Reggie1--pong lai martial arts is a compendium of taiji, plum blossom, secret door, 7*, with a bit of 8 step. i know a few 7* sets and i think a big advantage is the relentless attacking. doing these sets over and over and over teaches one how to link these attacks all together quickly. very POW-POW-POW-POW-POW. this sect of mantis is relatively new and considered easier than the others.
study anything else to help your mantis? i think taijichuan is an excellent compliment to any MA. especially since you practice an external style.
"If you practice praying mantis, women will like you."--Shi Zheng-Zhong