very briefly. five animal kung fu "imitates" the five animals generally used in many kung fu styles. tiger panther crane snake and dragon. it is effective for self defense given that you are studing under a good teacher. all traditional styles of kung fu are good for self defense, again given there is a good teacher. now with the five animal you are not going to go around growling like a tiger or flapping your arms like a bird. the animals influence the movements. example tiger = fierce hard movements snake quick and crane more flowing and graceful. for future reference dont put your questions out there like that.