7 Star Praying Mantis

Lee Kam Wing 7 Star Mantis

7 Star Mantis was developed from Northern Shaolin appoximatey 300 years ago. Taking the best from 18 different styles the system spread quickly with a reputation for champion fighters.

After 1909 Mantis spread to South China and then slowly spread across the world. It also took on additional elements of training influenced by the Chin Wu Athletic Association

Today you will find mantis to be one of the most complete systems in existance. It has internal and external training, weapons, locks, throws and much much more. A real mixed martial art.

7 Star Mantis Empty Hands

7 Star Mantis Training

Mantis Kung Fu uses a set of keywords as the basis for the empty hand techniques. There are 12 basic keywords which are expanded to 31 which cover key techniques and principles for applying them. The basci 12 are Au (hook) Lau (grapple) Tsai (Pluck), Kwa (Hang), Sim (Evade), Bung (Crush), Pek Da (Strike Forwards), Jim (Contact) Lim (cling), Tip (attach) Kao (lean) and Teng Nuo (bounce).

Forms or pre-arranged movement sets also play an important role in Mantis. The fighting forms are designed to train speed, combinations and fitness and are very different to most other martial arts styles. Two person rountines alao play an important role in both conditioning and unlocking the key techniques and counters. Two man forms are used as a bridge between forms and sparring.

As with all Shaolin based systems you will find the four categories of fighting techniques. Striking, Leg techniques, Throwing and Locking. Our training also includes self defence applications, pad drills, sparring drills, conditioning, fitness and qigong to provide students with a complete and interesting course of study.

7 Star Mantis Weapons Training

Classical Weapons display

Weapons training is considered very important in Chinese Martial Arts. The four core weapons are the Staff, Sabre, Spear and Straight Sword. Once these are understood generally double weapons and flexible weapons are added to round out the students skills. In our Mantis system we ahve 16 different weapons for students to learn with the idea being that each student will have a general knowledge of each but specialise in one or two.

Although weapons training is not a neccessary today as it was in the past, it is still invaluable for both physical development as well as understanding how to defend against armed attackers. Once understood the principles can be transfered to everyday items.

San Da

Sanda or San Shou is Chinese Kickboxing. Chinese kickboxing is based on some of the traditional kung fu techniques but with rules to avoid serious injury. The techniques cover punching, kicking and throwing and are considered full contact. Thier is also a light contact version which is popular in the west called Qing Da. We don't currently have a dedicated class for this training but we do spend time on kickboxing as part of the Mantis Kung Fu classes.

Sanda technique

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