Praying Mantis Kung Fu (Tanglangquan, 螳螂拳) is a traditional Chinese martial art with several distinct styles, each with its own lineage. Below is a summary of the major Praying Mantis Kung Fu styles and their lineages:
1. Northern Praying Mantis (Beitanglangquan, 北螳螂拳)
Founder: Wang Lang (王朗), a legendary martial artist during the Ming Dynasty.
Characteristics: Emphasizes quick and powerful hand techniques, deceptive footwork, and a combination of short and long-range attacks.
Main Substyles:
Seven Star Praying Mantis (Qixing Tanglangquan, 七星螳螂拳)
Key Figures: Wang Lang → Li Sanjian → Wang Rong Shen → Fan Xu Dong → Luo Guangyu → Zhao Zhi Min → Li Jin Rong.
Plum Blossom Praying Mantis (Meihua Tanglangquan, 梅花螳螂拳)
Key Figures: Wang Lang → Li Sanjian → Zhang Dekui → Liang Xuexiang → Liang Guang → Song Zide → Feng Huanyi.
Six Harmony Praying Mantis (Liuhe Tanglangquan, 六合螳螂拳)
Key Figures: Wang Lang → Li Sanjian → Zhang Dekui → Liang Xuexiang → Li Zunshen → Jiang Hualong → Zhao Zhuxi.
2. Southern Praying Mantis (Nantanglangquan, 南螳螂拳)
Founder: Wong Yuk Kong (黄玉刚), a martial artist from Guangdong province during the Qing Dynasty.
Characteristics: Known for its emphasis on close-range techniques, powerful strikes, and quick, explosive movements.
Main Substyles:
Chow Gar Praying Mantis (Zhoujia Tanglangquan, 周家螳螂拳)
Key Figures: Wong Yuk Kong → Chow Ah Naam → Wong Ching → Yip Shui.
Jook Lum Praying Mantis (Zhulin Tanglangquan, 竹林螳螂拳)
Key Figures: Wong Yuk Kong → Lau Sui → Lam Sang → Gin Foon Mark.
Chu Gar Praying Mantis (Zhujiatong, 朱家螳螂拳)
Key Figures: Wong Yuk Kong → Chu Fook To → Chu Kwong Wa → Chu Siu Hung.
3. Taiji Praying Mantis (Taiji Tanglangquan, 太极螳螂拳)
Founder: Li Bingxiao, a martial artist during the Qing Dynasty.
Characteristics: Integrates principles of Taijiquan (Tai Chi), focusing on internal energy, soft and hard techniques, and fluid, circular movements.
Key Figures: Li Bingxiao → Liang Xuexiang → Li Zunshen → Zhao Zhuxi → Hao Yueru.
4. Guangban Praying Mantis (Guangban Tanglangquan, 光板螳螂拳)
Founder: Zhang Guangde, a martial artist during the Qing Dynasty.
Characteristics: Focuses on straightforward, powerful movements with minimal ornamentation, emphasizing practical combat techniques.
Key Figures: Zhang Guangde → Zhang Bingdao → Lin Qingyi → Wang Wenkui.
5. Eight Step Praying Mantis (Babu Tanglangquan, 八步螳螂拳)
Founder: Jiang Hua Long, a martial artist in the late Qing Dynasty.
Characteristics: Combines the Seven Star style elements
with unique footwork, emphasizing agility and mobility.
Key Figures: Jiang Hua Long → Zhang Dekui → Feng Huanyi → Wei Xiaotang → Li Zhanyuan.
6. Qixing Tanglangquan (Seven Star Praying Mantis)
Founder: Wang Lang (王朗).
Characteristics: Combines quick hand strikes, locking techniques, and dynamic footwork.
Lineage: Wang Lang → Sheng Xiao →Li Sanjian (c. 1821) → Wang Rong Shen (c. 1854) → Fan Xu Dong (c. 1841) → Luo Guangyu ( 1888-1944) → Zhao Zhi Min ( 1901-2002) → Li Jin Rong ( 1947-2024)
Each style has its specific forms (taolu), techniques, and training methods, but they all share the fundamental principles of Praying Mantis Kung Fu. The lineage is important in understanding the evolution and transmission of techniques and philosophies within the different schools.
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