Northern Praying Mantis
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
 |
Northern Praying Mantis or Shandong Praying Mantis is a Chinese martial art that was developed circa 1600 CE by a man named Wang Lang. According to Shaolin records, Wang Lang was a Kung Fu practitioner in Shandong who left his province to further improve his fighting skills. Wang Lang went to Henan (Honan) Province to study Kung Fu at the Shaolin Temple and there he developed a fighting style known today as Northern Praying Mantis.
Northern Praying Mantis incorporates the erratic footwork of Monkey Style Kung Fu while using the "mantis hook" (the hands being held to resemble a mantid's front legs which it uses to catch prey). This "hook" may be used to block attacks or to strike critical spots like the eyes, groin, and pressure points (Dim Mak). Therefore, speed and continuous attacks are vital in executing this art.
