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Revision as of 04:17, 2 December 2004
The Praying Mantis system of Kung Fu (蟷螂拳 Tanglangquan) was created by Master Wang Lang (王郎) over 350 years ago in the Shandong (山東) province of China. This martial art is known for imitating the movements of a praying mantis in combat, in particular using the hands in a 'praying mantis hand' shape. Praying Mantis is especially famous for its speed and continuous attacks. Another prominent feature of the style is the complex footwork, borrowed from Monkey Kung Fu.
There are several styles of Praying Mantis, of which the most famous are:
Seven Star Praying Mantis (七星蟷螂拳 Qixing Tanglangquan)
This style is widespread in Shandong Province and surrounding areas. Luo Guangyu (羅光玉) is also famous for having passed down this style to Hong Kong and other parts of South China. Qixing Tanglangquan is known as the 'hardest' of the Praying Mantis styles.
Taiji/Plum Blossom/Taiji Plum Blossom Praying Mantis (太極蟷螂拳/梅花蟷螂拳/太極梅花蟷螂拳 Taiji/Meihua/Taijimeihua Tanglangquan)
This style is widespread in Shandong Province and surrounding areas. Most famous is the Taijimeihua Tanglangquan substyle as passed down by Hao Lianyu (郝蓮玉) and his many sons. This style is well-known for its large, two-handed sword, and for being softer than Qixing Tanglangquan.
Six Combinations Praying Mantis (六合蟷螂拳 Liuhe Tanglangquan)
Known as the 'softest' of the Praying Mantis styles, in particular, it was passed down by Ding Zicheng (丁子成), whose students taught in Shandong Province as well as Taiwan. Liuhe Tanglangquan has very different sets from the other styles of Praying Mantis.
Other, less widespread styles include:
Eight Step Praying Mantis (八歩蟷螂拳 Babu Tanglangquan)
This style was created by Feng Huanyi (馮環義) and passed down by his disciple Wei Xiaotang (衛笑堂) in Taiwan. A Praying Mantis style that includes features of other styles, like Baguazhang and Xingyiquan.
Shiny Board Praying Mantis (光板蟷螂拳 Guangban Tanglangquan)
Rare style of Praying Mantis.
Long Fist Praying Mantis (長拳蟷螂拳 Changquan Tanglangquan)
Rare style of Praying Mantis. Influenced strongly by Changquan (Long fist).
Throwing Hand Praying Mantis (摔手蟷螂拳 Shuaishou Tanglangquan)
This style was passed down by Wang Songting (王松亭) in Shandong Province.
Secret Gate Praying Mantis (秘門蟷螂拳 Mimen Tanglangquan)
This style was passed down by Zhang Dekui (張德奎) in Taiwan.
Flicking Leg Praying Mantis (弾腿蟷螂拳 Tantui Tanglangquan)
The Wah Lum Praying Mantis System, named for the Wah Lum (Forest Garden) Temple in Jinan, China. A skillful martial artist studying there, Lee Kwan Shan, later combined his family style, Tam Tui (emphasizing strong leg movements) with the Wah Lum praying mantis to form a well rounded, effective system known as Wah Lum Tam Tui Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu. The Wah Lum style incorporates the use of over 30 different types of weapons: long (spear), short (broadsword), flexible (three sectional stick) and double (double daggers), along with many empty hand forms. Wah Lum uses approximately 70% legs, 30% hands.