Praying Mantis Boxing

Praying Mantis Boxing is one of the Chinese imitative boxing styles. It is said to have been created by Wang Lang, a Shandong native of the Liang Dynasty under Emperor Wu's rule. Inspired by the praying mantis' aggressiveness in its stalking of a cicada, Wang Lang created the boxing based on Shaolin Long Boxing and taking a cue from the insect's quick and agile attacking movements with its front long legs.

Praying Mantis Boxing is characterized by its inclusion of the features of both long and short boxing styles, fusion of toughness and softness, and the intrepid and fast movements. One of the basic hand postures of Praying Mantis Boxing is the "praying mantis hook", which is exactly like the front claws of the praying mantis. In terms of body postures, the boxing practitioner is supposed to be flexible in the waist and arms, and stable below the buttocks. This posture is what is called "shaking branches on a stable root" or "moving the waist, not the hips”. The movements of the boxing symbolize the courage of the praying mantis that shows no fear even in front of a carriage. In the boxing, short yet quick strikes of the hands and continuous movements are quite common. The quick attacking nature is characteristic of the praying mantis. Routines with weapons include those involving sticks, swords and double hooks etc.   

There are two styles of Praying Mantis Boxing—the northern and southern styles. The northern style boxing is practiced in and around Jiaodong of Shandong Province. The southern style boxing is also known as "the Zhou Family Praying Mantis Boxing", which is said to have been created in the Qing Dynasty by Zhou Yanan from Guangdong. It is similar to other styles in the south.