Discover your animal

In Shuri-Ryu Karate, after the black belt level was obtained, karateka was traditionally awarded animal spirit. This animal spirit is based on the role that karateka shows before and after the promotion. Many different animals are used, but for this article we limit them to the original Shaolin V. These animals include snakes, tigers, cranes, leopards and dragons.

Identifying Karatka's animals is not just a trivial pursuit. The use of animal features is another tool for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of ourselves and others. Constantly assessing yourself and the threats that may exist around us is a key skill for becoming a thorough and effective martial artist.

Master Robert Trias, founder of Shuri-Ryu Karate, identified certain characteristics and abilities associated with these animals.

• The snake has a breathing intensity that is characterized by the snake waiting for its prey. After the snake's fork hits the opponent's eyes and throat, it forms a particularly short and fast style.
• Tigers have bone strength and are characterized by the strength and speed of their tearing movement. Powerful style, using short and powerful power and lunges.
• This crane has mental and muscular strength and is characterized by elegant birds waiting calmly and patiently on a leg for take-off or strike. Soft and smooth style, pattern and imitating bird wings.
• The leopard has internal and external strength, which is characterized by its powerful claws that can penetrate inside and outside the small opening. A very explosive style is formed after the leopard's flat claws.
• The dragon has physical strength and is a powerful and flexible snake that floats on the sea. Powerful floating and sweeping style. 1

However, interesting paper descriptions are that they rarely have enough clues to identify the closest type of karate animal. This is where China's five-element theory becomes useful. Each of these five animals is associated with five elements that the Chinese use to help define the physical and spiritual world. This is why this article is limited to these animals because they are the easiest to identify.

Chinese doctors have long used five-element theory to characterize individuals through one or more of these elements to aid diagnosis and treatment. By using the more intense five-line features of traditional Chinese medicine, we can more accurately identify the animal spirit of karate animals by identifying animals associated with the most prominent elements displayed in the individual's body shape and characteristics.

The following are some of the physical characteristics associated with five elements used to identify individuals' preferred elements:

• Wood - Dark or dark complexion. The body is tall and powerful, and often looks like it has no fat and can be very muscular.
• Fire - red skin tone. The head is usually small and pointed, or may have a pointed chin. Hair is often curly, and men tend to be bald. Hands and feet are often small and elegant. Go fast.
• Metal - pale skin with smooth, transparent skin. Angle, clearly defined features. Wide chest and shoulders. Rich body hair. Tend to walk slowly.
• Water - high forehead and rich in hair. The bone structure is long and strong, and the proportion of the spine is normal. Fluid movement. Flexible, proactive and ambitious. It may also tend to be lazy and "go with the flow."
• Earth - The head is brown or light yellow. It tends to be pear-shaped and carries weight on the hips. Muscular or obese legs. Do not raise your feet when walking.

Do you figure it out yourself? If you are still unsure, consider the following behavior patterns for more clues.

• Wood - creativity, hard work, decisiveness and guidance. Like to control and stay busy.
• Fire - emotion, communication and clarity. Tend to be sociable, caring, and may be very spiritual in the future.
• Metal - Well organized, neat, orderly and meticulous. It tends to be very independent and does not express much emotion.
• Water - flexible, proactive and ambitious. It may also tend to be lazy and "go with the flow."
• Earth - compassion, thoughtfulness and support. It tends to be a "earth mother" type, focusing on caring for others. 2

Don't worry if you are not completely sure. These elements are not mutually exclusive and most people are associated with multiple elements. Even so, try to pick someone who looks the most dominant. Once you have narrowed it down, just match the elements to the animal to determine yours. The five elements and related animals are snake/wood, tiger/fire, crane/metal, leopard/water, dragon/earth. 3

Now that you have identified your possible animals, the real work begins. Do as much as you can to understand this animal and its characteristics. You can start with Master Trias' Then find out what our forbearers have learned from that animal and see what you can learn. We have the advantages of TV and internet. We don't have to hide them in trees, shrubs and caves to observe them.

Remember, these are just five traditional animals. There are many more used in martial arts. Even so, you may be more aware of what type of person you are, and that's the point. It's fun to connect with a very cool animal, but the real benefit is a better understanding of yourself. Now let's apply this analysis to the people around you, and you'll really start using this exercise. Identify your classmates and see if it will affect your crystal clear. Then apply this skill to people on the street. As the grandson said, "Who knows that he and his enemies will never win, who knows himself but does not know his enemies will sometimes win, sometimes lose, but those who know themselves and his enemies will never fail."

1 from

The pinnacle of karate: Okinawa method or Shuri-ryu [1980] Master Robert A. Trias

2 from

Shiatsu complete illustration guide [1998] Elaine Liechti

3 from

Five elements - five ancestors - five animals Shihan Gary Wayne

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Orignal From: Discover your animal