1. Duo (Dou 擢) - Seizing/Controlling
Description: This principle focuses on controlling and trapping the opponent's limbs to neutralize their attacks and create counterattack openings. The goal is to seize control, restricting their movement and ability to strike.
Techniques: Techniques include grabs, locks, and holds that immobilize the opponent.
2. Lou (Lau 捋) - Grabbing/Holding
Description: Lou emphasizes maintaining a firm grip on the opponent, unbalancing them, and preventing their escape. This principle is crucial for setting up throws and joint locks.
Techniques: Techniques include gripping and pulling the opponent in various directions.
3. Gua (Gwa 掛) - Hanging
Description: Gua involves techniques that hang onto the opponent's limbs or body, disrupting their balance and structure. These movements can pull the opponent down or off their center of gravity.
Techniques: Techniques include hooking and pulling motions that unbalance the opponent.
4. Kou (Gau 勾) - Hooking
Description: Kou is the act of hooking with hands or feet to manipulate the opponent's limbs or body. This principle creates opportunities for strikes or throws by off-balancing the opponent.
Techniques: Techniques include hooking strikes and pulls that redirect or destabilize the opponent.
5. Tiao (Tiu 挑) - Lifting
Description: Tiao involves lifting techniques designed to uproot the opponent and disrupt their stance, making them vulnerable to further attacks.
Techniques: Techniques include lifting the opponent's limbs or body to break their balance.
6. Dian (Din 點) - Pointing
Description: Dian refers to precise strikes aimed at vulnerable points on the opponent's body. This principle emphasizes accuracy and effectiveness.
Techniques: Techniques include pinpoint strikes to sensitive areas such as eyes, throat, or joints.
7. Lai (Loi 攔) - Intercepting
Description: Lai focuses on intercepting the opponent's attacks before they can fully develop. This principle involves anticipating and meeting their strikes with counterattacks or defensive actions.
Techniques: Techniques include blocking, parrying, and redirecting the opponent's strikes.
8. Zhan (Jan 粘) - Adhering
Description: Zhan emphasizes sticking and adhering to the opponent, maintaining continuous contact to control their movements and sense their intentions.
Techniques: Techniques include close-contact maneuvers that stick to the opponent's limbs or body.
9. Tie (Tik 貼) - Pressing
Description: Tie involves applying constant pressure on the opponent, restricting their movement and breaking their structure. This principle includes pushing, pressing down, or applying force to specific areas.
Techniques: Techniques include pushing and pressing actions that keep the opponent off balance.
10. Nian (Nin 粘) - Sticking
Description: Nian is similar to Zhan but focuses more on the tactile sensitivity required to stick to the opponent and follow their movements closely. This principle helps in maintaining control and exploiting openings.
Techniques: Techniques include close-range maneuvers that follow the opponent's movements closely.
11. Beng (Bing 崩) - Crashing
Description: Beng involves explosive, crashing techniques designed to overwhelm the opponent with power. This principle emphasizes sudden, forceful movements to break through defenses and deliver impactful strikes.
Techniques: Techniques include powerful, crashing strikes and movements that disrupt the opponent's defenses.
12. Cui (Chui 摧) - Breaking
Description: Cui focuses on breaking the opponent's structure or limbs. This can involve joint locks, throws, or strikes aimed at causing physical damage or rendering the opponent incapable of continuing the fight.
Techniques: Techniques include joint locks, throws, and breaking strikes that incapacitate the opponent.
These twelve keyword principles form the foundation of Praying Mantis Kung Fu, guiding practitioners in both training and combat. Mastery of these principles enables practitioners to execute techniques with precision, power, and effectiveness.
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