Practical Praying Mantis - The Synthesis of Traditional Martial Arts and MMA
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What is Practical Praying Mantis (PPM)?
Grand Master Wei Hsiao Tang was quoted as saying” If one could learn Praying Mantis and Shuai Chaio, it would be like teaching a tiger to fly” The goal of PPM is to incorporate 8-Step Praying Mantis along with Shuai Chaio, Hsing-I, Ba Gua and Shaking White Crane – and more modern MMA and submission wrestling/Jiu Jitsu, into one comprehensive martial art system.
What is the intent of this site?
The intent is to supplement some of recent high-quality 8-Step web content, along with Ba Gua, Tai-chi Hsing-I and Shuai Chaio material, as taught to me by Master Lin Chun-fu during our 20-plus years together, along with a synthesis of more moderate fighting techniques. In essence, combine the classic with the modern, and keep the spirit of what has been handed down. This site assumes the reader is somewhat familiar with Traditional Chinese Martial Arts – and if not, recommends looking to other sources for fundamental explanations.
Why “Practical Praying Mantis” ?
Applications of Practical Praying Mantis is a rough translation of the title of Grand Master Wei’s book. “8-Step” was a colloquial term used to describe the art he practiced. While being mindful of the classic content, influences of Xing-I, Ba Gua (beyond that is already incorporated) have subtly altered our stepping and movements. Praying Mantis techniques offer an excellent entry into Shuai Chaio throws – if one understands both, an attack can be reversed into a brutal throw. Realistic defense and attack from ground-fighting techniques have been added to provide a more complete system.
Overview of Content
Shi Yong Tang Lang : Included are photos of the 8 postures, videos of the beginning forms and “chapters” and videos of some of the 8 sequences (designed to incorporate 8-Step, Shuai-chaio, Shaking White Crane and MMA)
Xing-I Chuan : Videos and discussion of the Wu-hsing and example of forms.
Ba Gua Chuan : Video and discussion of the pre-natal and post-natal palm changes
Shuai-chaio : Photos of postures, videos of moving steps and throwing applications.
Tai-chi Chu’an : Discussion and video of first 3rd of the 108 Yang style.
Shaking White Crane : Videos of the 5 Elements with descriptions of training techniques
Personal Biography : Brief description of my background and experiences.
Contact Info & Blog: Commentary and anecdotes.
Tribute to Master Lin Chin-fu
Grand Master Wei Hsiao Tang was quoted as saying” If one could learn Praying Mantis and Shuai Chaio, it would be like teaching a tiger to fly” The goal of PPM is to incorporate 8-Step Praying Mantis along with Shuai Chaio, Hsing-I, Ba Gua and Shaking White Crane – and more modern MMA and submission wrestling/Jiu Jitsu, into one comprehensive martial art system.
What is the intent of this site?
The intent is to supplement some of recent high-quality 8-Step web content, along with Ba Gua, Tai-chi Hsing-I and Shuai Chaio material, as taught to me by Master Lin Chun-fu during our 20-plus years together, along with a synthesis of more moderate fighting techniques. In essence, combine the classic with the modern, and keep the spirit of what has been handed down. This site assumes the reader is somewhat familiar with Traditional Chinese Martial Arts – and if not, recommends looking to other sources for fundamental explanations.
Why “Practical Praying Mantis” ?
Applications of Practical Praying Mantis is a rough translation of the title of Grand Master Wei’s book. “8-Step” was a colloquial term used to describe the art he practiced. While being mindful of the classic content, influences of Xing-I, Ba Gua (beyond that is already incorporated) have subtly altered our stepping and movements. Praying Mantis techniques offer an excellent entry into Shuai Chaio throws – if one understands both, an attack can be reversed into a brutal throw. Realistic defense and attack from ground-fighting techniques have been added to provide a more complete system.
Overview of Content
Shi Yong Tang Lang : Included are photos of the 8 postures, videos of the beginning forms and “chapters” and videos of some of the 8 sequences (designed to incorporate 8-Step, Shuai-chaio, Shaking White Crane and MMA)
Xing-I Chuan : Videos and discussion of the Wu-hsing and example of forms.
Ba Gua Chuan : Video and discussion of the pre-natal and post-natal palm changes
Shuai-chaio : Photos of postures, videos of moving steps and throwing applications.
Tai-chi Chu’an : Discussion and video of first 3rd of the 108 Yang style.
Shaking White Crane : Videos of the 5 Elements with descriptions of training techniques
Personal Biography : Brief description of my background and experiences.
Contact Info & Blog: Commentary and anecdotes.
Tribute to Master Lin Chin-fu
