The important thing to take away here is that the techniques aren’t the most significant factor; it is the mentality and the ability to follow and connect that allow the practitioner to perform effectively and efficiently.
Tag: Mantis Style
Class Note No. 3
We are continuing our current theme of initial engagement then proceed to wrestling or grappling immediately.
This is a very fundamental concept to be instilled, as it helps the students understand why it is important to connect to the opponent and how to move across different measures.
If we only learn how to strike or wrestle, it would be very easy to be stuck when the opponent moves in and out of that particular measure, and you would be open for a counter. Connectivity helps us shorten our action cycle and keep the action flowing to maintain the initiative.
It’s all about Control
Write-up later.
Class Note No.1
Action 1:
A typical Mantis “Chaotic Fury” with multiple hits along and across different lines and directions in a burst. Strikes turn to grapples and grapples turn to strike.
Action 2:
Right hook to his left, cross and hitting his right ear without turning the wrist. Could turn this into an eye-sweep or a backfist.
Action 3:
Backfist. Pressure and misdirection on his left to get in from the right. His right arm lets go, and the backfist follows immediate to get into his cycle.
Abstract No.4 First Stanza 摘要四路 第一段
Asian martial arts devote a lot of time on practising forms, and here we want to show how a form should be practised: By breaking it down into sections and use them in sparring. Originally, there was no such thing as a form (or kata, to go by Japanese terms), and forms were created for…
Breaking with Traditions: A Critical Examination of the Phantom Arrow 跳出傳統：從新檢視〈鬼箭手〉
Our traditional manuscript describes the technique of Phantom Arrow (鬼箭手, guǐ jiàn shǒu, lit. ghost arrow hand) as follow: “I, standing with right foot forward, initiate an attack with my right arm. The opponent, standing with his right foot forward, uses his right hand to ladle my right arm. He then takes a left step and…
Pick-Melon 摘瓜
The technique Zhāi Guā (摘瓜) literally means plucking a melon from the ground, with the melon being the opponent’s head. This is an interesting move not because it is particularly effective, which it is, but for the clever ways of guiding away the opponent’s guard and arriving at the position to with body movement. The trick…
Double Closure 螳螂雙封手
The technique Double Closure is first recorded in the form Peach Thieving (Bai Yuan Tou Tiao, lit. peach thieving by a white gibbon). It is the first movement of the form, while at the same time, the ending movement in other forms within the Mantis School, including those in the the Six Harmonies style….
Off-Helmet 霸王摘盔
The Off-Helmet (摘盔) technique is a Plum Blossom close-quarter move that gives multiple options in ending the fight. When you engage your opponent with your right and he tries to parry with his left from inside towards outside, follow his movement with your right, maintain contact with his arm, draw a half circle in the way…
Three Punches 三捶
The Three Punches (三捶) is better understood as the one of the core principles of the Six Harmonies branch of the Mantis school of martial arts, instead of one single move set. The idea behind is not simply throwing three punches together, but to use the movements to maintain body composure and control, create tension, and draw…
