Praying Mantis Kung Fu Techniques

Praying Mantis kung fu, or Tanglangquan, is derived from Shaolin kung fu. Praying Mantis uses Lohan kung fu as its base, but is made up of 18 components from different styles, including Monkey style, wrestling and Taiju Long Fist, according to the book, "The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu: The Secrets of Kung Fu for Self-Defense, Health, and Enlightenment." The style was founded by a man named Wang Lang, and uses a hand position similar to the Crane style.

Variations of Mantis Claw

The main hand position in this style is the mantis claw. There are two variations of how to hold your index finger in this position. Turn the palm of your hand toward you so you can see what you are doing, and bend your arm with your elbow pointing down. Curl your pinky into your palm, then curl the ring and middle fingers. Extend your index finger straight. Press your fingers together and press the side of your thumb against your index finger. Bend your wrist slightly down. A variation of the mantis claw technique is to curl your index finger slightly and point it downward to resemble a claw.

Principles of Mantis Claw

The mantis claw is often used to feel your opponent's movement by placing your hand in the claw position onto his wrist or arm. By resting your hand on your opponent's arm without grabbing, you won't be setting off any of his alarms to try to force your hand off or attack. You can develop the sensitivity to feel when your opponent tenses his arm, alerting you to the probability of a strike. Most people will also begin to move their arms in the direction they are going to go to before they move their body, and you can pick up on that.

You may also use this to guide your opponent's movements or redirect attacks when he extends his arm to strike. For example, you can bring your arm down by bending your elbow when your opponent throws a punch to direct his hand down and off target. You can also gently jerk your opponent toward you to throw him off balance.

Praying Mantis Kick

Praying Mantis kung fu is known for its subtle kicking techniques. One example of a praying mantis kick is to stand with your right foot forward, hold both hands in mantis claws, with your right hand at shoulder height, arm straight and your left arm bent slightly at waist height. Turn your left toes out for balance (called "opening the door") and raise your right knee to waist height. Extend your right leg forward with your toe pointed, and strike with your shin. Kick no higher than waist height on your opponent.