Shaolin Tiger Style

 

 

Pokémon [17]

3 — Raikou EX — Dark Explorers (38/108)
1 — Pikachu EX — Pikachu EX Legendary Collection (XY84)
1 — Mewtwo EX — Next Destinies (98/99)

2 — Victini — V for Victini Tin (BW32)

4 — Tynamo — Noble Victories (38/101)
4 — Eeletrik — Noble Victories (40/101)
2 — Eelektross — Primal Clash (65/160)

Trainers [27]

1 — Master Ball — Plasma Blast (94/101)
2 — Ultra Ball — Dark Explorers (102/108)
3 — Level Ball — Next Destines (89/99)

2 — Steven — Roaring Skies (90/108)
2 — Professor Juniper — Plasma Blast (84/101)
2 — Giovanni's Scheme — BREAKthrough (138/162)
3 — Cheren — Dark Explorers (91/108)
4 — N — Dark Explorers (96/101)

2 — Rough Seas — Primal Clash (137/160)
2 — Shadow Circle — XY (126/146)

4 — Fighting Fury Belt — BREAKpoint (99/122)

Energy [16]

2 — Double Colorless Energy
4 — Dark Energy
10 — Lightning Energy

Epilogue

Welcome to the Lotus Kai Academy of Martial Arts and Shaolin Temple. Today, we begin our training in the art of Shaolin Tiger Style. This is a very fierce style of battle—taking root from the philosophy of the "Thorny Rose". This philosophy dictates—that even a peaceful flower of great beauty and magnetism, should have thorns that bring pain, and drive away those who draw too near. For the thorn defends the rose—and harms only those who would steal the blossom.

And with that, this is where our training begins—with the thorn and the rose—Raikou and Victini.

At the start of our training, we open up with the tiger's roar, and begin with the prayer of {Victory Star}—spoken over the strike of our [Thunder Fang]. Like the bite of the thorn which draws blood from the hand, the fang of the tiger sinks down deep inside—paralyzing its pray and preventing it from making a move. This combination is our lead technique, and so long as our [Thunder Fang] continues to successfully strike down and hit the spot, our opponent won't be going anywhere.

In our next movement, we follow up our training with the tiger's nature. The tiger is not only fierce and graceful—it is swift and exacting. Unlike the house cat, which is known to play childish games with its prey. The tiger is a true predator, which makes its killing blow without hesitation. And so, in the style of the tiger, we must also deliver the killing blow, and take out our prey without any hesitation.

[Volt Bolt] is our primary technique for this, and just like the roots of the rose bush, reaching across the earth both far and wide—so can this technique strike our opponent's down both near and far.

As taught to us by the Grandmaster Giovanni, this technique is best performed in freestyle—which is enraptured here by the presence of Dark energy—whose color represents the Tao element of water. Water symbolizes that which is formless, shapeless, and adaptable—and akin to the nature of water—the freestyle of this technique will enables us to adapt to our environment however we need in the wake of our most powerful attack.

For the tiger can be just as swift to evade—as it can be to strike again. So can we, with our Dark energy always remaining—make a quick retreat—or follow up with a quick attack, stunning our opponent with another strike of the [Thunder Fang] by attaching just a single energy more.

As our training progresses, our perfection of the Tiger Style can be mastered in one of two zones. First is in the midst of Shadow Circle, where our Dark energy will be the Yin to the Yang of our weaknesses, removing them entirely so that we can adapt to even the harshest conditions. Like the tiger and its killer instinct, the tiger fights just as fiercely to survive, no matter what the conditions are that surround it.

For the second, we have Rough Seas, which exists to us as a natural habitat—like a tiger that takes to the water. The sea and the storm exist as the strongest form water can take. So powerful, that it can potentially consume all things despite their nature—both earth and fire—metal or wood.

Its perfection can be found in the philosophy of Master N, who once said that it is only by the beauty of world—that the void of pain can be destroyed in the cycle of Tao. For it is the beauty of the world that makes life worth living—while the void of pain (the very absence of reason, of compassion, or devotion) that detracts from the meaning of life itself. It is a philosophy that all Shaolin hold dear to their heart—from the novice Cheren—to the adept Steven Stone.

And therein can the perfection of Rough Seas be found—in its ability to wash away the damage of our harshest training and our fiercest battles (just like the beauty of the world in all its power).

Here we approach the most pivotal movement of our training, to embrace the art of nurturing care. As the tiger cares for its only cub, so must we learn to care with such instinct and tenderness, veering far from the habits of neglect and cruelty. Our little tiger cub here is symbolized by Pikachu-EX, who is new and vulnerable to the world, just as every cub begins. Great power might stir within, yet this power will surely go wasted if it is not cared for. Naturally, the perfect way to care for our cub is by teaching it strict discipline—for nothing else prevails greater above the world and its challenges. This discipline begins on the path of Shaolin—symbolized by the Shaolin Robe—Fighting Fury Band.

By the discipline of Shaolin, our well-being is boosted to great measures, and our power soars to new heights. The levels of Shaolin are represented here in the belts of Tynamo, Eelektrik, and Eelektross—whose ranks are climbed through the grades of Level Ball, Ultra Ball, and Master Ball.

These belts in question do not represent techniques—but disciplines—and each holds a distinct key to unlock an even greater potential in the power our greatest techniques.

The first of these disciplines is {Dynomotor}—quickly returning our energy to us. This discipline enables our tigers to hunt like a pack and strike together with the force of many. Taking the power of one and making it all.

The second of these disciplines is {Energy Connect}—combining the chi that connects us all. This discipline, from one to the next, can transfer our energy to where it fits best. Taking the power of all and making it one. Be it the power of [Volt Bolt]—[Overspark]—or with a quick switch to Leopard style—the legendary [X Ball] technique.

Like the tigeress in heat who cannot wait her tiger any longer, a quick stray to Leopard style can be all it takes to finish off our prey and get the job done. A principal prominently expressed by Professor Juniper, who reminds us that the thorn does not hesitate to draw blood from the hand which draws near enough to steal the blossom. So must we never allow the hands of fate to draw near enough to us—for such a thing would invalidate the purpose of the thorny rose. So we must always stay true to the nature of the tiger.  Be fierce, yet graceful—be swift and exacting. Never hesitate to protect the blossoms of your life—be it from the hands of another—or the hands of time.