Everything you need to know about training in the Five Family Five Animal system
No prior experience is necessary. Our "Basics & Salute Act" course is designed for complete beginners and covers all fundamental stances, movements, and breathing exercises you need to start your journey in Southern Shaolin Kung Fu.
Always begin with the "Basics & Salute Act" course. This foundational course teaches essential stances, basic movements, breathing exercises (Qigong), and the Salute Act form. These fundamentals are crucial for all subsequent training.
After completing the Basics & Salute Act, follow this sequence: Small Cross, Butterfly, Blackbird, Combination, Palm, Tiger, Dragon, Sname, Crane, Leopard. This progression builds your skills systematically.
You'll need approximately 10 feet by 10 feet of clear space to learn the forms comfortably. Make sure you have enough room to move freely in all directions. To practice the forms correctly you will need more space then that.
All courses are digital video courses hosted on Payhip. After purchase, you receive immediate lifetime access to all course materials. You can watch and practice at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.
No. You can purchase courses individually as you progress through the system. However, we recommend starting with the Basics & Salute Act before moving to other forms.
Once purchased, you have lifetime access to your courses. You can review the material as many times as you need.
Courses are streaming only. You can stream at anytime and to all your devices.
This varies by individual, but most students spend 3-6 months on each form to develop proper technique and understanding. Quality of practice is more important than speed of progression.
Consistent daily practice is ideal, even if just 20-30 minutes. Regular practice is more beneficial than occasional long sessions. Listen to your body and progress at a sustainable pace.
For the hand forms, you only need comfortable clothing and enough space to move.
These courses are designed for self-paced learning. We recommend recording yourself and comparing your movements to the instruction videos. For personalized feedback, contact us about potential seminar or workshop opportunities.
The courses are for adults. They can be practiced by dedicated students of all ages. However, children need adult supervision and permission to ensure proper understanding and safe practice.
This is the Five Family Five Animal Southern Shaolin system as taught by Grandmaster Ark Yuey Wong, who learned directly from masters in China. The lineage is documented and preserved exactly as it was passed down.
The Five Families refer to five southern styles of kung fu - named after each family that originated it. Hung, Choy, Li, Mok, and Fut (Buddhist style - not really a family per say). Each family brought unique techniques and principles that were integrated into this comprehensive system, but we do not really break it down into what move is what family.
The Five Animals are Tiger, Dragon, Snake, Crane, and Leopard. Each animal represents different fighting strategies, energy qualities, and physical attributes that students learn to embody and apply.
Yes. The Five Family Five Animal system contains practical self-defense applications. However, these courses focus on learning the traditional forms and techniques. Practical application requires dedicated practice and understanding.
Contact us at info@spiritdragoninstitute.com with details about the issue. We'll work with you and Payhip support to resolve any access problems.
Please review our complete refund policy on for detailed information about refunds.
No. Course access is for individual use only. Sharing login credentials or course materials violates our terms of service and copyright protections.
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