Hello EarthDragon, I just wanted to applaud you for teaching a great system, 8 step mantis with a very reasonable amount of hand forms, 5. I began my training with Shaolin Kenpo for 4 years and then trained with my instructors' Sifu for almost eight years in CCK Tai Chi Praying mantis kung fu. I practice nine hand forms and the basic weapons, staff, broadsword, spear, and jian. There are 12 hand forms and more weapon forms than I could easily count in CCKTCPM. In all the time that I studied with my teachers in CCKTCPM We only practiced applications about 5 times and it was not even half a class. Finding an instructor in Massachusetts that is willing to teach a Chinese system for self defense is rare. Your students are lucky to find such an enlightened teacher. I truly agree with your training philosophy and methods. Regards, Steve Harris