Red Crowned Crane

Red crowned crane is often featured in myths and legends across Japan, China and Korea.

There are martial arts that developed from observing the crane's movements, methods of attack and spirit.

 The most common style is the flapping of wings.

 It is most useful during close-quarter combat.

 Another most recognisable move is the way the cranes peck.

There is another branch off martial art over time such as Shouting or Calling Crane (Crane's honking).

In China, the red-crowned crane is a symbol of longevity and immortality. In art and literature, immortals are often depicted riding on cranes. A mortal who attains immortality is similarly carried off by a crane. The red-crowned crane are known as xian-he (crane of the immortals).

 This photo was taken from a Chinese funeral.

The immortals are carried by the crane acting as messenger to send the immortals to heaven.