what is kung fu?

[NightOwl]

Here's a video with a scissor sweep:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=f3fll41mDjs

I will admit though, I am not a fan of the open stance/wide punches. If I saw that the first thing I would think of doing is stepping in and trying to test out a bit of my new judo. Even another CMA like Bajiquan would take advantage of it. Speaking of which...I would really like to study Bājíquán...

[Kajukenbopr]

Here's a video with a scissor sweep:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=f3fll41mDjs

I will admit though, I am not a fan of the open stance/wide punches. If I saw that the first thing I would think of doing is stepping in and trying to test out a bit of my new judo. Even another CMA like Bajiquan would take advantage of it. Speaking of which...I would really like to study Bājíquán...

If you can learn Bajiquan, make sure u also learn the other "half" of the style as well: piguaquan. I compare these 2 styles with their internal art counterparts: XingYi and Baguazhang

Pigua is complimentary to baji giving it more flowing movements and an ample diversity of attack ranges.

very nice video of meihuaquan

on the open stance and wide punches- the movements in Kung Fu when practiced(specially for Northern Styles), use exaggerated movements for training, and smaller,swifter movements in application- the forms look way over the top, but the applications never lose their style's characteristics and precision.

[avxsk8erpunk]

were u looking for a kung fu style in particular, avxsk8erpunk?

the closest kung fu school teaches Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Praying mantis I think Im going to choose Shaolin but i would like to know more about the two

they are both at the same dojo (i dont know what they are called in chinese) =P

Edited November 29, 2007 by avxsk8erpunk

[bushido_man96]

I have always thought that learning Mantis would be fun. I have read bits and pieces about it, and thought it was kind of interesting.

[Kajukenbopr]

were u looking for a kung fu style in particular, avxsk8erpunk?

the closest kung fu school teaches Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Praying mantis I think Im going to choose Shaolin but i would like to know more about the two

they are both at the same dojo (i dont know what they are called in chinese) =P

you can just say "school" for the "dojo"

Northern Shaolin focuses on long range attacks, which means a lot of movement, kicks, long range hand strikes, agility and speed are crucial.

Praying mantis would help balance out the long range attacks with short range precise attacks.

If you want the high kicks and agility, go with Shaolin, if you want fighting for self defense, Mantis would be the way to go.

[Kajukenbopr]

I have always thought that learning Mantis would be fun. I have read bits and pieces about it, and thought it was kind of interesting.

Mantis practitioners look kinda awkward at firts, but give them an opponent and you will see a challenge in the awkward fighter.

Mantis focuses on forearm and hand techniques, grappling and chin na techniques. The purpose is to get close to the opponent, overwhelm him and either strike him down, or subdue him on the ground.

the hands take the form of a mantis arms(claws) and are used to deflect, control and strike and opponent with ease. Kicks are usually low because of the defensive posture of this style.

divided into 2 groups: northern and southern

northern mantis has more complex footwork.

southern is focused on quick short power.

[NightOwl]

I have always thought that learning Mantis would be fun. I have read bits and pieces about it, and thought it was kind of interesting.

Mantis practitioners look kinda awkward at firts, but give them an opponent and you will see a challenge in the awkward fighter.

Mantis focuses on forearm and hand techniques, grappling and chin na techniques. The purpose is to get close to the opponent, overwhelm him and either strike him down, or subdue him on the ground.

the hands take the form of a mantis arms(claws) and are used to deflect, control and strike and opponent with ease. Kicks are usually low because of the defensive posture of this style.

divided into 2 groups: northern and southern

northern mantis has more complex footwork.

southern is focused on quick short power.

I have an interest in mantis as well. I think that either that, or Baijiquan will be what I practice sometime in the future.

[bushido_man96]

I have always thought that learning Mantis would be fun. I have read bits and pieces about it, and thought it was kind of interesting.

Mantis practitioners look kinda awkward at firts, but give them an opponent and you will see a challenge in the awkward fighter.

Mantis focuses on forearm and hand techniques, grappling and chin na techniques. The purpose is to get close to the opponent, overwhelm him and either strike him down, or subdue him on the ground.

the hands take the form of a mantis arms(claws) and are used to deflect, control and strike and opponent with ease. Kicks are usually low because of the defensive posture of this style.

divided into 2 groups: northern and southern

northern mantis has more complex footwork.

southern is focused on quick short power.

Thanks for the explanations. Now, Northern, or Southern???

[Kajukenbopr]

I have always thought that learning Mantis would be fun. I have read bits and pieces about it, and thought it was kind of interesting.

Mantis practitioners look kinda awkward at firts, but give them an opponent and you will see a challenge in the awkward fighter.

Mantis focuses on forearm and hand techniques, grappling and chin na techniques. The purpose is to get close to the opponent, overwhelm him and either strike him down, or subdue him on the ground.

the hands take the form of a mantis arms(claws) and are used to deflect, control and strike and opponent with ease. Kicks are usually low because of the defensive posture of this style.

divided into 2 groups: northern and southern

northern mantis has more complex footwork.

southern is focused on quick short power.

Thanks for the explanations. Now, Northern, or Southern???

I'm a sellout for northern styles, though if you want something less esoteric, go with southern- its supposed to be the "harder" version of the 2 styles.

[Kajukenbopr]

I have always thought that learning Mantis would be fun. I have read bits and pieces about it, and thought it was kind of interesting.

Mantis practitioners look kinda awkward at firts, but give them an opponent and you will see a challenge in the awkward fighter.

Mantis focuses on forearm and hand techniques, grappling and chin na techniques. The purpose is to get close to the opponent, overwhelm him and either strike him down, or subdue him on the ground.

the hands take the form of a mantis arms(claws) and are used to deflect, control and strike and opponent with ease. Kicks are usually low because of the defensive posture of this style.

divided into 2 groups: northern and southern

northern mantis has more complex footwork.

southern is focused on quick short power.

I have an interest in mantis as well. I think that either that, or Baijiquan will be what I practice sometime in the future.

what draws u to mantis style?

I just recently learned the 2 mantis styles are NOT related other than from names.