Five Animal Controlling Order

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There is a natural cycle and rhythm to the process of life. In self-defense, this process can be described by the controlling order of the five animals. The theory, of course, is merely a metaphoric extension of the five element concept. When we are in harmony with our attacker, we will utilize the theory by natural instinct.

Dragon defeats the tiger. A dragon yields with the oncoming force of an opponent and takes advantage of his attacker's committed energy. A tiger provides the explosive power and follow through from which a dragon is empowered. The stronger the tiger, the more effective the dragon technique will be. In a sense, the old cliché "the bigger they are the harder they fall" is a synopsis of the dragon and tiger combative relationship. Another trademark of the dragon's skill is his ability to disappear by moving to obscure positions. As an attacker advances with a lunge, the dragon evades the force, moves to a position of obscurity, and downs the attacker by redirecting the tiger's momentum. A tiger most commonly faced on the street is the "brawler" type who lunges forward with a haymaker punch trying to knock your head off. However, a more sophisticated tiger will attack with powerful thrusting actions while maintaining posture, balance, and alignment. A more skilled tiger requires a more adept dragon to expose his weakness because his momentum of attack is better regulated.

The tiger defeats the crane. The tiger's fierceness and directness of attack overcomes a crane's urge to stay at a distance. Most assaults are text book example of the tiger and crane relationship. The bad guy surprises and attacks his victim. The victim usually does not launch a counter attack but becomes defensive and retreats. The oncoming momentum of the attacking tiger overcomes the victim who has unwittingly adopted a crane mind set. Thus, if you are going to run away in a fight, you had better run quickly. The predator tiger will otherwise feast upon you.

The crane defeats the snake. The crane's primary tools (elbow, knee, and crane hand) are excellent equalizers against the grappling and trapping actions of the snake. The crane either creates or maintains distance. The crane makes use of her wing span and beak to fight well at a distance. In close, the crane creates space by using the folded wing (elbow) or the one legged position (knee). For example, a knee and elbow is a classic defense against any grappling action from the front. Also, the crane beak hand is an excellent tool to counter manipulate the grappling of the snake. For example, if an attacker grabs our wrist our crane hand can wrap around their hold and create intense pain in their attacking arm. If our wrist is seized we can also find freedom simply by pulling our hand against their thumb, which will result in us forming the wing position of the crane.

The snake defeats the leopard. A leopard is quite agile, utilizing speed and diversification of angles. The snake establishes contact and then ties the leopard up, thus limiting the leopard's ability to draw upon his swiftness. As a snake, realize you may get hit on the way in, but be confident in knowing that once contact is established and maintained, your opponent will be buried by your grappling savvy. The snake contains the leopard, like the banks of earth contain the river.

Leopard defeats the strategy of the dragon. Leopard utilizes rapid, snapping strikes which occur in flowing combinations. The dragon, waiting for committed action to fuel his response, is picked apart by the leopard.

Thus all animals have their strengths and their weaknesses. Existing in a cycle of control, each strategy will have its season of victory and defeat. By knowing the controlling order, we can insure that we follow the path of victory. Dragon defeats tiger. Tiger defeats crane. Crane defeats snake. Snake defeats leopard. Leopard defeats dragon.

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