FIRE HAWK
06-25-2001, 08:53 AM
Origions during the Ming dynasty, tought only to member of China's royal family. At that time the system was known as "jew gar" or "royal family" kung fu. With the advent of the Ching dynasty, the Emperor and his family fled to the Norther Shaolin Temple to escape death at the hands of the Manchurian Chings. The Ching forces followed and burned down the Shaolin monastary. The royal family escaped to the Shaolin temple of Southern China. At this time, the government was still persuing Jew Gar practioners as Ming patriots. So the royal family decided to change the name of the style to Southern praying mantis, hoping to trick the Chings into believing that thier style was the same as the popular Northern Mantis. Still, the manchurians pursued and burned the Southern temple. Yet still a few escaped and went into hiding. They became known in Southern China as hakka or "Northern Guests". From that time on, southern mantis was taught secretly only to hakka Chinese, for fear that the Manchurians spies would find them.
Guests at Kwangsi province.
A brief history about Tong Long Kune- Chou Ah-Nan the son of a rich farming family from the province of Canton(Quanzhao), is said to be the founder of the Southern branch Tong Long. When Chou was a teenager, he developed a serious stomach complaint which would not respond to normal treatment. His father sent him away from home in hope that a change of climate would help his problem. But Chou became worse and as fortune had it, he came across a good samaritan who lent him money to see a friend of his, who was a monk. Under the care of the monk Chou was healed.
Chou was still in financial difficulties and as luck had it once again, he found work in the local temple as a cook. As all employees of the temple had to practise Shoalin boxing. Chou started his martial arts training and practised very hard. As in most good Chinese stories there was a temple bully who was fond of picking on Chou. The bully was called Shee.
One day Chou was out for a walk when he heard the distressed calls of a little bird. Chou investigated this noise to find a Tong Long (preying mantis) lifting up it's arms for a final strike. In a blinding instance the little bird was dead. Chou could find no trace of the wounds and realised that there was something special in this method of attack. Chou decided to further study the mantis by poking sticks at it, to study it's little 'fists' as they thrust outward to attack. He studied these technique's and used the technique to defeat Shee.
From that day Tong Long was on it's way to be a most potent martial art. Chou started teaching his new art and accepted a student called Wung, who in turn taught Lau. Lau taught many others after he shifted to Hong Kong his best student was Yeh. Yeh also wrote a book on this system of Tong Long. This story differs from the Northern Tong Long version.
Yeh died some 60 years ago but one of his best students Yip Shiu carried on the style. Yip Shiu used to live in Kowloon it was here that Alistair's Sifu, Yew Tong-Kwong studied Tong Long. Alistair studied under Yew Tong-Kwong (Mr Fong) in Wellington N.Z and with his background in Lo Fu Do, Alistair quickly mastered Tong Long and became Mr Fong's best student.
Alastair then moved to Auckland and decided to combine the two styles Lo Fu Do and Tong Long. And that was the birth of- Ch'i Kune Jow Do Kung Fu.
Introduction to Southern Mantis Kung Fu
Southern Praying Mantis systems are much respected styles of Kung Fu with simpler, more effective techniques than the Northern Mantis variations - designed to inflict maximum damage on an opponent.
Southern Mantis Kung Fu uses a strong stance from which to defend against aggressive attacks. The wrists are used to manipulate the opponent's attack, forcing an opening in their defence allowing for a lethal & devastating counter attack targeted to vital points of the body, destroying nerves, organs and breaking bones - effectively rendering the opponent defenceless. This makes Southern Mantis Kung Fu very dangerous.
The Mantis systems of Kung Fu have developed in both the north and south of China, and are now renowned and practiced world wide. The southern Mantis Kung Fu systems have only recently travelled to the west, where their impact has been quite dramatic. There are four southern mantis systems of Kung Fu
1) Chu Family Southern Mantis Kung Fu
2) Chow Family Southern Mantis Kung Fu
3) Iron Ox Southern Mantis Kung Fu
4) Bamboo Forest Temple Southern Mantis Kung Fu
Bamboo Forest Temple style of Southern Mantis Kung Fu has only recently been taught to westerners. Before this, the knowledge of this mantis system was always kept among the Chinese. Consequently, its fame has mainly been contained within the Chinese community.
Bamboo Forest Temple Southern Mantis Kung Fu was founded by Red Eyebrow Taoist during the Ming dynasty, around the year 1523 AD and was first practiced in the Kwong Sai Bamboo Forest Temple.
After Red Eyebrow passed away, his Southenr Mantis Kung Fu knowledge and skills were passed down to his student Buddha Lee, from Buddha Lee, the teaching was passed down to Cheung Yiu Chung. Cheung Yiu Chung developed himself and skills in Southern Mantis Kung Fu to remarkable standards, and was known through China as the first of the great Canton Tigers ( 10 best fighters in Canton).
On passing away, Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu was taken over by his top student Wong Yu Gong. Wong Yu Gong himself specialised in the training of Iron Ribs. It was said that, during demonstrations he would let someone strike him vigorously in the ribs with an iron bar until the bar bent. Quite a task with a one and a half inch thick bar. On passing away, the secrets of this unique Southern Mantis Kung Fu style were taken over by his student, who's name was Yang Yin.
In the early 60's, Yang Yin emigrated to England. His skills in Chinese cuisine gave him a chance to open a restaurant. In his spare time he would teach Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu.
Around the age of 45 Yang Yin decided to open an alternative medicine practice in London's Chinatown.
The Bamboo Forest Temple style of Southern Mantis Kung Fu involves the knowledge of many medicines. During his life in England, Yang Yin picked up many recommendations and became Sifu to many people across the country whether in teaching Kung Fu, medicine or the spiritual 'Sun Dar'.
Grandmaster Yang Yin was a very respected man in Chinese circles and taught this style of Southern Mantis Kung Fu to over 1000 students (but did not teach Westerners). Unfortunately Grandmaster Yang Yin passed away on October 29th 1997 at 1.00 am in Brompton Hospital, Fulham.
His death brought great sadness to many people and his wisdom was sorely missed. To his son, Fun-Kit Yang, he left the medicine practice and spiritual Sun Dar and the Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu was left to his most respected student, Kim Law.
Priior to this, Kim Law was helping his Sifu teach and now all the generations of responsibility were left to him.
When Yang Yin was alive, he would have had great concern about teaching Kim Law the devastating tequniques of this Southern Mantis Kung Fu style because of his passion for fighting and challenging other styles and masters. Sometimes Yang Yin would stop teaching him until he realised what he was doing was wrong and changed for the better. Although head of Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis, Kim Law has now chosen not to teach. Many masters respect him still because of his years of fighting experience and his physical ability. Master Law still cares about the promotion of Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis and holds meetings with classmates regularly.
In Master Law's short time teaching he did pass on the Southern mantis secrets of Yang Yin to one student, Simon Wong.
Sifu Simon Wong - a 7th Degree Black Sash with the AMA - is the founder of Yellow Dragon Fist Kung Fu; a 7th Generation Master of Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu and the U.K. representative of 100 Day Chi-Gung. He is also the founder of the Rainbow Chi-Gung Institute as well as being a Vajra Master of The True Buddha School of Tantric Buddhism. He has also mastered both the Small & Large Circle styles of Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan. and has studied Wing Chun, Pak Mei & Hung Gar. Sifu Simon Wong has been studying the Martial Arts and Chi-Gung for over 25 years and has been teaching this knowledge to people for over 15 years.
The Fighting Methods Of Bamboo Forest Southern Mantis Kung Fu
Bamboo Forest Temple Southern Mantis Kung Fu is a much advanced and perfectly developed combat system. It is designed around the centreline theory, which forms the basis for its attack and defence strategy. The body is divided into three main regions, the upper, lower and middle regions, and each of these is divided into three further regions, a total of nine target areas. These are known as the "Nine Gates of The Mantis''. This southern mantis kung fu system involves the use of both elbows as a protective shield for the practitioner's upper body, and allows the distancing of the vital organs from attack, by the arching of the back and rib cage.
All defence and attack techniques of this Southern Mantis kung fu style, originate from one main stance from which the southern mantis system draws its strength. It allows a firm foundation for the dominant power and skill of the southern mantis kung fu system, and is used to manipulate an opponent's attack and to force an opening in the defence allowing for reprisal of lethal and devastating effect and permanent damage.
Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu Training Methods
This style of southern mantis kung fu is purely for street fighting, and is not designed to create the particular look of a bodybuilder It is a dangerous and cruel kung fu combat system, relying on internal power and external toughness, which is developed by training and refining the required muscle, bones and power areas in order to achieve the necessary results in every technique.
The southern mantis kung fu training is such that the power of the practitioner cannot be appreciated until physically experienced, a mere visual interpretation of his ability would be most inaccurate. The body is conditioned, in much the same way as that of a prize fighter in bare knuckle boxing, to absorb full power blows.
The whole body is toughened and strengthened with much effort spent on the conditioning of the arms, the main defensive and offensive weapon of the southern mantis kung fu system.
This is achieved by the use of metal rings which are placed around the arm, during training, having the same effect as constantly smashing the arm against a scaffolding tube. This type of kung fu training is required, in conjunction wth special medicine, to create strong bones, tendons and skin , which in turn will create a vicious fighter - the body is conditioned into a deadly southern mantis fighting machine, inspiring the practitioner to greater courage and feeling no pain.
This is not like Karate or Tae- kwon- do practitioners, who build up the dead skin on their arms and legs to deaden pain; in Mantis Kung Fu the skin is still soft and sensitive. It is also unlike the boxing practitoner, who during training retains his gloves and the result is soft bones and skin. For example, when the boxer Mike Tyson punched another boxer off-stage, he broke his opponent's jaw but he broke his own finger too. This is why, when you have the strong bones, tendons and skin, you can make yourself into a vicious and determined fighter.
Powerful Southern Mantis Kung Fu Forms
There are but a few fighting forms in this style of mantis, such as Dang Jong, Sheong Jong, Fatsow. Sang Jing Yeul Queue, Say Moon Ba Qua ancd Ba Moon San Sow.
They involve the incorporation of the main stance Ding Ba Ma with Sang Sow set movements numbering approximately 36, and comprehensive combinations of kicks. The stance is designed so as to distribute bodyweight evenly between both legs so that the point of balance is stably positioned in the middle of the stance. This in turn allows for the possibility of shifting the body in any direction, allowing for both defensive and offensive postures.
In this style of Ssouthern mantis kung fu, Kicks are used in conjunction with arm movements so that the opponent is exposed to simultaneous attacks from both arms and legs, or if need be the practitioner can defend and attack at the same time, blocking upper region attacks, and striking at the opponent's vulnerable lower regions. Emphasis is placed on the use of the low kicks which are most effective and least likely to place the practitioner in a vulnerable position.
The set movements of Bamboo Forest Mantis Kung Fu, make use of short and long range strikes using both combined and single hand techniques. The combination of all these factors produce a system of Kung Fu whose applications can effectively be applied to today's street fighting situations.
Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu Advanced Training Methods
As in all systems of Kung Fu, Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis has its many secrets of which only its most basic will be spoken. Doyi Jong for example is a form of sticking hands often referred to as tempting hands.
It is used to build up power in the arms and also as training to increase sensitivity, so as to feel the direction of an opponent's attack. This system also has its own form of Chi Gung, a form of breathing designed to massage and strengthen the internal organs; with more advanced techniques it is used for IRON PALM. IRON RIB, and IRON SHIRT training which are but a few of its many possible applications.
Mantis power originates from Tan Ging, also known as spring power. It allows immediate release of previously restrained energy in the form of an attack, released in a mere fraction of a second. This form of spring power allows the student to use it as a corresponding response to shock stimulus such as a sudden attack, or as a controlled method of striking an opponent with devastating power. Though powerful and most effective in its own right, this form of spring power is quite basic compared to the Bamboo Forest Temple's own form, which is known as Kin Tan Ging. Kin Tan Ging - The Ultimate Power Of The Mantis.
Kin Tan Ging is a more advanced form of spring power. Few understand its meaning, let alone its application. Some Mantis masters assign specific set movements to develop Kin Tan Ging, but this is totally misleading. Even young children and old people, upon touching something hot, will withdraw their hand very quickly in a reflex action.
The real Kin Tang Ging training involves the training of the nervous system so as to increase the reflex and reaction times of the human body.
Further training in Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu is designed to develop and shape the mind through meditation, to bring out one's sixth sense. By achieving such a state of mind control, one can manipulate the body and call up previously untapped resources. In human terms, this means unlimited power.
An example of Kin Tan Ging is when someone goes crazy. In such a state, even a slightly built women is capable of great power and may need several people to restrain her. However this is not the state we are trying to achieve in our mantis training as n suchh a state the person has no control of themself. Kin Tan Ging on the other hand, will harness them same power but in a controlled way so that your mind is totally focused.
To achieve this is the ultimate goal of Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu; to master it, is to master the most advanced weapon and most guarded secret in the martial arts.
The power of this system was once demonstrated by Master Kim Law who smashed small stones by merely striking them with his index finger. Imagine then, what such a man could do to a human body, if he so desired, as already mentioned, Sifu Simon Wong is Master Law's only student, and he feels very honoured to be taught by such a great man.
Sai Tin San Dar - (Spiritual Style) There is another side to Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu, we have looked at the physical aspects of the style and we now arrive at the spiritual side of things. This style of training is known to the Chinese as Sai Tin San Dar (33rd Heaven). It taps the most mysterious and secret side of the martial arts, of which much is said, but little is known.
San Dar also known as San Gong involves the use of meditation and religious incantations to communicate with spiritual forces. These forces are harnessed by the practitioner so that in times of need the spirits enter the body and protect it from harm, these spirits are the constant guardians of the practitioner, and practitioners of the highest levels of San Dar and have often demonstrated their invulnerability to wounds from weapons such as knives. Knives have been shown to cause no harm to their bodies. San Dar also being used to heal otherwise fatal wounds and to cause many severe illnesses
This style is so potentially dangerous, that only a select few of those study Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu will ever reach this stage of training. Only those students with the highest sense of morality and honesty, and with impeccable characters will ever be considered to be taught this spiritual style.
Traditional Mantis Kung Fu Training
Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu also has a comprehensive weapon training programme, involving the study of the pole form and other weapons such as the broadsword and tiger fork (otherwise known as the Dai Pa). On the more traditional side, a few of the more skilled students are taught the unicorn dance, found only among the Hak Gar dialect people in China, in whose region this style of Kung Fu was founded. It is by tradition totally different to the lion dance.
The lion, an aggressive animal is not allowed to perform its dance within the house as the Chinese consider it to be unfriendly. The Unicorn, a lucky animal in the eyes of the Chinese community, is welcomed into their homes, and is said to bring the occupier good luck and fortune for the future. The Unicorn Dance is often performed in the New Year and during special events and celebrations.
Training At The Yellow Dragon Centre
Until recently, Bamboo Forest Temple southern Mantis Kung Fu was only taught and practiced by the Chinese. However, after the death of Grandmaster Yang Yin, westerners were presented with opportunity to study and learn this system. Classes are now held 7 days a week at the Yellow Dragon Centre. If you are interested in training please contact us at the address shown below, by phone or e.mail.
Some of the information on this page is extracted from a series of articles included in "COMBAT' Martial Arts magazine, British edition November 1988, July 1990 and January 1992.
Master Wong was recently featured on Channel One & CNE Satelite TV Stations regarding Feng Shui, as well as Newsworld & The Chinese Channel Satelite Television, regarding his spiritual consultations. He has appeared live on Capial Radio & News Talk about Chinese astrology & fortune telling and was interviewed over a year ago by a Chinese radio station when he accurately predicted Labour's success in the General Election. He has also acted as a professional advisor for a BBC documentary on Feng Shui. Lately he has been consulted by the Sun regarding John Major & Tony Blair's feng Shui and by the Sunday Mail for celebrities using feng shui in Scotland. A recent success story is the stockbroking firm Peregrine Holdings, who used the services of Master Wong and last year had a turnover of $20 billion!!!
Guests at Kwangsi province.
A brief history about Tong Long Kune- Chou Ah-Nan the son of a rich farming family from the province of Canton(Quanzhao), is said to be the founder of the Southern branch Tong Long. When Chou was a teenager, he developed a serious stomach complaint which would not respond to normal treatment. His father sent him away from home in hope that a change of climate would help his problem. But Chou became worse and as fortune had it, he came across a good samaritan who lent him money to see a friend of his, who was a monk. Under the care of the monk Chou was healed.
Chou was still in financial difficulties and as luck had it once again, he found work in the local temple as a cook. As all employees of the temple had to practise Shoalin boxing. Chou started his martial arts training and practised very hard. As in most good Chinese stories there was a temple bully who was fond of picking on Chou. The bully was called Shee.
One day Chou was out for a walk when he heard the distressed calls of a little bird. Chou investigated this noise to find a Tong Long (preying mantis) lifting up it's arms for a final strike. In a blinding instance the little bird was dead. Chou could find no trace of the wounds and realised that there was something special in this method of attack. Chou decided to further study the mantis by poking sticks at it, to study it's little 'fists' as they thrust outward to attack. He studied these technique's and used the technique to defeat Shee.
From that day Tong Long was on it's way to be a most potent martial art. Chou started teaching his new art and accepted a student called Wung, who in turn taught Lau. Lau taught many others after he shifted to Hong Kong his best student was Yeh. Yeh also wrote a book on this system of Tong Long. This story differs from the Northern Tong Long version.
Yeh died some 60 years ago but one of his best students Yip Shiu carried on the style. Yip Shiu used to live in Kowloon it was here that Alistair's Sifu, Yew Tong-Kwong studied Tong Long. Alistair studied under Yew Tong-Kwong (Mr Fong) in Wellington N.Z and with his background in Lo Fu Do, Alistair quickly mastered Tong Long and became Mr Fong's best student.
Alastair then moved to Auckland and decided to combine the two styles Lo Fu Do and Tong Long. And that was the birth of- Ch'i Kune Jow Do Kung Fu.
Introduction to Southern Mantis Kung Fu
Southern Praying Mantis systems are much respected styles of Kung Fu with simpler, more effective techniques than the Northern Mantis variations - designed to inflict maximum damage on an opponent.
Southern Mantis Kung Fu uses a strong stance from which to defend against aggressive attacks. The wrists are used to manipulate the opponent's attack, forcing an opening in their defence allowing for a lethal & devastating counter attack targeted to vital points of the body, destroying nerves, organs and breaking bones - effectively rendering the opponent defenceless. This makes Southern Mantis Kung Fu very dangerous.
The Mantis systems of Kung Fu have developed in both the north and south of China, and are now renowned and practiced world wide. The southern Mantis Kung Fu systems have only recently travelled to the west, where their impact has been quite dramatic. There are four southern mantis systems of Kung Fu
1) Chu Family Southern Mantis Kung Fu
2) Chow Family Southern Mantis Kung Fu
3) Iron Ox Southern Mantis Kung Fu
4) Bamboo Forest Temple Southern Mantis Kung Fu
Bamboo Forest Temple style of Southern Mantis Kung Fu has only recently been taught to westerners. Before this, the knowledge of this mantis system was always kept among the Chinese. Consequently, its fame has mainly been contained within the Chinese community.
Bamboo Forest Temple Southern Mantis Kung Fu was founded by Red Eyebrow Taoist during the Ming dynasty, around the year 1523 AD and was first practiced in the Kwong Sai Bamboo Forest Temple.
After Red Eyebrow passed away, his Southenr Mantis Kung Fu knowledge and skills were passed down to his student Buddha Lee, from Buddha Lee, the teaching was passed down to Cheung Yiu Chung. Cheung Yiu Chung developed himself and skills in Southern Mantis Kung Fu to remarkable standards, and was known through China as the first of the great Canton Tigers ( 10 best fighters in Canton).
On passing away, Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu was taken over by his top student Wong Yu Gong. Wong Yu Gong himself specialised in the training of Iron Ribs. It was said that, during demonstrations he would let someone strike him vigorously in the ribs with an iron bar until the bar bent. Quite a task with a one and a half inch thick bar. On passing away, the secrets of this unique Southern Mantis Kung Fu style were taken over by his student, who's name was Yang Yin.
In the early 60's, Yang Yin emigrated to England. His skills in Chinese cuisine gave him a chance to open a restaurant. In his spare time he would teach Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu.
Around the age of 45 Yang Yin decided to open an alternative medicine practice in London's Chinatown.
The Bamboo Forest Temple style of Southern Mantis Kung Fu involves the knowledge of many medicines. During his life in England, Yang Yin picked up many recommendations and became Sifu to many people across the country whether in teaching Kung Fu, medicine or the spiritual 'Sun Dar'.
Grandmaster Yang Yin was a very respected man in Chinese circles and taught this style of Southern Mantis Kung Fu to over 1000 students (but did not teach Westerners). Unfortunately Grandmaster Yang Yin passed away on October 29th 1997 at 1.00 am in Brompton Hospital, Fulham.
His death brought great sadness to many people and his wisdom was sorely missed. To his son, Fun-Kit Yang, he left the medicine practice and spiritual Sun Dar and the Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu was left to his most respected student, Kim Law.
Priior to this, Kim Law was helping his Sifu teach and now all the generations of responsibility were left to him.
When Yang Yin was alive, he would have had great concern about teaching Kim Law the devastating tequniques of this Southern Mantis Kung Fu style because of his passion for fighting and challenging other styles and masters. Sometimes Yang Yin would stop teaching him until he realised what he was doing was wrong and changed for the better. Although head of Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis, Kim Law has now chosen not to teach. Many masters respect him still because of his years of fighting experience and his physical ability. Master Law still cares about the promotion of Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis and holds meetings with classmates regularly.
In Master Law's short time teaching he did pass on the Southern mantis secrets of Yang Yin to one student, Simon Wong.
Sifu Simon Wong - a 7th Degree Black Sash with the AMA - is the founder of Yellow Dragon Fist Kung Fu; a 7th Generation Master of Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu and the U.K. representative of 100 Day Chi-Gung. He is also the founder of the Rainbow Chi-Gung Institute as well as being a Vajra Master of The True Buddha School of Tantric Buddhism. He has also mastered both the Small & Large Circle styles of Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan. and has studied Wing Chun, Pak Mei & Hung Gar. Sifu Simon Wong has been studying the Martial Arts and Chi-Gung for over 25 years and has been teaching this knowledge to people for over 15 years.
The Fighting Methods Of Bamboo Forest Southern Mantis Kung Fu
Bamboo Forest Temple Southern Mantis Kung Fu is a much advanced and perfectly developed combat system. It is designed around the centreline theory, which forms the basis for its attack and defence strategy. The body is divided into three main regions, the upper, lower and middle regions, and each of these is divided into three further regions, a total of nine target areas. These are known as the "Nine Gates of The Mantis''. This southern mantis kung fu system involves the use of both elbows as a protective shield for the practitioner's upper body, and allows the distancing of the vital organs from attack, by the arching of the back and rib cage.
All defence and attack techniques of this Southern Mantis kung fu style, originate from one main stance from which the southern mantis system draws its strength. It allows a firm foundation for the dominant power and skill of the southern mantis kung fu system, and is used to manipulate an opponent's attack and to force an opening in the defence allowing for reprisal of lethal and devastating effect and permanent damage.
Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu Training Methods
This style of southern mantis kung fu is purely for street fighting, and is not designed to create the particular look of a bodybuilder It is a dangerous and cruel kung fu combat system, relying on internal power and external toughness, which is developed by training and refining the required muscle, bones and power areas in order to achieve the necessary results in every technique.
The southern mantis kung fu training is such that the power of the practitioner cannot be appreciated until physically experienced, a mere visual interpretation of his ability would be most inaccurate. The body is conditioned, in much the same way as that of a prize fighter in bare knuckle boxing, to absorb full power blows.
The whole body is toughened and strengthened with much effort spent on the conditioning of the arms, the main defensive and offensive weapon of the southern mantis kung fu system.
This is achieved by the use of metal rings which are placed around the arm, during training, having the same effect as constantly smashing the arm against a scaffolding tube. This type of kung fu training is required, in conjunction wth special medicine, to create strong bones, tendons and skin , which in turn will create a vicious fighter - the body is conditioned into a deadly southern mantis fighting machine, inspiring the practitioner to greater courage and feeling no pain.
This is not like Karate or Tae- kwon- do practitioners, who build up the dead skin on their arms and legs to deaden pain; in Mantis Kung Fu the skin is still soft and sensitive. It is also unlike the boxing practitoner, who during training retains his gloves and the result is soft bones and skin. For example, when the boxer Mike Tyson punched another boxer off-stage, he broke his opponent's jaw but he broke his own finger too. This is why, when you have the strong bones, tendons and skin, you can make yourself into a vicious and determined fighter.
Powerful Southern Mantis Kung Fu Forms
There are but a few fighting forms in this style of mantis, such as Dang Jong, Sheong Jong, Fatsow. Sang Jing Yeul Queue, Say Moon Ba Qua ancd Ba Moon San Sow.
They involve the incorporation of the main stance Ding Ba Ma with Sang Sow set movements numbering approximately 36, and comprehensive combinations of kicks. The stance is designed so as to distribute bodyweight evenly between both legs so that the point of balance is stably positioned in the middle of the stance. This in turn allows for the possibility of shifting the body in any direction, allowing for both defensive and offensive postures.
In this style of Ssouthern mantis kung fu, Kicks are used in conjunction with arm movements so that the opponent is exposed to simultaneous attacks from both arms and legs, or if need be the practitioner can defend and attack at the same time, blocking upper region attacks, and striking at the opponent's vulnerable lower regions. Emphasis is placed on the use of the low kicks which are most effective and least likely to place the practitioner in a vulnerable position.
The set movements of Bamboo Forest Mantis Kung Fu, make use of short and long range strikes using both combined and single hand techniques. The combination of all these factors produce a system of Kung Fu whose applications can effectively be applied to today's street fighting situations.
Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu Advanced Training Methods
As in all systems of Kung Fu, Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis has its many secrets of which only its most basic will be spoken. Doyi Jong for example is a form of sticking hands often referred to as tempting hands.
It is used to build up power in the arms and also as training to increase sensitivity, so as to feel the direction of an opponent's attack. This system also has its own form of Chi Gung, a form of breathing designed to massage and strengthen the internal organs; with more advanced techniques it is used for IRON PALM. IRON RIB, and IRON SHIRT training which are but a few of its many possible applications.
Mantis power originates from Tan Ging, also known as spring power. It allows immediate release of previously restrained energy in the form of an attack, released in a mere fraction of a second. This form of spring power allows the student to use it as a corresponding response to shock stimulus such as a sudden attack, or as a controlled method of striking an opponent with devastating power. Though powerful and most effective in its own right, this form of spring power is quite basic compared to the Bamboo Forest Temple's own form, which is known as Kin Tan Ging. Kin Tan Ging - The Ultimate Power Of The Mantis.
Kin Tan Ging is a more advanced form of spring power. Few understand its meaning, let alone its application. Some Mantis masters assign specific set movements to develop Kin Tan Ging, but this is totally misleading. Even young children and old people, upon touching something hot, will withdraw their hand very quickly in a reflex action.
The real Kin Tang Ging training involves the training of the nervous system so as to increase the reflex and reaction times of the human body.
Further training in Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu is designed to develop and shape the mind through meditation, to bring out one's sixth sense. By achieving such a state of mind control, one can manipulate the body and call up previously untapped resources. In human terms, this means unlimited power.
An example of Kin Tan Ging is when someone goes crazy. In such a state, even a slightly built women is capable of great power and may need several people to restrain her. However this is not the state we are trying to achieve in our mantis training as n suchh a state the person has no control of themself. Kin Tan Ging on the other hand, will harness them same power but in a controlled way so that your mind is totally focused.
To achieve this is the ultimate goal of Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu; to master it, is to master the most advanced weapon and most guarded secret in the martial arts.
The power of this system was once demonstrated by Master Kim Law who smashed small stones by merely striking them with his index finger. Imagine then, what such a man could do to a human body, if he so desired, as already mentioned, Sifu Simon Wong is Master Law's only student, and he feels very honoured to be taught by such a great man.
Sai Tin San Dar - (Spiritual Style) There is another side to Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu, we have looked at the physical aspects of the style and we now arrive at the spiritual side of things. This style of training is known to the Chinese as Sai Tin San Dar (33rd Heaven). It taps the most mysterious and secret side of the martial arts, of which much is said, but little is known.
San Dar also known as San Gong involves the use of meditation and religious incantations to communicate with spiritual forces. These forces are harnessed by the practitioner so that in times of need the spirits enter the body and protect it from harm, these spirits are the constant guardians of the practitioner, and practitioners of the highest levels of San Dar and have often demonstrated their invulnerability to wounds from weapons such as knives. Knives have been shown to cause no harm to their bodies. San Dar also being used to heal otherwise fatal wounds and to cause many severe illnesses
This style is so potentially dangerous, that only a select few of those study Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu will ever reach this stage of training. Only those students with the highest sense of morality and honesty, and with impeccable characters will ever be considered to be taught this spiritual style.
Traditional Mantis Kung Fu Training
Bamboo Forest Temple Mantis Kung Fu also has a comprehensive weapon training programme, involving the study of the pole form and other weapons such as the broadsword and tiger fork (otherwise known as the Dai Pa). On the more traditional side, a few of the more skilled students are taught the unicorn dance, found only among the Hak Gar dialect people in China, in whose region this style of Kung Fu was founded. It is by tradition totally different to the lion dance.
The lion, an aggressive animal is not allowed to perform its dance within the house as the Chinese consider it to be unfriendly. The Unicorn, a lucky animal in the eyes of the Chinese community, is welcomed into their homes, and is said to bring the occupier good luck and fortune for the future. The Unicorn Dance is often performed in the New Year and during special events and celebrations.
Training At The Yellow Dragon Centre
Until recently, Bamboo Forest Temple southern Mantis Kung Fu was only taught and practiced by the Chinese. However, after the death of Grandmaster Yang Yin, westerners were presented with opportunity to study and learn this system. Classes are now held 7 days a week at the Yellow Dragon Centre. If you are interested in training please contact us at the address shown below, by phone or e.mail.
Some of the information on this page is extracted from a series of articles included in "COMBAT' Martial Arts magazine, British edition November 1988, July 1990 and January 1992.
Master Wong was recently featured on Channel One & CNE Satelite TV Stations regarding Feng Shui, as well as Newsworld & The Chinese Channel Satelite Television, regarding his spiritual consultations. He has appeared live on Capial Radio & News Talk about Chinese astrology & fortune telling and was interviewed over a year ago by a Chinese radio station when he accurately predicted Labour's success in the General Election. He has also acted as a professional advisor for a BBC documentary on Feng Shui. Lately he has been consulted by the Sun regarding John Major & Tony Blair's feng Shui and by the Sunday Mail for celebrities using feng shui in Scotland. A recent success story is the stockbroking firm Peregrine Holdings, who used the services of Master Wong and last year had a turnover of $20 billion!!!