PRAYING MANTIS (Tai-Chi Mei-Hua Style)

Some of this Tai Chi Mei Hua Mantis is demonstrated by Zhang Bing Dou, 7th generation inheritor of Tai Chi Mei Hua Praying Mantis Boxing.

Mantis Boxing is created by Wang Lang, a person fighting against the Qing dynasty at the end of the Ming dynasty; then it was inherited by Li Bing xiao and passed to his offspring for eight generations in Laiyang. It is known by its oblique postures , and is characterized as brave and forceful. When you exercise Taiji Mantis Boxing, you should emphasize changeability of postures by "BengBu", increase your power on the basis of "Eight Elbows" and learn the techniques of this boxing style by "taking the Abstract as an template." Tai Chi Mei Hua (Plum Blossom) Praying Mantis is almost a redundancy since, in the area of its origin, this style is generally called "Mei Hua" Mantis but by people outside the area "Tai Chi".

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This first fist shows a good example of the Taiji Mei Hua version of Mantis. The footwork is complicated and fluid, in the style of the monkey. The strikes follow the five petals of the plum blossom in that they come from multiple angles. The other mantis saying, each hit had three strikes, is also show. This set is fast and complicated. Applications are shown at the end. The hands are fast and there are many variations in the footwork, sliding, jumping and twisting steps. Demonstrated by Zhang Zhen Yuan.

In this second road of the taiji mei hua style we see more the Long Arm aspects of this form of Mantis. Again there is a fluidity and complexity to the footwork following the concept of "monkey steps". Teacher Zhang has a good idea of what he is doing and thought loose there is much precision to his movements. This is evident in the loose and unhurried approach he takes to showing the applications from this form. None of these forms would be easy to emulate unless you have some knowledge of the flavor of Mantis.

This third Road of the Taiji Plum Blossom Mantis system has a focus on tight, straight movements with concentrated power. Some major movements are repeated in long marching patterns. In general the movements are a little slower and somewhat softer with a concentrating striking pattern and Mantis fist actions. Once again applications are demonstrated in the latter half of the presentation.

Tang Lang Bu Chan.
The most complex form of the series. Almost Bagua like in its twists and turns. Open hand palms thrust and much emphasis on "Ape Arms" with truly Long Arm actions and much twisting. Applications shown.

This is a Chinese style Nunchuk set but with the addition of twin tassels on each end. The chain is a little longer so there are some movements almost whip like in the performance. Some applications are shown against a staff. The set is fast and furious. It has, to our eyes, some wide and fairly performance oriented movements such as some Drunken form, but there are also many tight passes and quick changes. Mantis energy is fairly represented with this quick weapon.

Though very proficient in what Zhang does, less kudos for this performance. The set starts with a long sword and a series of drunken movements then proceeds into a complex set with two main distinguishing features: passing the blade from one hand to the other behind the back and twirling it near the top of the head (but, thankfully never OVER the head so no violation of classical form). An impressive set well performed but, it might be, a little too impressive.

With Ma Shi Yong. This style was developed by Ma Han Qing in BeiJing. It is practical and variable, especially when it comes to elbow techniques. This form is fast and light. It shows many beautiful and representative actions of the Mantis style. Indeed, this would be a nice choice as a demonstration form particularly since it conforms to what people think of as "Mantis." Stances are extremely mobile and the postures are attractive. No applications.

Mantis Sword by Ma Wei Ling. This weapon is SO long it is almost entirely a 2 handed instrument. Though the set uses many classic one and two hand straight sword moves it does so from the typical tiger and kneeling stances of Mantis. There is even a bit of Drunken Sword action. It is indeed vigorous and covers a fair amount of ground. There is a definite emphasis on angular attacks.

VCD#629 Tai Chi Mei Hua Mantis Mei Hua Road
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

VCD#353 Tai Chi Mei Hua Mantis 8 Linked Sword
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

With Zhang Bing-Dou. This form of 41 postures is advanced and complex. The sword is often held with both hands. The footwork is fast and very much flavored by Mantis pattern. Movements are quick and wrist control is essential. Angular attacks and evasions dominate this form.

VCD#355 Tai Chi Mei Hua Mantis 8 Step Fist
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

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With Zhang Bing-Dou.This Eight Step Linked Fist is an intermediate or relatively simple form built essentially on a "cross" pattern. Very fast hands and very direct applications combine with a distinctive Mantis use of angles. The breakdown is given by Zhang ShihFu along with applications demonstrated on a student.