Warrior Sciences University ; African Animal energies and power in fighting

The following is Warrior sciences University interpretation of how the energies of African animals correlate to fighting attributes physically, metaphysically and philosophically. In the African warrior sciences, the ancient warriors, like in many other cultures, mimicked or drew inspiration and aspects of combat from the way animals fought. We aim to be a modern representation of the African warrior lineage, so share our perspective on various animals (in no order) and the correlation of their spirit energy is specific methods of fighting.

Lion / Leopard ( predatory cats)

Though the lion has been referenced as king of the jungle, it is indeed not and lions do not even reside in jungles, this is something of a western ideal that was created and placed into the mythos of the lion. This though, does not take away any of the obvious power or the royalty look and demeanor of the lion (hence it being called the king of the jungle). Lions represent strength and power in a regal package. In religious circles, the "Lion of Judah" comes to mind in other interpretations. In combat, they embody the attributes of ferocity and power in combat. The fearlessness to engage and the physical power and emotional content to drive in and subdue, attacking the vitals, not relenting or releasing until the threat succumbs. Beyond the fighting aspect, other attributes of the lion are ;

- Wisdom

- Power

- Royalty

- Dignity

- Justice

- Ferocity

- Dominion

- Authority

Going beyond this, the one thing a lion has always been a symbol of is PRIDE ! If you notice the attributes of the lion, you observe a lot of them have to do with spiritual and attitude characteristics, not necessarily their physical power, though they do have plenty of it. That is probably where their true power lies, as the sprit is much stronger than any physicality that could be posed.

The Leopard is calmness and decorum, with speed and precision in action. To see and spot what's coming, yet maintain composure, then act with such speed and purpose as to overcome what was before you. In the fighting spectrum, the leopard is lighting speed and maneuverability with thin the flurry of attacking movements. Think of the tactics of sticking and moving as well as the blitz. Being able to get inside and back out with incredible speed, movement and precision, going untouched while doing devastating damage. While the lion is explosive, or has the agility to move fast, it is big and heavy and has much more muscle mass and raw power. The leopard is lighter, but all muscle, making it lean, agile, and explosive as well as generally fast. The lion energy can take an opponent down due to power, the leopard wins through accumulated damage by attacking in combination with speed and precision and controlling the distance (stick and move). Outside of Africa, many see the Lion as the dominant member of the cat family, but to many tribes within the African continent it is the leopard whom is respected and cherished for its attributes and ability as a hunter and fighter, and their pets are prized more so that the lions because of this. Many warrior tribes wore the leopards pelt, not the lion.

Silverback the "Great Ape"

The largest primate and highly intelligent (though they may not look it). They can posess an I.Q up to 75-95 bearing in mind, the average human has a I.Q of 100, Silverbacks they are known to be able to go from quiet and docile moods, to intense explosion into action. The silverback energy represents the adrenal response. To go from zero or calm, to 100 or full blast, at a moments notice to do what needs to be done, then be able to go back down to zero and calm. Throughout this process, staying in control of oneself the whole time. Males can be 300 to 450 pounds at 6ft tall. They can bite with 1300 pounds per square inch and can crush the skulls of many other animas with ease. They have been recorded lifting over 1800 pounds with a throwing force of almost 1000 pounds. They have been topped at moving at speeds of up to 20mph when they explode into action. Bear in mind, they are vegetarians. While they do have teeth / fangs per se, they lack claws. They do not hunt for food so they also lack a predatory instinct to hunt and kill like many other animals. Anyone who has witnessed silverbacks in the wild fight each other for group dominance and such, can attest to how fast, powerful and formidable in battle they are without question.

Bull / Taurus

The bull has held a powerful place spiritually in many religions of many cultures, each with their own interpretations of what the bull represents. In Africas Nile Valley and the beginnings of cosmology, the sun in Taurus represented the great Osiris, the “bull of heaven”. The masculine principle and the male principle, literally virility at its maximum degree. As well as labor, strength and unyielding might. The bull tends to represent the epitome of masculinity across the board of the worlds beliefs or concepts as a whole though. Level headedness as well as its most popular and well known trait of stubbornness are mental attributes. The bull too, can be very unpredictable as well as is prone to have bouts of aggressive rage. Being level headed, yet also unpredictably intense gives it a rare duality of polar opposites, fostering a balance. Unmatched strength, power and a dominating presence are the overall attributes of what the bull represents. In the fighting spectrum, the bull charges, crushes and destroys, and this is the same type of fighting energy the bull spirit carries. Moving forward. constant pressure on the opponent, unrelenting. Taking their space and tactics away, because they are forced to cover or cower under the pressure and cannot mount offense. Overwhelming forward pressure and physical force, with the ability to drive through damage received (toughness) in order to inflict damage. With is power and profound meaning and love characteristics but is no wonder many cultures and civilizations have worshipped the bull as well as scarified them for their spiritual energy in ceremonies, with the bull in some circles being seen as a King amongst animals and animal spirit energy.

Crocodile

Crocodiles have the unique energies of both being a land and water animal, which has its own spiritual and metaphysical aspects related to that. They are naturally built to be predators, being able to explode with blinding speed and power in short bursts, and 3000 pounds of crushing pressure in their jaws. The energy of the crocodile is all about the ambush, as they are ambush hunters and fighters. They let the prey or threat get close, then they explode, using their energy / ability to ensnare, bringing the target down to a low center of gravity where they can apply crushing and deadly strength on the ground. Once on the ground, they can also use their patented "death roll" technique. This maneuver can rip and tear limbs and bone of the victims to subdue them, as well as break them down for consumption. The Crocodile is the embodiment of the deadly ground grappler or ground fighter. Taking someone down, regardless of their attributes, size, or ability, to the ground. From there, controlling, crushing and destroying them with all of the tools you have in your arsenal of fighting skills.

Raptor (bird of prey)

The attribute we ascertain from the raptor is one of efficiency of action and effectiveness of application. Birds of prey have keen eyesight in combination with a powerful /sharp beak and talons. They see their target, swoop in with precision, and snapping up their target, they either squeeze the life from it, crushing and piercing it with their talons, or even rip the head clean off of their prey. Other have even been know to drown their prey, or fly to great heights and simply drop it, killing on impact. The largest of raptors can snatch animals much bigger than they are, effectively killing them easily. In the fighting realm, the raptor is speed, accuracy and precision. To get in, making a sound defeat or the threat with no wasted motion and getting back out, taking no damage in the process. In a fighting instance, it would be defeating an opponent using the simplest and most effective movement or motion, ending it before it could turn into a long, drawn out and violent fight.

Snake

The snake is the embodiment of silent power. In circles of religion, the snake has held a powerful place across cultures of the world. They coil, then release their energy in a very explosive manner, in one fine point (accuracy). Some are vipers and use poison, while others are constrictors, wrapping up and crushing their enemy. The snake is both an offensive and defensive animal and energy. The viper energy is one of accuracy. They precision strike and use venom. In fighting this is the equal of striking vitals and weak points (destroying them) as well using locks, breaks and pressure point strikes. Getting in quickly or intercepting, doing maximum damage with little effort, and back out safely. The constrictor is the opposite, as he is a expert grappler. His energy is to to get close and lock, tussle and tangle with the opponent. Taking their space and energy, and squeezing tighter as they do so. This positions them to simply hold (pin) or lock and dislocate bones, as well as crush them. This also provides opportunity to take the air (by squeezing etc.) or even the airway itself, and suffocate or strangulate.