Tiger=StrengthSnake=FlexibilityCrane=Balance and the last two are?
The traditional Shaolin animals were Tiger, Crane, Snake, Leopard, and Dragon. There are other animal systems used, including a few different Mantis and Monkey styles, as well as Dog boxing and Eagle Claw. Some systems, like Xing Yi, have sub-sets of other animals; I believe there are twelve in that system. According to Doc Fai Wong's Shaolin Five Animals Form, Crane was used for libido, Snake was used for Chi, Dragon was used for spirit, Leopard was used for tendon strength, and Tiger was used for strengthening the muscles and bones.
Theres well over 300 different styles of Kung Fu.
There's way more than 5, there's actually over 300 styles of Kung Fu.
I know there are 5 styles of kung fu Is that what you know? The 5 Animal are sets that are included in various arts. And the ones you mentioned are wrong. Crane is not used for Balance. You got this from some TV program with the crane guy dodging ninja stars while balancing on Mei Hua poles. Those people were showing how little they understand martial arts and the crane guy was representing Tibetan Crane. He must have been bursting from wanting to show the true essence of Tibetan Crane but couldn't because the show dictates what they want to showcase. Either way, don't go by your own understanding because you don't know the real essence of these styles. Go online and research for yourself, from reputable sources. I can point you to some if you're really interested in TRUTH in the martial arts and not BS. Don't say things like I know that... because you don't. Learn about it for real.
dumb the five animals are tiger, crane. leopard, snake, and dragon. Manits and monkey were later. Eagle claw is much earlier. many more animals- bear, boar, dog, toad, rooster, snow leopard, ant, golden eagle, phoenix, tai ( mythical bird), others. There are untold thousands of kung fu styles. Just find a master and go to work. ps- most kung fu styles are not animal styles.
