Northern Shaolin Kung Fu

 
 

The Praying Mantis Style is one of the iconic systems taught at the  Shaolin Temple.  The original Praying Mantis style was created by a Shaolin Monk named Wong Long after witnessing a battle between a Praying Mantis and a Cicada.  Although the mantis was smaller it was able to control and defeat its larger opponent because of its skillful  use of its  forelegs and adroit stepping.   Seeing this battle Wong Long was  enlightened and inspired to incorporate the essence of what he witnessed into his own fighting system. 


Because his  skill was catapulted to a new level with his insight many people began to respect him and his  new art.  In his life time he created one Form and it is this one: the Bang Po Form.  Upon his passing his disciples started a number of branches within the Praying Mantis Kung Fu family.  Today there are several branches of Praying Mantis including Seven Stars Praying Mantis, Tai Chi Preying Mantis, Wah Lum Praying Mantis, Eight Step Praying Mantis, Six Harmonies Praying Mantis, and Southern Praying Mantis.  Although each of the styles has unique characteristics and special strengths all share certain characteristics.


All Praying Mantis practitioners and Styles use a specialized hand position known as the Mantis Claw.  It looks like the Mantis Claw and combined with a sharp bend at the wrist and extended position of the forearms really causes one to look like a Praying Mantis.  This formation is always recognizable as a trade mark of the system and is only used by Praying Mantis practitioners.  This hand position is useful for striking , trapping and grasping and for hooking.  It is quite practical in real self defense.

Seven Stars Praying Mantis - Beng Po form

 

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