Southern Praying Mantis (martial Art) - Characteristics and Training

Characteristics and Training

Like other Southern Chinese martial arts, Southern Praying Mantis is characterized by a strong stance, powerful waist and fast, heavy forearms and quick hand movements. The essences of the style is captured in various poetry and mnemonic aids.

Training includes a variety of solo forms, pair practise, and weapon practise. The name and type of form will vary between branches. In Circular Tong Long (a version of Chow Gar Tong Long under the direction of Henry Sue in Australia), the form structures are as follows:

• Sarm Bo Gin
• Sarm Bo Yil Sou
• Sarm kung Bic Kuiel
• Sarm Bo Pai Tarn
• Sarm Bo Pin Kuiel
• Tong Long Bow Sim Sou
• Tong Long Won Sou

Kwong Sai Jook Lum by Gin Foon Marks Kung Fu Association excerpt of curriculum:

• sarm bo gin
• two man breakdown sarm bo gin
• 18 points and breakdown
• 7 stars and breakdown
• five stars and breakdown
• poison snake staff

Sarm Bo Gin is considered one of the most important forms of the southern mantis system. It is a hard chi gung form and is usually the first to be learned. It strengthens the body, aiding its resistance to physical blows, and also develops power. The form should be done everyday, preferably early morning.