Tang Lang: Praying Mantis Fighting Methods

There are many fighting methods in Praying Mantis style. In general, they are categorized into 12 main hand methods. They are Hook (Gou 勾), Pull (Luo 捋), Pluck (Cai 采), Guard (Gua 挂), Touch (Zhan 沾), Stick (Nian 黏), Contact (Tie 贴), Lean (Kao 靠), Upward (Tiao 挑), Enter (Jin 进), Crush (Beng 崩) and Strike (Da 打). There are 4 main stepping methods. They are Evasion (Shan 闪), Extension (Zhan 展), Jump (Teng 腾) and Move (Nuo 挪). In Part I, the stepping methods are introduced first. We evade to the left and right. We position to extend the reach of the opponent’s posture and energy. We jump to step forward, backward and to the side. We move the opponent’s arm, leg and body to throw. We also borrow his energy and use it against him. In Part II, we discuss 4 main hand methods: Hook, Pull, Pluck and Guard. They can be used to set up for strike or throw. They can be used to control and seize the opponent. They can also be used to take down the opponent. In Part III, seven fist methods are discussed. They are Thrust (Chong 冲), Plant (Zai 栽), Swing (Guan 贯), Upward (Tiao 挑), Hammer (Za 砸), Crush (Beng 崩) and Axe (Pi 劈). In Part IV, ten palm methods are discussed. They are Face Pushing (Pu 扑), Push (Tui 推), Chop (Kan 砍), Plant (Cha 插), Reverse (Fan Bei 反背), Upward (Tiao 挑), Pierce (Chuan 穿), Wipe (Mo 抹), Lift (Tuo 托) and Press (An按). In Part V, we discuss 9 methods to use forearm and elbow in mantis boxing. They are Fold (Die Zhou 叠肘), Push (Ding Zhou 顶肘), Inward Roll (Gun Zhou 棞肘), Outward Roll (Bang Zhou 帮肘), Press (Jue Zhou 撅肘), Upward (Dian Zhou 典肘), Move (Ban Zhou 搬肘), Cover (Yan Zhou 掩肘) and Hammer (Za Zhou 砸肘). In Part VI, we introduce how to do wrist strike (Mi Zhou 秘肘). In Part VII, we discuss 4 leg methods. They are Hook (Gou 勾), Heel (Deng 蹬), Bounce (Tan 弹) and Sweep (Sao 扫).