If any 8 Step practitioner(s) can provide further insight on the essential forms (1-6). From what I have read in the archives, it is the heart of the 8 Step Praying Mantis system created by Master Chiang Hua Long with Master Wang Zhong Qing and Master Chen De Shan. It combines Plum Blossom Praying Mantis with Bagua, Hsing-Yi and Tong Bei.
I did not find any in depth information on these forms. Any insight will be greatly appreciated.