Chapter 2: Ancient Beginnings
Page 14 of 19
Also during the thirteenth century AD, Chiao Yuan, another practitioner of Bodhidharma's fighting system, systemized Kempo techniques, basing them on the movements of five creatures. Although he made a significant contribution to Kempo, since he only taught his system to Buddhist priests, his system did not become widely known. Yuan's system was categorized as follows:
- Dragon: Assume a natural position and coordinate body and spirit. At the proper moment, attack with the swift power of a dragon swooping from the sky.Tiger: Use the power of the arms and hips in a body movement similar to an attacking tiger leaping from the forest.
- Leopard: Leap nimbly, similar to a leopard, and move with its agility.
- Snake: Move with the fluidity of a snake and strike with your fists similar to a snake strike.
- Crane: Assume the calm, stately poise of the crane and attack with grace and smoothness.