螳螂拳 Praying Mantis Kung Fu | 摔角 Shuai Jiao Grappling | 散打 Sanda Mixed Martial Arts
螳螂拳 Praying Mantis Kung Fu
Traditional Chinese Martial Arts
Introduction to Praying Mantis Kung FU
Praying Mantis Kung Fu, also known as Praying Mantis Boxing, is an advanced Northern Chinese fighting system composed of striking, joint-manipulation, and throwing techniques. The system heavily emphasizes mid and close range fighting tactics, however, the system is not confined to close quarter combat. The Mantis Boxing system incorporates aggressive bridging techniques backed by an explosive flux of passive and assertive methods of fighting coupled with deceptive attacks hidden in what appears to be purely retreating or withdrawing techniques.
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The system is often categorized as an “external” or athletic based system, however, in advanced stages of development, Mantis Boxing principles parallel those found in “internal” or leverage based systems. The system relies on Yang/hard/rigid/big/forceful methods to begin and end a wave of relentless attacks, and utilizes Yin/soft/pliable/small/passive methods as the linking transitions to secure the time and space between such rigid techniques.
To be an effective “Mantis Boxer”, a strong foundation of basics is recommended. Beginning Mantis Boxers should have a steady understanding of midline vulnerabilities, how to release power, how the body is divided into “zones”, as well as focus, coordination, timing, speed, and bridging principles. These principles are a universal prerequisite to all fighting systems, and are the main focus of our Sanda foundational training.
History According to Oral Tradition
Wang Lang is the mythological name of the legendary creator of Mantis Boxing. Folklore within the Mantis Boxing family claim that Wang Lang deduced the characteristics of fighting based on the observation of a Mantis capturing a cicada. Wang Lang then called a gathering of 17 fighting experts to share this epiphany. According to legend, the 18 fighting experts concluded their study of combat dynamics with the formulation of 12 fighting principles encapsulated in a set of techniques known as Beng Bu: Demolition Steps. From this core spawned Direct (Rigid/Forceful) and Indirect (Pliable/Yielding) methods, as well as long and short range tactics. This new systematic approach to fighting came to be known as Praying Mantis Boxing.
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Divisions of Mantis Boxing
Mantis Boxing was then proliferated into many divisions including two primary sects: 7 Star and Plum Blossom. Sheng Xiao Dao Ren is said to be the Taoist responsible for promoting the 7 Star emphasis of “apparently direct, inapparently indirect”, while Yu Zhao Dao Ren was the Taoist responsible for Plum Blossom’s emphasis of “apparently indirect, inapparently direct”. The two distinguishing approaches are obvious with the body methods (movement) manifested in those lines.
Other popular systems that sprouted from “Mantis Boxing” are Lie He (Six Harmonies Mantis Boxing), Taji (Supreme Mantis Boxing), and Tong Bei (Through the Back Mantis Boxing).
From the Plum Blossom sect spawned Ba Bu (8 Step Mantis Boxing), Chang Quan (Long Fist Mantis Boxing), Mi Men (Closed Door Mantis Boxing), and Hao Jia (Hao Family Mantis Boxing).
Although each new division of Mantis Boxing emphasizes a unique aspect of fighting, all systems abide by the 12 Keyword formula for fighting.
Call or Text Now for a Complimentary Guest Pass (619) 917-9017
Scholar Update
Many historians are reserved about the link between Shaolin and Mantis Boxing for several reasons. The most obvious reservation is due to the brutal nature of Mantis Boxing techniques such as the “eye plunder” and groin strikes. The irreversible damage that results from these techniques contradicts the karmic principles of Buddhism. Many believe that the story of Mantis Boxing does not take place at Shaolin, but at Laoshan where Sheng Xiao may have resided. Li San Jian is the earliest verifiable figure to have existed, so it remains plausible that Shaolin was infused with Mantis Boxing when Wong Rongsheng taught both the Mantis Boxing system and his knowledge of Shaolin to Fan Xudong.
Conversely, recent developments in the research of Mantis Boxing have unraveled undated manuscripts linking the myth of Wang Lang with a historical Shaolin monk known as Fuju. Although the manuscripts’ verification is limited, many Mantis Boxers support the ideology of Shaolin roots due to the literacy and writing style of such documents which parallel the language used during the Song Dynasty. The manuscripts state that Fuju congregated with 17 Boxers who specialized in unique aspects of fighting in an effort to summarize the strongest points of self-defense. The 17 specialists contributed the following techniques resulting in the mixed martial arts style known as Mantis Boxing:
LongRangeBoxing (Chang Quan)
Through the Back Boxing (Tongbei Quan)
Wrap around and Seal (Chang Feng)
Close Quarter Strikes (Duan Da)
CloseRangeHand Strikes (Kao Shou)
Blocking and Following Through Fist (Keshou Tongquan)
Hook, Scoop, and Plucking Hands (Gou Lou Cai Shou)
Sticking, Grabbing, and Falling (Zhanna Diefa)
ShortRangeBoxing (Duan Quan)
Monkey Boxing (Hou Quan)
Cotton Fist (Mien Quan)
Throwing-Grabbing and Hard Crashing (Shuailue Yingbeng)
Ducking, Leaking and Passing through the Ears (Gunlou Guaner)
Mandarin ducks (Yuanyang Jiao)
Seven Postures of Continuous Fist Strikes (Qishi Lianquan)
Hand Binding and Grabbing (Kunlu Zhenru)
Explosive Strikes into the Hollow Parts of the Body (Woli Paochui)
Whether the system originated in Laoshan or Shaolin is yet to be verified. Although the system may have been conceived within temple walls, it should be noted that the systems parental titles may belong to the 18 contributors to the system and not to the practice of Buddhism nor Taoism. The system was first and foremost, a mixed martial art. The system continues to evolve to this day and contains obvious influences from both Buddhist and Taoist ideology. Although the system now contains a broader spectrum of conceptual formulas, this series of articles is dedicated to the fundamental core of Mantis Boxing; the 12 keyword principles.
Call or Text Now for a Complimentary Guest Pass (619) 917-9017
The 12 Keyword Formula
The 12 Keyword Formula, like Mantis Boxing itself, has been found to include variations and further principles as determined by lineage or division. The Formula presented reflects those disseminated from the Chin Wu Association by the teachings of Mantis Boxer Luo Guang Yu.
The following is a literal translation of the 12 Keywords:
1. Gou: to cancel/to delineate/hook/
2. Lou: Grab to gather/to collect
3. Cai: to pick(flowers/fruit)/to pluck/to take/
4. Gua: Hang/ Suspend
5. Diao: artful/wicked
6. Jin: advance/enter/to come in/
7. Beng: collapse/fall into ruins/
8. Da: to hit/to strike/to attack/
9. Zhan: to stick/paste
10. Nian: cling/sticky
11. Tie: to keep close to/to fit snugly
12. Kao: lean on/near/by/against
The following is a technical translation:
Gou: Passive-Aggressive Hooking Grab
Lou: Assertive/Controlling Grab
Zhai: Pluck the opponent to induce postural disfunction
Gua: Hand/suspend the arm to utilize the entire extremity (whole arm) for offensive or defensive purposes.
Diao: Indirectly intercept the opponent’s oncoming force.
Jin: Move forward through the opponent
Beng: Attack directly with forceful methods.
Da: If not utilizing joint manipulation or throwing techniques, continue to hit.
Zhan: “Paste” your extremity onto the opponent by establishing contact.
Nian: Sticking to the opponents extremity
Tie: Following and maintaining close torso distance as if stuck to the opponent.
Kao: Lean on and manipulate a joint, or lean/bump to displace the opponent’s weight.
Call or Text Now for a Complimentary Guest Pass (619) 917-9017
Need more information? You can reach us anytime by calling (619) 917 – 9017.
SAN DIEGO FIGHTING ARTS ACADEMY 拳概念
螳螂拳 Praying Mantis Kung Fu | 摔角 Shuai Jiao Grappling | 散打 Sanda Mixed Martial Arts
螳螂拳 Praying Mantis Kung Fu
Traditional Chinese Martial Arts
Introduction to Praying Mantis Kung FU
Praying Mantis Kung Fu, also known as Praying Mantis Boxing, is an advanced Northern Chinese fighting system composed of striking, joint-manipulation, and throwing techniques. The system heavily emphasizes mid and close range fighting tactics, however, the system is not confined to close quarter combat. The Mantis Boxing system incorporates aggressive bridging techniques backed by an explosive flux of passive and assertive methods of fighting coupled with deceptive attacks hidden in what appears to be purely retreating or withdrawing techniques.
Call or Text Now for a Complimentary Guest Pass (619) 917-9017
The system is often categorized as an “external” or athletic based system, however, in advanced stages of development, Mantis Boxing principles parallel those found in “internal” or leverage based systems. The system relies on Yang/hard/rigid/big/forceful methods to begin and end a wave of relentless attacks, and utilizes Yin/soft/pliable/small/passive methods as the linking transitions to secure the time and space between such rigid techniques.
To be an effective “Mantis Boxer”, a strong foundation of basics is recommended. Beginning Mantis Boxers should have a steady understanding of midline vulnerabilities, how to release power, how the body is divided into “zones”, as well as focus, coordination, timing, speed, and bridging principles. These principles are a universal prerequisite to all fighting systems, and are the main focus of our Sanda foundational training.
History According to Oral Tradition
Wang Lang is the mythological name of the legendary creator of Mantis Boxing. Folklore within the Mantis Boxing family claim that Wang Lang deduced the characteristics of fighting based on the observation of a Mantis capturing a cicada. Wang Lang then called a gathering of 17 fighting experts to share this epiphany. According to legend, the 18 fighting experts concluded their study of combat dynamics with the formulation of 12 fighting principles encapsulated in a set of techniques known as Beng Bu: Demolition Steps. From this core spawned Direct (Rigid/Forceful) and Indirect (Pliable/Yielding) methods, as well as long and short range tactics. This new systematic approach to fighting came to be known as Praying Mantis Boxing.
Call or Text Now for a Complimentary Guest Pass (619) 917-9017
Divisions of Mantis Boxing
Mantis Boxing was then proliferated into many divisions including two primary sects: 7 Star and Plum Blossom. Sheng Xiao Dao Ren is said to be the Taoist responsible for promoting the 7 Star emphasis of “apparently direct, inapparently indirect”, while Yu Zhao Dao Ren was the Taoist responsible for Plum Blossom’s emphasis of “apparently indirect, inapparently direct”. The two distinguishing approaches are obvious with the body methods (movement) manifested in those lines.
Other popular systems that sprouted from “Mantis Boxing” are Lie He (Six Harmonies Mantis Boxing), Taji (Supreme Mantis Boxing), and Tong Bei (Through the Back Mantis Boxing).
From the Plum Blossom sect spawned Ba Bu (8 Step Mantis Boxing), Chang Quan (Long Fist Mantis Boxing), Mi Men (Closed Door Mantis Boxing), and Hao Jia (Hao Family Mantis Boxing).
Although each new division of Mantis Boxing emphasizes a unique aspect of fighting, all systems abide by the 12 Keyword formula for fighting.
Call or Text Now for a Complimentary Guest Pass (619) 917-9017
Scholar Update
Many historians are reserved about the link between Shaolin and Mantis Boxing for several reasons. The most obvious reservation is due to the brutal nature of Mantis Boxing techniques such as the “eye plunder” and groin strikes. The irreversible damage that results from these techniques contradicts the karmic principles of Buddhism. Many believe that the story of Mantis Boxing does not take place at Shaolin, but at Laoshan where Sheng Xiao may have resided. Li San Jian is the earliest verifiable figure to have existed, so it remains plausible that Shaolin was infused with Mantis Boxing when Wong Rongsheng taught both the Mantis Boxing system and his knowledge of Shaolin to Fan Xudong.
Conversely, recent developments in the research of Mantis Boxing have unraveled undated manuscripts linking the myth of Wang Lang with a historical Shaolin monk known as Fuju. Although the manuscripts’ verification is limited, many Mantis Boxers support the ideology of Shaolin roots due to the literacy and writing style of such documents which parallel the language used during the Song Dynasty. The manuscripts state that Fuju congregated with 17 Boxers who specialized in unique aspects of fighting in an effort to summarize the strongest points of self-defense. The 17 specialists contributed the following techniques resulting in the mixed martial arts style known as Mantis Boxing:
Whether the system originated in Laoshan or Shaolin is yet to be verified. Although the system may have been conceived within temple walls, it should be noted that the systems parental titles may belong to the 18 contributors to the system and not to the practice of Buddhism nor Taoism. The system was first and foremost, a mixed martial art. The system continues to evolve to this day and contains obvious influences from both Buddhist and Taoist ideology. Although the system now contains a broader spectrum of conceptual formulas, this series of articles is dedicated to the fundamental core of Mantis Boxing; the 12 keyword principles.
Call or Text Now for a Complimentary Guest Pass (619) 917-9017
The 12 Keyword Formula
The 12 Keyword Formula, like Mantis Boxing itself, has been found to include variations and further principles as determined by lineage or division. The Formula presented reflects those disseminated from the Chin Wu Association by the teachings of Mantis Boxer Luo Guang Yu.
The following is a literal translation of the 12 Keywords:
1. Gou: to cancel/to delineate/hook/
2. Lou: Grab to gather/to collect
3. Cai: to pick(flowers/fruit)/to pluck/to take/
4. Gua: Hang/ Suspend
5. Diao: artful/wicked
6. Jin: advance/enter/to come in/
7. Beng: collapse/fall into ruins/
8. Da: to hit/to strike/to attack/
9. Zhan: to stick/paste
10. Nian: cling/sticky
11. Tie: to keep close to/to fit snugly
12. Kao: lean on/near/by/against
The following is a technical translation:
Call or Text Now for a Complimentary Guest Pass (619) 917-9017
Need more information? You can reach us anytime by calling (619) 917 – 9017.
San Diego Fighting Arts Academy