Before class I talked to the chin na instructor about Praying Mantis Kung Fu. I’ve been considering it as a martial option and I now think I have my answer. Given that I’m in the area for at least 2-4 years–and that for part of that time I plan to still maintain taekwondo skills and boxing at home–it does not look like it’s worth it.
He told me that he’s taught people from karate and taekwondo before. Anyone who has had 3-5 years in either are MUCH harder to teach Mantis to than someone with zero martial arts experience. Most of the problem is with the footwork and apparently Mantis is drastically different than karate or taekwondo. So he has to spend an inordinate amount of time teaching you how to unlearn that which you already know.
Another problem: It takes about 3 years to test out of basic Mantis. You are not taught two man sets or much sticking until you get basic down. Also, the chin na is minimal–especially at basic.
If I knew I’d be in this area another 10 years I might commit. As it stands I’m better off maintaining my striking skills in dojang garage and practicing my forms. In the meantime my goal is to test out of chin na basic which takes a year. I get tons more chin na than Mantis and it fits almost seamlessly with the striking I know. It also covers a weakness that taekwondo has: In-fighting.
When (and if) we move I’ll see what fate brings me. For now chin na is a darn good place holder until I move on to my next martial art!
Now on to chin na!
We reviewed wrap hands 1 & 2. The funny thing is just as soon as I think I’ve learned something they add a new level to the techniques in the next class. Tonight’s correction: I was not stepping far enough to the side before applying the locks. The way I was doing it left my groin open which is not a good thing. I was also showed how you can still block a punch from the side while in mid-grip.
Two new techniques:
- White Crane Covers Its Wings
- Forward Turning Elbow
Crane is new finger chin na that has you grabbing fingers and stepping off to the side while turning in and down. While doing that you slide your free hand under their arm and press down on your gripping hand. When you do this with full intent the attacker ends up with broken fingers. Oh and it still hurts like hell if you don’t break! (trust me on that observation!)
Forward has you sticking to a punch and sliding towards the meaty part of the attacker’s hand while they attempt to retract. When you get hold of the meaty part you ride the retraction in and goose neck their wrist while controlling their elbow with your other hand. The press comes from pressing the goose neck against your body while slightly twisting the wrist and maintaining their elbow. Done correctly this one hurts like hell too. I’m not sure I could break the wrist on this one but from the way it was taught the intent seems to be destroying ligaments. This I can see.
Past that my fingers and wrists are sore!
~BCP
2 responses so far ↓
Matt (Ikigai) // July 24, 2008 at 9:21 AM
Nice assessment! I like how you evaluated Mantis fairly, stating that it wasn’t the right choice for you at this time, instead of suggesting that Mantis is an inferior style (a very easy train of thought to fall into when discussing other martial arts than one’s own).
Bob Patterson // July 24, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I try not to play the “your art is better than mine” game if possible. I think all of them have value and you need to consider what you want out of it (exercise, self-defense, sport, being a pro fighter, etc.). You also need to find an art that fits with your body type, physical abilities, moral outlook, etc.
From what I’ve seen of their Mantis it looks VERY challenging for sure. I just don’t think I can do it or the instructor the justice deserved, given my uncertainty about how long I’ll be in the Midwest.
Side note but I’ve been pretty critical of taekwondo. Given I have a 1st dan in it at least I try to practice what I preach.