Background
Kung-fu is a general term that in Chinese means achievement through great effort. While it can be applied to any skill that one develops it has become a popular term for the martial arts that developed in China prior to the current communist government. Although there are many different styles of martial arts that have come out of China , most can be described as being of either northern or southern descent. Those styles that developed in northern China tend to have low stances and utilize a wide range of kicking techniques. The southern styles tend to have a more natural stance and rely more heavily on boxing techniques. There are also some styles of kung-fu which mimic animals in their movements and fighting styles.
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Northern Shaolin
Shaolin Kung-Fu is widely considered to be the Father of all Chinese Kung-Fu. It developed at the five major ancient temples in China as a result of the great teachings of Bodhidharma. Throughout time, many of the temples have been destroyed and only one still remains. Traditional Shaolin Kung-Fu is of Buddhist descent and many Buddhist beliefs are integrated into the study of the art. Shaolin monks worked within the temples while studying Kung-Fu. Most cared only to use their Kung-Fu in self-defense when it was necessary to defend their temple or their master. Over time, countless separate styles and subsystems have branched off of the Shaolin system and philosophy.
Students of Kung-Fu are known for their good deeds, energetic public service, and inspiration as positive role models. Northern Kung-Fu is known for its fluid and powerful kicks, sweeping techniques, and lightning-fast long-range movements. It also has characteristics of long-range hand and foot methodology in addition to an arsenal of ground fighting techniques. Movements are graceful as well as extremely powerful.
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Tai Praying Mantis
The Praying Mantis style of Chinese Kung-Fu imitates the deadly attack and defense techniques of the aggressive mantis insect. The original Praying Mantis style was introduced to the Shaolin Temple some 700 years ago. Four masters of Kung-Fu outside of Shaolin brought their mantis style to the temple. Each of these disciples claimed that their style was superior to the rest. To settle the dispute, the disciples descended into the forest to refine their distinct mantis style.
Four distinct mantis systems evolved and were named after the unique markings on the back of the mantis upon which each style was based. The first had the appearance of seven dots and was subsequently called Shi Shing (chi-ching) Mantis. The second had markings of the plum flower blossom and was thereafter known as Plum Flower Mantis. The third system’s mantis had no markings on its back and was therefore known as Kwong Pan Mantis.
The fourth mantis had the peculiar markings of the Yin and Yang symbol and was named Tai Tsoi Mantis. Tai Tsoi Mantis, also known as Tai Praying Mantis is one of the least known of the original four mantis styles. It is considered, however, to be the most effective of all ancient martial arts styles practiced in the world today.