Animal Totems of South Mantis
Gong Sai Juk Lam Ji Southern Mantis School of Martial Art 江西竹林寺南螳螂派 國術社 is not an animal system, at least not like you see in the movies or internet.
In fact the name “praying mantis ” came about well after the monk Saam Daat codified the main forms and exercises. In his time this was just monk fist, or dragon tiger boxing etc…names that gave origin.
Marketing came about in the 19th century.
In my studies, I learned that animals are to be seen as totems; sources from which to draw specific intentions or mental characteristics from. The totems are used to embody the intended energies or spirit of the animal.
The animal totems are not used to mimic the animals movements or appearance in a display of show and we do not necessarily have animal forms. Yet all the forms and training methods use the animals to manifest intent.
Depending on your personal outlook you can isolate the five animals; which are namely: the tiger, the crane, the snake, the dragon, and the monkey. But this common grouping is limiting and not complete. There are many animals to study.
Obviously the eyes of an Eagle, the fluid power of the snake and auspiciousness of the praying mantis, these are main players in the Juk Lam Boxing system; an advanced practitioner may also draw draw energy from the Leopard, the Ox, the chicken etc
All of these animals totems posses a spirit an intent, a personality that can be utilized by man in combat. For example, to be like a chicken is to be a raptor….chickens like to fight.
Let me put a few more moments into outlining how 7 of the major animals should be viewed.
- Tiger : The tiger is strong, fierce and is always ready to pounce without delay. The relaxed, yet aggressive nature of the tiger allows it to move with sudden and explosive energy. A fight between tigers will almost always results in injury– or worse. Bone strength is a characteristic of tiger boxing, as is the seizing and grappling skills. The tiger pull you into attacking range, targeting the vitals like throat. The Tiger is respected and feared.
- Crane: The crane represents wisdom and grace. In nature the crane shows a desire to be left alone and if approached they tend to relocate, making them illusive and difficult to apply pressure on. A crane is aggressive if need be but it is through sophistication rather than brute force that the crane is known for.
- Eagle: Eyes of an eagle bring to mind the sharpness of a bird of prey on the hunt. The eagle is alert and quick to take notice of its target. Through sheer speed, pin-point accuracy and undeniable maneuverability, the eagle attack is swift and well calculated. The eagle utilizes strong seizing skills which translates to attacking of the nerves, muscle and bone holds.
- Monkey: The monkey is agile and can be extremely aggressive– even in play. If not mindful, the monkey mind loses itself in the moment. The monkey is known for a primal energy and in this way a fight with a monkey has no clear rules. The monkey strikes using a loose power and targets all of the soft areas of the body first and foremost. The monkey is an expert in mobility and ground movement making it difficult to predict. The close range attacks are common characteristics of the monkey; as is trickery and/or deception.
- Snake: The Snakes energy taps into some very primordial energy deeply ingrained within man. The danger of a snake is either through striking or coiling power; is it venomous or a constrictor. The snake can maneuver easily as it’s all a single pointed connection of power and the snake is the master of ambush attack moving with incredible speed.
- Dragon: What is a Dragon? I have no idea, ive never encountered one. Some sag the earth is the dragon spirit. the dragon symbology is found in virtually all old civilizations. The ancient symbol of the dragon is mysterious and difficult to comprehend but can be summed up with one word. Stoic and hard to predict. The dragon is seen as cunning, yet proud and with great internal power. The twisting and entwining actions are common characteristics of the dragons fluid and obscure movements, LIKE water. The dragon operates within the shadows and is known for using fighting tactics well beyond orthodox. The spirit of the dragon is indomitable.
- Praying Mantis: The king of the insect world. This most high of totems is the prophet and/or seer. This shines light on the sensitivity of The mantis sticking hands; the mantis boxer feels the attack before it’s happened. The mantis is the totem associated with a steady calculated aggression, the Buddhist hands: likewise with very powerful and explosive strength the mantis uses ambush tactics just as well as stalking to hunt down its prey. This is a clinch and destroy mindset.
However invaluable the animal totems are it is important to note: it is the mind and the body of MAN that makes the good Gung Fu.
a very belated Thank you !
Well written and an enjoyable read as always,wish you the best of luck Sifu Riley.