THE TIGER

An old Chinese saying states, "One mountain has no room for two tigers", In China, tigers are considered so fierce that only one can live in peace on a mountain. Since there are no lions in China, tigers are called the king of all land beasts.

The same is true of the tiger form in the Shaolin system. Shaolin monks watched tigers in action. They observed their strength, courage, and power, and decided the animal had an immense value to their kung fu. Thus, tiger movements within gungfu reflect a strong influence of the tiger in action.

The tiger form differs from the other four animals in that its training is designed to produce strong bone .A tiger is a fast animal with a strong attack. His attack is a pressing action, like being run down by an automobile. A tiger's strength is a hard, forceful, external strength.

The tiger animal form not only develops power, but also conditions the necessary tendons and bones to harden and strengthen the spine and neck. To exude hard external power, the neck and back must become tense and strong .The tiger form provides that ability.

Since much of Gungfu power in technique comes from strong stances and powerful waist action, the martial artist must have a well conditioned back. The tiger form develops a strong, sturdy back.

When using the tiger claw specific movements, the whole hand is important, not just just the fingers therefore, it is a key for the student to develop his fingers, palms and legs.

In ancient China Practitioners strengthened their fingers and arms by lifting clay jars filled at different levels with gravel. This is similar to the training of the dragon form. Students were also encouraged to grab and squeeze tree branches to condition and develop strength is their fingers, hands and arms. (Nowadays rubber balls can be used).

The more familiar training method of the Shaolin tiger form is "Taming the Tiger" this is a form of push up which incorporates the tiger claw hand position. It involves a standard push up technique that with time evolves into the ability to move in a circular exercise .