What Is Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu?
There are two distinct styles of Tong Long, a Northern Style and a Southern style. The Northern style is characterised by low stances and much leg work, the Southern style has hardly any leg work, except for some low effective kicks, and reduces the footwork to ‘stepping’ with powerful and effective hits delivered from a solid ‘foundation’.
In Tong Long the ‘full fist’ and knuckles are hardly used when attacking an opponent, placing greater emphasis on the other parts (side and palm) or shapes of the hand (like the ‘one knuckle’ variation) to deliver force to ‘nerve points’ and the more vulnerable areas of the body (like the neck).
Tong Long combines speed and power into some of the fastest and most devastating hits. Southern Praying Mantis Shaolin Wu Shu is free of ‘fancy’ non-effective moves and focuses on practicality, fast, powerful, direct techniques that deliver maximum force, with minimum effort, by returning the energy generated by an opponent back to its sender.
Every technique is designed for maximum power. Breathing techniques and relaxation exercises help harness the internal strength (Chi).
SPM is also known as ‘Sticky Hands’. Constant contact with an opponent through the sense of touch allows control and detection of openings in his/her defence. The style of fighting is ‘close range’. The practitioner prefers to be as close as possible to an attacker, yet far enough away to deliver effective strikes.
Tong Long literally means Praying Mantis and focuses strongly on the improvement and co-ordination of both, body and mind. Maximum results can only be achieved if physical strength is combined with correct breathing and inner power (Chi). Philosophy is an integral part of Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu & Wu Shu.
How has the style changed?
In 2010, after 50 years learning and teaching SPM and Tai Chi, Cotton Palm and Eagles Claw a new style evolved which is called Circular Tong Long. For more information on the new style Click here. Our Style
