Praying Mantis (Southern)

Southern Praying Mantis, which reads in Cantonese as Nam (south) Pai (Clan) Tong Long, translated as Praying Mantis-where the literal translation means 'King Insect) is a Chinese martial art native to the Hakka people , in Cantonese read Ha Ka or Ha Ga. The Hakka “Praying Mantis” style of fighting is completely unrelated to the Praying Mantis (Northern) style.

Southern Praying Mantis places a heavy emphasis on close-range fighting. This system is known for its short power methods, and has aspects of both internal and external techniques. In application, the emphasis is on hand and arm techniques, and a limited use of low kicks. The application of close combat methods with an emphasis on hands and short kicking techniques makes the Southern Praying Mantis art somewhat akin to what many would call "street fighting." The hands are the most readily available for attack and defense of the upper body, and protect the stylist by employing ruthless techniques designed to inflict serious injury. The legs are moved quickly into range through footwork to protect and defend the body, and attacks are limited to short kicking actions so as to never leave the Southern Mantis combatant off-balance and vulnerable.

Southern Praying Mantis is closely associated with fellow Hakka Kuen styles, such as the dragon style Lung Ying or Bak Mei. Refered to the iron fist or iron arm/body.

The four main branches of Southern Praying Mantis are:

· Chow Gar Chow family

· Chu Gar Chu family

· Kwong Sai Jook Lum; (JiangXi ZhuLin; Bamboo Forest). Wong Yook-Kong was described as a large man and in training he placed great emphasis on strength and physical conditioning before moving onto the more internal aspects of the style. One of his favourite training methods was to practise with 30 to 60 LB iron rings on his wrist while he perform his forms.

· Iron Ox

Characteristics and Training

Like other Southern Chinese martial arts, Southern Praying Mantis is characterized by a strong stance, powerful waist and fast, heavy forearms and quick hand movements. The essences of the style are captured in various poetry and mnemonic aids.

Training includes a variety of solo forms, pair practice, and weapon practice. The name and type of form will vary between branches. In the Australian version of Chow Gar Tong Long under the direction of Henry Sue, the form structures are as follows:

· Sarm Bo Gin

· Sarm Bo Yil Sou

· Sarm kung Bic Kuiel

· Sarm Bo Pai Tarn

· Sarm Bo Pin Kuiel

· Tong Long Bow Sim Sou

· Tong Long Won Sou

·

Kwong Sai Jook Lum by Gin Foon Marks Kung Fu Association excerpt of curriculum:

· sarm bo gin

· two man breakdown sarm bo gin

· 18 points and breakdown

· 7 stars and breakdown

· five stars and breakdown

· poison snake staff

Sarm Bo Gin is considered one of the most important forms of the southern mantis system. It is a hard chi gung form and is usually the first to be learned. It strengthens the body, aiding its resistance to physical blows, and also develops power. The form should be done everyday, preferably early morning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Praying_Mantis_(martial_art)