Wu-Hsing

Wu-Hsing Kung-Fu

The translation of Wu-Hsing, Wu = 5 and Hsing = Actions. Wu-Hsing kung-fu is an ancient classical art, having been constructed from the five kung-fu animal forms - tiger, bear, deer, bird, and monkey.

Throughout centuries kung-fu has been used (or misused) as a method of combat training, but this school's primary principle is the development of the individual rather than the overpowering of someone else.

This school provides a system of health developing exercises, coordinating mind and body in hand and foot skills, which builds both reflexes and timing as well as promoting the structure and function of both the body and internal organs.

Integrating philosophy with the physical exercises Wu-Hsing kung-fu provides material for the study of the more serious developments of mind and character, as well as being an enjoyable sport for you and your family/friends.

With the major emphasis on the movements and actions being placed upon the timing and positioning rather than speed and power, Wu-Hsing can be played by anyone whether big or small, strong or weak, young or old, male or female.

A Relative View

When we look at things in the light of Wu-Hsing, no one action is best or worst. Each seen in its own light stands out in its own way, each seeming to be "better* than what is compared with it, on its own terms. But seen regarding the whole, no one thing stands out as being better.

If you measure differences, what is greater than something else is "great". Therefore, there is nothing that is not great; what is smaller than something is "small" therefore there is nothing that is small. So a star is a grain of rice, and the tip of a hair is as big as a mountain - such is the relative view.

You can break down walls with battering rams, but you cannot stop holes with them, all things have different uses. Fine horses can travel a hundred miles a day, but they can riot catch mice. Like the turtle and the monkey all creatures have gifts of their own, the white homed owl can catch fleas at midnight and distinguish the tip of a hair in the darkest hour, but in the bright day it stares helpless, and cannot even see a mountain.

Lao-Tsu

Wu-Hsing in a Relative View

Wu-Hsing is the science of being able to use different things for different purposes.

Question: Using the philosophy above which of the following is greater than the other?

A vehicle

Family car
Bulldozer
Motorbike

A trade

Electrician
Bricklayer
Carpenter

Answer: This depends on what you use each one for.

Example:

A family car is ideal for shopping but not that good at pulling out large trees, whereas a bulldozer is great at pulling out trees, but you really wouldn't want to take it to the supermarket.
A bricklayer is perfect for laying bricks, but you may not want them wiring up the electricity in your home.

Question: Of the five Wu-Hsing Da's you know, which is greater than the other?