Lau Gar Kuen is based on the Five
animals. It is derived from a form of boxing that was practiced
at Kuei Ling Temple, situated on Bac Pye Saan in Kong Sai province
From the earliest times Shaolin
kung fu has featured five styles derived from animal movements called
the 'Ng Ying Ga'. This article explains what the five animals are and
what characterizes the kung fu movements based on them Each of the five
animals is said to embody specific characteristics and the styles based
on those animals were developed to have distinguishable but complimentary
movements. The five Shaolin animals are:
 The
dragon style represents the cultivation
of the spirit. Pronounced back arches, side horse stances and twisting
body postures feature strongly in the style. Flexibility and graceful
movements are stressed.
 The
Tiger does not need to defend, it is the
ultimate predator. It has no evasion techniques, no blocking or defence.
In any confrontation it leaps into attack going for the quick and direct
resolution of the conflict. The Tiger uses any simple and direct approach.
It's techniques and methods are easily understood with not a lot of strategic
thinking or planning; and absolutely no preparation. The Tiger is purely
reactive. Either the world is OK or the Tiger will do something immediate
and sudden.
 The
leopard style represents bravery and martial
ferocity. It requires the development of strength and features a strong
waist and lower extremities. The leopard style also requires the development
of power and speed and swift penetrating strikes.
 The
Snake uses very simple, straight and Snake
(s bend) techniques both for the hands and legs. Generally aiming with
a toe or one finger at a specific target that the Snake has identified
for their current opponent. This will then be executed with minimum energy
usage. For the Snake is that of a single, accurate, very high efficiency
strike or kick .It does not use any style of blocking but relies on it's
agile body and quick reflexes being enough to avoid any contact what so
ever. The Snake allows only one contact and that is it's attack.
 The
Crane does not attack only counter attacks.
It would do this from any angle except the front. It would always side
step the attack, possibly using it's wings to mask the movement, change
direction again, possibly to deliver a technique to the attacker. It is
a master of evading supported by blocking and redirection. It would seek
to frustrate it's opponent, helping it to defeat itself.
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