Praying Mantis Kung Fu

There are many versions of this animal style, including the six harmonies, seven stars, and eight steps variants. The praying mantis has been long admired in the martial arts world for its speed and fierce attacks.
The Shaolin Temple developed several mantis techniques, many of which have become styles in their own right. It has a very distinct stance, with the elbows kept close to the body and the forearms extended, hands open in imitation of the mantis claws. It combines soft movements for the defense and hard, explosive counterattacks. Like the mantis, a practitioner waits until the attacker starts to move, then flows around him and devours him with swift attacks.

Praying Mantis Kung Fu (Tang Lang Chuan) emphasizes balanced stances that allow for swift changes in position to let enemy attacks fly by unimpeded. From the same stance, the martial artist then springs forward on the attacker, hitting vital points with devastating force. Sticking techniques are also taught by this style combined with its forceful attacks make this a very effective form.