HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Seven-star Mantis Boxing (Qi Xing Tang Lang Quan) is a legendary style that originated within the walls of the Songshan Shaolin Temple. According to historical manuscripts, the boxing was created by the famous monk Zhan Heng during the Qing Dynasty, who synthesized the 18 palms of King Kinnara with the natural predatory actions of the praying mantis. This 2-DVD set, part of the Boxing Skill Series of Songshan Shaolin, documents the development of the art from its monastic roots to its spread through Shandong and Jiangsu provinces by the secularized monk Guo Qingfang. This program preserves the 17 move types that have been treasured by generations of Shaolin monks, ensuring that the fierce and efficient nature of Mantis Boxing is recorded for posterity.

LINEAGE AND AUTHENTICITY

The technical instruction is provided by Master Shi Decheng, one of the most prominent representatives of contemporary Shaolin wushu. The demonstration of the Technical Routine is performed with the highest level of precision and traditional flavor. The lineage presented here is direct and unbroken, tracing back to the manuscripts that were once hidden from the wicked. This authenticity is vital for practitioners who wish to study the true Shaolin Mantis, which combines the internal depth of Buddhist practice with the external lethality of folk martial arts. The success of this boxing belongs to the person with determination who is never afraid of the bitter practice required to master the White-ape 16 Postures before advancing to the Mantis forms.

TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES AND BIOMECHANICS

Seven-star Mantis Fist is characterized by its rapid, interconnected strikes and its complex hand maneuvers. The technical arsenal mainly includes grabbing, hugging, biting, cutting, sweeping, inserting, and pricking. Biomechanically, these techniques rely on a powerful kinetic chain that coordinates the upper body's Mantis hooks with the lower body's explosive footwork, including shots, hooks, and kicks. Master Shi Decheng emphasizes the generation of Fa-Jin (Explosive Power) through the snapping of the wrists and the rapid rotation of the shoulders. The Form & Applications require a high degree of Body-Sword Integration (applied here to the hands as blades), where the practitioner moves with the agility of a White Ape and the precision of a Mantis.

Combat Application AND STRATEGY

In combat, Seven-star Mantis is known for its relentless pressure and its ability to attack and defend simultaneously. This DVD set provides a detailed breakdown of the 17 move types, showing how each can be used to neutralize and counter an opponent. The strategy involves the principle of Adhere and Follow, where the practitioner uses the Mantis hooks to control the opponent's limbs before delivering a decisive strike. The Fluid Structure of the forms allows for rapid transitions between long-range strikes and close-quarter grappling. By studying this curriculum, the practitioner develops the technical skill necessary to master one of Shaolin's most effective and respected boxing styles, featuring a strict structure that balances both attack and retreat.