Highest Form

[Hoi Fong]

In praying mantis is there a highest form as such ?
I ask because on the net there are many lists but the order is scattered.

Thank you

Why ask just practise and you shall know

[Ego_Extrodinaire]

Hi there,

It's hard to know what you mean by the "highest form". Each form teaches different things. You can't appreciate Zar Yao if you haven't mastered the Bung Bu level.

Maximus Materialize!

[Hoi Fong]

But there are six Zhao Yao ...which one ?

Why ask just practise and you shall know

[baldmantiz]

ego is right about the forms. there are 5 in 8 step (actually a few more, but the 5 are the ones taught to most students) and each one emphasizes a different aspect of mantis. for example, lan ji emphasizes the trapping and pulling aspect.

To know others is to have knowledge. To know oneself is to be enlightened.

[mantis108]

...you are looking at the finger pointing to the moon.

With all due respect, any form can be the "highest". Consider this - "How many versions of Bung Bo (Crushing Steps), Lan Jeet (Barricade and Intercept), Baat Jow (Eight Elbows) and Jak Yiew (Highlights of Systems) are out there?" The same Bung Bo is way different in modern WuShu and Kung Fu. Among all the Mantis (Kung Fu) groups there are again many differences in details and intent. Praying Mantis is a martial art, it is for the artist to discover not to judge.

Mantis108

Contraria Sunt Complementa

[wisdom mind]

big respects!

"any form can be the highest"......

this is a very thought provoking statement,
it will be my meditation in form practice

thanks