PROJECT UPDATE and Why the Keywords of Mantis Boxing Matter
ADHERE (Tiē 貼) - 11 of 12 - The Keywords of Mantis Boxing
Adhere (Tiē 貼) - space management. Creating space when on the defense, and removing space from our opponent when on the offensive. If you want to reduce the level of control an enemy has on you - framing them, slipping the hooks, and increasing distance can help keep you from getting toppled.
On the inverse, when attacking the opponent, removing their…
STRIKE (Dǎ 打) - 10 of 12 - The Keywords of Mantis Boxing
CRUSH (Bēng 崩) - 9 of 12 - The Keywords of Mantis Boxing
Crush (Bēng 崩) - to ‘collapse and fall into ruin’. Also known as 'crushing' in many Chinese Martial Arts usages. Bēng is used to attack the vital targets in the midsection of an opponent. Effective strike targets such as: the liver, stomach; ribs, and the real treasure - the solar plexus, or central palace in Taijiquan. All of these targets can…
ENTER (Jìn 進) - 8 of 12 - The Keywords of Mantis Boxing
The Way of the Mantis Boxer
Wicked (Diāo刁) - 7 of 12 - The Keywords of Mantis Boxing
Hang (Guà 掛) - 6 of 12 - The Keywords of Mantis Boxing
Pluck (Cǎi 採) - 3 of 12 - The Keywords of Mantis Boxing
Pluck (Cǎi 採) is the third of the 12 keywords of Mantis Boxing. The keyword formula houses the principles that define the art. They have been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years.
With Pluck (Cǎi 採), a short sharp pull down, or powerful snap, we can feed our adversary into a disadvantaged position. Commonly used after Mantis Catches Cicada, and White Ape Invites Guest.
Clinch (Lǒu 摟) - 2 of 12 - The Keywords of Mantis Boxing
Hooking Legs
The Leg Hook is a great easy to use takedown, but sometimes our opponent steps out on us on our first attempt. Here, Thomas helps demonstrate how we use a combination of Mantis principles (strike, hook, pluck, hang, lean) to execute our initial outside leg hook attempt, and then a follow-up inside leg hook if they step out.
Afterwards we tackle the ground component and what happens if they immediately try to pull guard.
Hook (Gōu 勾) - 1 of 12 - The Keywords of Mantis Boxing
Hook (Gōu 勾) is the first of the 12 keywords of Mantis Boxing. The keyword formula houses the principles that define the art. They have been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years.
A Praying Mantis seizes it's opponent with it's large arms and hooks. It pulls it's prey off balance and devours it on the ground. When observing the mantis against a larger foe, one can see the mantis pounce, take the back, use it’s legs to hold on, and continually gain control of it's opponent while it bites and gains better hook positions to keep it safe.
The 12 Keywords of Mantis Boxing
Collapse and Fall Into Ruin - (Beng 崩)
A huge thanks to Gene Ching and the team at Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine for publishing my article this month. Such an awesome presentation! Thank you to my team - Holly Cyr, Vincent Tseng, Max Kotchouro, Bruce Sanders, and Sean Fraser for your assistance in making this happen. I am honored.
Research Notes: Praying Mantis Boxing vs. Supreme Ultimate Boxing
Sure enough, they were the same character. This lead to further research and comparisons, and soon I had a series of principles and sub-principles that drew a solid link between the two styles. The English translations people used can vary, but the character is found to be the same for each style. Below is a work in progress but it is far enough along that I can share it.