Kung Fu Tiger and Crane Shaolin Fighting Art Self Defence was a fascinating workshop made even more interesting by learning more about a style that has helped to form the basis of the Golden Lion Academy.

As a child, I was always fascinated by animals, their behaviours, and their movements; even now, part of my job involves learning about and identifying their behavioural cues. So naturally, I’ve always found learning about the different kung fu techniques based on animals highly interesting, especially regarding how they have evolved from pure observation to practical application over the centuries. Being presented with the opportunity to learn more about the Shaolin kung fu Tiger and Crane styles, I made sure to sign up and keep the date free.

After the warm up, Sifu Michael Pringle sat us down and briefly explained (with the aid of a whiteboard) about the Tiger and Crane origins, its link to Shaolin and Wong Fei Hung (Hung style kung fu), and how Golden Lion Academy draws its roots from this system. We each received a workbook containing details on each drill, to take notes on and review later; the workbook also included information on the fighting attributes of the 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), to help us understand how the different techniques we learnt related to each element.

Kung Fu Tiger & Crane Applications

The drills we learnt were split into five different categories (“tiger”, “crane”, “coil hands”, “heaven and earth”, and “sweep”), and involved defence and counter-attack against both punches and kicks. Before practicing each drill with a partner, we went through the movements as a group, making it easier for everyone to keep up. For the higher grades, many of these techniques were ones we were familiar with; the most striking difference about performing these movements compared to a regular class, however, was that in all the sequences we performed practicing against a partner, the defender started in a neutral stance (feet shoulder-width apart, hands by your side), as opposed to the fighting stance (one foot forward, one foot back, guard up) we normally begin with. One of the biggest problems I had all day was remembering to start with this neutral stance after practicing starting with a fighting guard for so long. However, as Sifu Michael pointed out, in a street fight, suddenly moving into a guard will give your game away; so in my case, it was a little like taking away a security blanket from a child, but at the same time a nice change to practice with a neutral stance.

The best thing about this seminar was seeing the practical applications of a number of the combinations we’ve performed as part of our floor exercises and forms. From blocking and striking with tiger claw and crane wing and beak (“power”, “evasion”, and “accuracy”), to learning how to “wrap” with the wrist, seize, and “sweep” the opponent off balance, it was great to see how effectively these techniques could be applied in a one-on-one situation. To my delight, even the twisting stance made an appearance in the “heaven and earth” drill, and felt natural enough to use in application, in combination with a lower block followed by heaven and earth strikes. A good deal of emphasis was placed on moving the body – footwork, level and placement of the strike, turning of the chest; essentially, being fluid but strong and accurate in our movements. “The hand that blocks is the hand that strikes” was a familiar phrase repeated to us throughout this seminar, and was certainly made clear through the application of a number of our drills.

Overall, it was a fascinating workshop, made even more interesting by learning more about a style that has helped to form the basis of Golden Lion kung fu. Many thanks to Sifu Michael Pringle and Si Jie Joey Baful for their time in sharing their knowledge with us, and I very much look forward to the next one!

Thanks to Laura Tan, student at our Murrumbeena academy.