Each of the animals embodies certain characteristics that must be explored in self defence.
This constitutes the 'way of' part of the syllabus.

These qualities must be incorporated:

1. Bear
   - gravity, indifference, casual
    
2. Bird
   - open & close, unite upper & lower
    
3. Monkey
   - withdraw, yielding, softness, distraction
    
4. Snake
   - reeling silk, speed striking, wave, penetration
    
5. Tiger
   - advance, wu nien

Merely to train 5 animals in form is to practice the shape but not the essence of the animal.