Northern Praying Mantis
Northern Praying Mantis is a style of martial art that can be distinguished into several different types, all of which are believed to have originated in the northern part of China by its founder, the great martial artist Wang Lang of Shandong Province. Wang Lang had studied a variety of martial arts before developing this style.
The different types of Northern Praying Mantis include, but are not limited to, Seven Star (founder: Luo Guangyu), Tàijí Plum Blossom, Tàijí, Plum Blossom (founder: Li Kunshan), Six Harmony (founder: Ding Zi Cheng), Eight Step and Secret Gate. All of these types of Northern Praying Mantis were conceived or developed in Shandong Province.
The style of self defence called Northern Praying Mantis is named after the insect which bears the same name. It is believed that this was a result of Wang Lang seeing two praying mantises fight. During an attack, one insect would whip out their front leg in a circular motion, while the other would defend itself by jumping about and ducking. A counter-attack would be combined with this defence.
Practitioners of Northern Praying Mantis utilize these techniques and movements, directing attacks at particular points on the body that are weak (i.e. pressure points). Agility and flexibility are vital. Weapons are also utilized, and include the saber, sword, knife, axe, dagger and staff.
In modern times, Northern Praying Mantis schools exist throughout China, and around the world. These schools may have their own variations of techniques and movements, but all have retained the basics of Northern Praying Mantis.