Kung Fu 5 Animal 5 Element 5 Organ Body Conditioning Matrix
The ‘Da Mo’ or Shii Soei Jing set
When Bodhidharma, or Da Mo, the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism, arrived at the Shaolin Temple in Henan in 528 CE, he introduced the Shii Soei Jing into the monks’ training program, achieving considerable improvements in their martial arts and overall health. .
This Training Program improves the physique, makes the 5 major internal organs ‘Qi Batteries’ (enhancing martial activities), cleanses and refreshes the brain and bone marrow, strengthens the immune system and generally conditions the inside of the body. A powerful anti-aging tool, the ‘Da Mo’ set is also used in the quest for enlightenment and longevity.
The Da Mo Set helps develop the internal strength and stamina needed for prolonged Kung Fu training. The Set also significantly improves leg and arm power (substantially increasing the effective range of the latter) and provides many other advantages and martial applications.
Designed according to the principles of ‘Wuxing’ or the 5 Element Theory, the Set supports both the Changquan System and the 5 Animal System (‘Wuxing’ in Chinese means both the 5 Elements and the 5 Animals; different Chinese characters for each term). It is likely that the development of the Shii Soei Jing directly led to that of the 5 Northern Animals in Shaolin Kung Fu. Awareness of the element-animal-organ interrelation is essential to appreciate the functioning of the Set in its entirety.
The correspondences between elements, internal organs and animals are as follows:
Land: corresponds to the spleen (associated with transportation, bile excretion, and anger) and the snake (Consider how the colonic and rectal ducts ‘meander’ to the anus). The venomous snake knocks down enemies with a small bite or ‘tap’ and the snake technique, associated with vital point strikes, can have the same effect.
Metal: corresponds to the lungs. Lightweight in construction, they power the entire body, like metal, displaying a high power-to-weight ratio. The leopard shows similar size-to-strength characteristics. Stronger pound for pound than the much heavier Tiger, it is unfortunately no match, even fully grown, for its striped superior. Leopard techniques are usually medium range, involving knees and elbows, whose sharp nature concentrates more attack power in each blow.
Water: corresponds to the kidneys. These govern (among other things) the hormonal secretions in our bloodstream that must be balanced for optimal health. Corresponding to Water, the elegant Skullsymbolizes balance, poise, endurance and longevity. The crane technique embodies skillful defense and counterattacks.
Wood: The only ‘living’ Element of the 5. We depend on Wood for life itself, eating grains, grasses, vegetables and fruits, etc. or animals that do. The wood corresponds to the Liver that filters and purifies the various food essences into ‘spirit’ or body fuel, which provides energy. The Dragon is the associated Animal here: powerful blocking and pulling techniques, along with agility, dexterity and wisdom are all characteristics of the Dragon.
Fire corresponds to the heart. Those with healthy and strong hearts are often “hot” and brave. The Tiger, top of the food chain, he’s not used to losing fights. Kung Fu Techniques that take the fight to reluctant opponents fall into the Tiger category.
In terms of ‘method’, concentration on the relevant organs in turn, performing appropriate internal exercises at distinct, separate points in a sequence of breathing-cycles, whilst holding and moving between a number of extreme body-positions are all features of the Set’s performance. These allow the various benefits of repeating the ‘Da Mo Set’ to begin to condition and strengthen the body from within.
The Da Mo Set or Shii Soei Jing brings many advantages to the martial artist, especially when performed regularly. The 5 Elements are universal building blocks and inevitably precede the 5 Animals (inhabitants of this universe) while the 5 Organs place the associated principles firmly within the body of the Kung Fu practitioner. The Da Mo Set helps ensure the healthy integration of these key principles into Kung Fu and broader martial arts training.