The Tiger King of the Cats
Written by Grandmaster Caprio

    The Tiger is a fighting form with own unique stances and strikes, which is taught later on in the study of Capkido.  Since the tiger is an animal that is often mentioned in martial arts, Grand Master Caprio thought it best to demonstrate why the tiger is so important .  As you read on, try to pick out the qualities of the tiger that are used in martial arts and why.

    One of the stances taught in Capkido, as well as many other martial arts styles, is the "Tiger Stance".   The Tiger Stance is a neutral stance.  When using the Tiger Stance, you are not standing too far forward (as in Deer Stance), too far back (as in Cat Stance), or too close to the ground (as in Hawk Stance).  Balance is distributed with 70% of the weight on the back leg and 30% of the weight on the front.  This allows you to move in any direction quickly or kick without having to adjust your position in any way.

    The tiger is one of the most powerful and feared symbols of the East.  For centuries travelers in Asia have brought back tales of the majesty and ferocity of the tiger, the ultimate predator of the dark steamy jungles of India and Southeast Asia.  It has no natural enemies and can stride its realm in safety.

Tigers are large cats, sometimes measuring up to 13ft in length.  Their bodies are designed for their roles as the ultimate hunters equipped with muscles for leaping and pouncing - claws for tearing and shredding - and powerful jaws and teeth for gripping and killing their prey.

Tiger Cross Word Puzzle