少林五形十六法是形意拳的拳法，在五型中突出了鸡马虎等象形动作，动物各有技击搏斗之特长，如：鸡啄，马踢，虎扑，兔蹬，龙翻。从中演化出十六种手法，步法，腿法；变化在形与意的配合中，凶猛刁钻，防身制敌，是自卫和攻击的法宝。

 In the sprit of five animals, the movements of roosters, horses, and tigers are emphasized. Adopting the fighting techniques of the five animals-the peck of the rooster, the kick of the horse, the crouch of the tiger, the jump of the rabbit, and the twist of the dragon, created this style. Sixteen hand-Skills, step-skills and kick-skills were established basing on them .The change of the techniques is hidden in the coordination of the imitation. The movements are forceful, agile, and practical in combat.