Although, Tai Chi Praying Mantis (TCPM) is primarily a striking art, many moves (Sau Fa) end in takedown. Sigung Chui Chuk Kai used to say "a superb strike isn't as nice as a superb fall."

Takedowns are very effective, because lots of people don't know how to fall. One can easily get a concussion or break a limb. Then the fight is over.

Tai Chi Praying Mantis also believe strongly in that very combination or strike has a counter (only things that can't be countered is speed.) The takedown can easily be countered by the fall. So he who has experties in falling obviously has an advantage.

As for the grappling phenomenon, to be honest we are not martial sport, it is view as a lack of experties to get to that point. It is perfectly fine for training purpose. Especially for agility, many agile NHB figthers come out victorious simply becase of being agile. Get into a self defense situation with a sporting mindset, quite frankly, you are heading for disaster.

Beside the 64 Sau Fa, TCPM also uses the Ground Mantis (Tei Tong Long) to train for ground fighting situations. This set has a section of sisscors legs (2 - 4 0f them) which I believe is where all the ground fighting techniques are hidden in. There is a believe that every Mantis set has a two mened mirror set. Currently only 2 men Bum Bo set remains. It is quite possible that the Ground Mantis's two mened set was lost as well. Personally, I think Mantis were one time very formidable amongst other styles was that they trained with a partner at all times. By this simple training practice, they gain the benefit of realistic drills (full speed and power) over and over again. Can you not be good if you are at it every day 2 to 3 hours constant drilling like that? Isn't it why the Boxing, KickBoxing, and NHB people critize Kung Fu. Somewhere along the line our training practices were changed. Isn't it time for us Kung Fu people
to look into this seriosly again?

Tai Chi Praying Mantis is a martial art system which is self defense oriented. Anyone who is familiar with Sigung Chui Chuk Kai knows that he had his share of real combat encounters. He quite often talked about dirty tactics in combat, too. It was his wish to see it remains practical.


Peace to all

Mantis108



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