Martial Arts Inspired by Nature: The “Praying Mantis” Styles of Kung Fu
In ancient China, two schools of wushu (武術) were developed featuring movements and fighting techniques based on the mantis, an insect that is found in many countries around the world. One of these styles was developed in northern China, and thus is known as “Northern Praying Mantis”; the other form, “Southern Praying Mantis,” traces its roots to China’s southern region.
According to legend, Northern Praying Mantis dates back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), when a monk named Fu Ju invited several masters to come and witness the martial arts of the Shaolin temple. The style is believed to have been created by Wang Lang, one of the masters gathered by Fu Ju. Over the centuries, several substyles of Northern Praying Mantis have emerged, including “Seven Star Praying Mantis,” “Plum Blossom Praying Mantis,” and “Six Harmony Praying Mantis.”
The modern form of Southern Praying Mantis is believed to date back to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 AD). According to some historians, the style was developed in the 1800s by a monk named Chow Ah Naam, who studied at the Southern Shaolin Monastery under the guidance of abbot Sim See Yan. Notable branches of Southern Praying Mantis include “Iron Ox” and “Jiangxi Bamboo Forest.”
Wushu athletes train in the shadow of history (Source : Getty image)
ASIAD-2018-WUSHU (Source : Getty image)
What’s the
relationship between the praying mantis and the form of Kung Fu that bears its
name?
In ancient China, two schools of wushu (武術) were developed featuring movements and fighting techniques based on the mantis, an insect that is found in many countries around the world. One of these styles was developed in northern China, and thus is known as “Northern Praying Mantis”; the other form, “Southern Praying Mantis,” traces its roots to China’s southern region.
According to legend, Northern Praying Mantis dates back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), when a monk named Fu Ju invited several masters to come and witness the martial arts of the Shaolin temple. The style is believed to have been created by Wang Lang, one of the masters gathered by Fu Ju. Over the centuries, several substyles of Northern Praying Mantis have emerged, including “Seven Star Praying Mantis,” “Plum Blossom Praying Mantis,” and “Six Harmony Praying Mantis.”
The modern form of Southern Praying Mantis is believed to date back to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 AD). According to some historians, the style was developed in the 1800s by a monk named Chow Ah Naam, who studied at the Southern Shaolin Monastery under the guidance of abbot Sim See Yan. Notable branches of Southern Praying Mantis include “Iron Ox” and “Jiangxi Bamboo Forest.”
Northern Praying Mantis movements (Source: alchetron.com)
Praying mantis (Source: Wikipedia.org)
Other examples of Chinese martial arts techniques and moves inspired by the animal kingdom include “Leopard Kung Fu,” which draws from the leopard’s speed and adeptness at angular attacks; the “Fujian White Crane,” which borrows from the crane’s short, rapid movements; and the “Eagle Claw,” which mimics the strength and strike force of the eagle’s talon.