Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Praying Mantis Kung Fu – Chinese Martial Arts

Praying Mantis Kung Fu is a Chinese martial arts that is famous for its redirection, joint manipulation, pressure point attacks and trapping tactics (“sticky hands”). Praying Mantis Kung Fu is divided into Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu style and Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu style.

This style of Kung Fu utilizes a technique known as the “Mantis Claw” or “Mantis Hook”. A student’s hands are positioned to resemble mantis claws and are used for trapping, striking, blocking and parrying.

History of Praying Mantis Kung Fu

According to the Praying Mantis Kung Fu Federation, “Three hundred and fifty years ago, Wong Long, the founder of the northern praying mantis style of kung fu, decided after learning the shaolin fighting system that he needed to make improvements… It was Wong’s custom to train and practice his shaolin kung fu skills in a meadow near the temple. One day after practicing with his sword, he sat down to study his books on Buddhism. He was interrupted by a noise nearby on the ground. Two insects were engaged in a duel, a praying mantis attacking a cicada. Within moments the praying mantis had killed the cicada and, holding it in its strong forearms, began eating. Wong was intrigued by the fierce attributes of the praying mantis insect. He was impressed by the way it had moved in and out and used it’s forearms to trap and draw in its prey… He saw in the fierce insect’s predatory ability a way to improve his own combat adeptness”.

Forms used by Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Praying Mantis Kung Fu uses forms such as Baag Yune Tou Toe, Tsaab Tsuui, Baag Yune Tsuud Dung, Mui Faa Kune and Yeen Tsing Doe.

Elements of Kung Fu and Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Demonstration Video of Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu

References

  1. Praying Mantis Kung Fu Federation, History of Praying Mantis Kung Fu, http://www.mantiskungfu.com/history_of_praying_mantis_kung_fu.php, Added – 10/09/14