The Third Animal
The Bubishi is based on two main animal styles; White Crane and Black Tiger... however there is also the consideration of a third animal inferred.
It is inferred as the two animals blended, actually compose the essence of the third animal (the Dragon). The Crane and the Tiger are the essence of Yin and Yang, each with a small faction of the other inherent (as depicted in the Yin/Yang symbol).
The Dragon is the essence of the heavens or the complete realization of Yin and Yang. This is really brought to light in the Pangainoon or Uechi Ryu systems. These arts follow the paths of the Crane, Tiger and Dragon... the full 3 animal styles and essences.
The three main or original forms of this style are; Sanchin, Seisan and Sanseiru. All of these forms can be performed with the qualities, essence or attributes of each of the animals. However the three forms are also capable of teaching the animals separately to gain greater depth and detail. Sanchin begins as the Tiger, training in constriction and dynamic power. The Seisan as the Crane with more fluid and faster outward expression of power...and the Sanseiru always taught with both qualities.
These methods really help to propel a practitioners Kyusho to much higher levels as it also serves to decode or decipher the cryptic contents of the ancient Bubishi. Trying to decipher the manual using one animal is folly as it is only a portion of the message conveyed. This is probably why so many can not fully appreciate the possibilities and Keys that unlock the manual into a living work as opposed to merely a historical enigma.
Many posts, articles, videos and discussions her on Kyusho.com have covered this extensively, but not the essence of the Dragon in particular. By blending the both animal styles, we see emerge a different type of action, movement or intent.
Sensei Jim Maloney (10th Dan Uechi Ryu), is seen here performing the Uechi Sanseiru, encompassing the essence of these 3 animals. We can easily see the three animals, with there ever transitioning between the Crane and Tiger as it releases a unique quality. This was filmed at George Mattson's yearly Summer Camp back in 1999.
Kyusho Importance
The importance of these qualities will help the Kyusho practitioner realize greater potential and skill in the use of Kyusho. It blends so many important aspects such as staggered timing, staggered pressures, balancing disruptions, grounding and many hidden keys from the ancient Bubishi.
To achieve these in dynamic motion is of course difficult, yet with the concentrated practice in the qualities, in Kata,it can more easily be achieved.
#Kyusho -ep
