Praying Mantis Kung Fu
螳螂拳 (Táng Láng Quán)
Praying Mantis Kung Fu (螳螂拳) is one of the most well-known systems of traditional Chinese martial arts. The style originated in Shandong Province, China, during the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty. According to martial arts tradition, the system was founded by Wang Lang, who is said to have observed the fighting movements of the praying mantis insect and integrated those principles with techniques from several existing martial arts systems.
Praying Mantis Kung Fu is known for its fast and precise hand techniques, continuous striking combinations, trapping methods, and agile footwork. The style emphasizes timing, sensitivity, and controlling the opponent through hooking, seizing, and redirecting force.
Over generations of transmission, the system developed into several major branches, each preserving the core principles of mantis boxing while expressing different training methods and strategies.
Major Branches of Praying Mantis Kung Fu
- Seven Star Praying Mantis (七星螳螂拳 – Qī Xīng Táng Láng)
- Plum Blossom Praying Mantis (梅花螳螂拳 – Méi Huā Táng Láng)
- Six Harmony Praying Mantis (六合螳螂拳 – Liù Hé Táng Láng)
- Secret Door Praying Mantis (秘門螳螂拳 – Mì Mén Táng Láng)
- Eight Step Praying Mantis (八步螳螂拳 – Bā Bù Táng Láng)
- Taiji Praying Mantis (太極螳螂拳 – Tài Jí Táng Láng)
Each branch maintains the essence of mantis boxing while emphasizing particular principles such as speed, structure, internal coordination, or strategic footwork.
Six Harmony Praying Mantis
六合螳螂拳 (Liù Hé Táng Láng Quán)
Our school specializes in Six Harmony Praying Mantis (六合螳螂拳), a traditional branch that combines the characteristic mantis hand methods with the structural strength and internal coordination of the Six Harmonies principle.
Our lineage was transmitted through the line of:
- Ding Zi Chen (丁子成)
- Zhang Xiang San (张祥三)
- Dai Shi Zhe (戴士哲)
Six Harmony Praying Mantis places strong emphasis on whole-body integration, rooted stances, and efficient power generation. While maintaining the characteristic mantis trapping and striking techniques, Liu He Tang Lang is known for its stable structure, powerful short-range strikes, and coordinated body mechanics.
The name “Six Harmonies” (六合) refers to the unity between the external and internal aspects of the body.
The Six Harmonies
External Harmonies (外三合)
- Shoulders coordinate with hips
- Elbows coordinate with knees
- Hands coordinate with feet
Internal Harmonies (内三合)
- Mind coordinates with intention
- Intention coordinates with qi
- Qi coordinates with power
When these six harmonies are unified, the practitioner develops connected movement, balanced structure, and effective power generation throughout the entire body.
Training in Six Harmony Praying Mantis includes:
- Traditional forms (套路)
- Partner drills and two-person sets
- Sensitivity and trapping exercises
- Practical martial applications
- Conditioning and body mechanics training
Through consistent training, practitioners cultivate strength, coordination, awareness, and discipline, reflecting the essence of traditional northern Chinese martial arts.
