Praying Mantis (Tang Lang Chuen / Tang Lang Pai)
Intro:
Imitative boxing of the Praying Mantis. The Praying Mantis is an insect with
killer instinct and blinding speed. The Tang Lang Pai is a combat system composed
of several sub-styles, that due to the richness and complexity of their techniques
are considered styles by themselves. Some of these styles were created combining
the praying mantis boxing with other wu-shu systems. Some writers count more than
40 Praying Mantis styles. This section will only mention below the more ancient
and traditional ones.
Origin:
Shantung Province (Northern China)
History:
Wang Lang (the style creator) was born in the Tsi Mo district, in Shantung
Province. He lived during the Ming Dynasty fall and as he was a patriot (some
Masters say he was uncle of the last Ming Emperor), he decided to excel in the
martial arts to fight against the Ching Dynasty (Manchurian rulers). He entered
to the Shaolin monastery in Sung Shang, but being prosecuted by the Manchurians
he travelled all over China, training in places places where he could find Kung
Fu Masters. In this way he learned 17 Chinese Boxing styles.
After this travel, Wang Lang entered to the Lao Shan monastery. Once there,
he was always defeated by the abbot of the temple in spite of his deep knowledge
of the fighting arts. One day, while he was meditating in a forest he saw a combat
between a praying mantis and a cicada. He was impressed by the aggressive attitude
of the mantis and he started studying its movements. After a long learning time
he combined the praying mantis hand movements with the monkey steps (to enhance
the coordination between hand and feet). With this new style Wang Lang could defeat
the monastery abbot. Wang Lang went on modifying his system and when he felt satisfied
with his creation he accepted some disciples.
Description:
Even though Praying Mantis sub-styles are quite different, they all contain
the basic structure created by Wang Lang:
- 8 stances
- 12 key words
- 8 rigid and 12 flexible methods
- 5 external and 5 internal elements
- 8 non-attacking and 8 attacking points.
Northern praying mantis is a style characterized by fast hand movements. The
hook hands are the "trade mark" of the style and they are found in all the northern
sub-styles. Northern Tang Lang Chuen's main weapon is the blinding speed of the
hand trying to control and punch the opponent. It has a balanced combination of
circular and straight movements.
Other important elements are the simultaneous block and punch, and strong chopping
punches. These are practical movements for full contact street fighting. Some
Chinese martial artists say that Seven Star Praying Mantis Boxing (one of the
praying mantis sub-styles) is the most aggressive style created in China. Grappling,
kicking, nerve-attack and weapons complete the northern branch.
Southern praying mantis is very different. It is an infighting system that
resembles Wing Chun. Chi Kung is very important in the Southern Praying Mantis.
Movements are continuous and circular, soft and hard, except in attack, where
the middle knuckle (phoenix eye) of the index finger is used like a needle to
pierce the internal organs. A punch with the fist produces an external muscular
bruise, striking with the phoenix eye produces an internal bruise.
Training:
1) Physical exercises
2) Body conditioning
- Tie Sha Chang (Iron Palm)
- Pai Ta Kung (body strengthening)
- Jhiu Sa So (Poison Palm)
3) Fighting Theory
- Tuey (legs actions)
- Ta (hand actions)
4) School training (basic movements known as combinations)
5) Hsuai (Throwing Techniques)
6) Na (also known as Chin Na, grappling techniques)
7) Forms training (The core of the system. Solo training and forms for two or
more people)
8) San Sou (free fighting)
9) Jei Jai (weapons training)
10) Dim Mak (also known as mur mon, the death touch)
- 8 attacking points
- 8 non attacking points
- Deadly points
11) History and tradition (honor the ancestors in the style and keep the folklore
tradition - for example Lion Dance)
Sub-Styles:
Northern Sub-Styles:
- Seven Stars Praying Mantis (Chi Shing Tang Lang)
- Eight Steps Praying Mantis (Pa Pu Tang Lang)
- Six Harmonies Praying Mantis (Liu Ho Tang Lang)
- Secret Door Praying Mantis (Pi Men Tang Lang)
- Mysterious Track Praying Mantis (Mi Tzong Tang Lang)
- Throwing Hands Praying Mantis (Shai Shou Tang Lang)
- Plumb Flower Praying Mantis (Mei Hua Tang Lang)
- Flying legs Praying Mantis from the Wah Lum Temple (Wah Lum Tam Tui Tang
Lang)
- Jade Ring Praying Mantis (Yu-Huan Tang Lang)
- Long Boxing Praying Mantis (Chang Chuen Tang Lang)
- Great Ultimate Praying Mantis (Tai Chi Tang Lang)
- Eight Ultimates Praying Mantis (Pa Chi Tang Lang)
Southern Sub-Styles (Hakka shadow boxing):
- Bamboo Forest Praying Mantis (Kwong Sai Jook Lum Tang Lang)
- Chou Clan Praying Mantis (Chou Gar Tang Lang)
- Chu Clan Praying Mantis (Chu Gar Tang Lang)
Familiar or non spread Sub-Styles:
- Han Kun Family Praying Mantis (Han Kung Chia Tang Lang)
- Drunken Praying Mantis (Chui Tang Lang)
- Shiny Board Praying Mantis (Kuang Pang Tang Lang)
- Connected Arms Praying Mantis (Tong Pei Tang Lang)
- Mandarin Duck Praying Mantis (Yuan Yan Tang Lang)
(Contributor: Fernando Blanco)
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