane corresponds to the element of wood. A tree reaches for height, stretching into the sky. Unseen, however, are the roots of the tree that dig into the earth, gripping for stability. Both towards the sky, and down into the depths of the earth, a tree extends and reaches. Each branch of a tree is connected to another branch, which ultimately are connecting to the trunk, which is supported by the unseen roots. Pull on a branch, and you are pulling on the roots! However, a tree is wise. If too great of a force is given on a branch, the tree will sacrifice one branch to preserve the whole of the tree. The crane, likewise, would sacrifice a feather to preserve the whole of her wing. Like a tree, the crane reaches for expanse. Her wings fold then unfurl, reaching for the wind which carries her. Upon landing, the crane displays incredible strength and balance. Standing upon one leg, with grace and posture, the crane roots into position. The crane is a symbol in China for longevity. Longevity is achieved through the crane's grace and avoidance of conflict. Like a tree that beautifies by its very presence, a crane graces land and sky with poise and majesty. If forced to fight, a crane is quite capable with her powerful wings and grasping beak.
Dragon (fire), snake (earth), tiger (metal), leopard (water), and crane (wood). With the five animals identified to their corresponding element, we are ready to learn the controlling and creative order of combat. The path before us is not one of fixed technique or isolated maneuvers, but an enlightened journey of harmonizing with the natural cycle of combat.
Relation of Animals to Their Element, © 1999 Trevor Haines
Dragon corresponds to the element of fire. Fire is very dangerous yet does not assume a tangible form. Fire grows and spreads only when it is fueled. Fire engulfs and takes the shape of its target. In time, the fire will disappear on its own, leaving only ashes as evidence of its presence. The dragon does not utilize tangible fighting technique, but through timing, sensitivity, and relaxation, allows his opponent to defeat himself through capitalizing on his attacker's committed force. The dragon blends and compliments the technique of his opponent.
Snake corresponds to the element of earth. Earth spans the breadth of the plains to the peaks of a mountain. Earth is a container, holding in its banks the mighty rivers and lakes, and by its geographic presence separates and defines the oceans. The mountains provide the walls that contain nations and define borders. Like earth, the snake contains. The snake contains and traps its prey by wrapping around and squeezing the life force from its victim. Along the earth, the belly of the snake crawls. Often still and motionless, and camouflaged by the dirt and rocks upon which he lays, the snake patiently awaits his victim. The fangs of a viper come to focus like the peaks of a mountain.
Tiger corresponds to the element of metal. The great warriors conquered by steel. The blade of the sword for centuries was respected and feared. In our time, swords are for sport and museum, but metal still reigns as the element of terror: bullets, missiles, tanks, battleships, and fighter jet planes are all examples of contemporary power utilizing the element of metal. The tiger, in Asia, is the king of the jungle. He is at the top of the food chain, the most feared predator, and the most powerful and respected warrior. His claws and teeth tear and cut like a blade made of fine steel. When hungry, he attacks the weaker prey and feeds upon their carcass. His power is explosive, decisive, and penetrating. One swipe of his claw can collapse his prey.
Leopard corresponds to the element of water. Water takes the shape of its container. Water flows around an obstruction. You can not grab hold of water. As you grasp, the water slips through your grip. You can not get rid of water. Drink water and it becomes part of you, but will still exist. Pour the water out, and it will eventually ascend to the clouds to return. Water can be contained and channeled, but not eliminated. The leopard, like a fast moving stream, is agile. In pursuit of his prey, his body will twist and turn, he will accelerate and slow down, and quickly change direction as needed. In combat, he lacks the power and follow through of the tiger, but his formidable speed and combination of attacks overwhelm his prey. Like water, he flows to the crevice, the secret opening, and strikes.
Crane corresponds to the element of wood. A tree reaches for height, stretching into the sky. Unseen, however, are the roots of the tree that dig into the earth, gripping for stability. Both towards the sky, and down into the depths of the earth, a tree extends and reaches. Each branch of a tree is connected to another branch, which ultimately are connecting to the trunk, which is supported by the unseen roots. Pull on a branch, and you are pulling on the roots! However, a tree is wise. If too great of a force is given on a branch, the tree will sacrifice one branch to preserve the whole of the tree. The crane, likewise, would sacrifice a feather to preserve the whole of her wing. Like a tree, the crane reaches for expanse. Her wings fold then unfurl, reaching for the wind which carries her. Upon landing, the crane displays incredible strength and balance. Standing upon one leg, with grace and posture, the crane roots into position. The crane is a symbol in China for longevity. Longevity is achieved through the crane's grace and avoidance of conflict. Like a tree that beautifies by its very presence, a crane graces land and sky with poise and majesty. If forced to fight, a crane is quite capable with her powerful wings and grasping beak.
Dragon (fire), snake (earth), tiger (metal), leopard (water), and crane (wood). With the five animals identified to their corresponding element, we are ready to learn the controlling and creative order of combat. The path before us is not one of fixed technique or isolated maneuvers, but an enlightened journey of harmonizing with the natural cycle of combat.
Relation of Animals to Their Element, © 1999 Trevor Haines