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Introduction
to the Mantis System by Sifu Paul Brennan
The
traditional Mantis system is not about learning multiple
techniques in a short period of time. In the first one
to two years, earth foundation and bridge training are
the main areas to build on. No matter what the human
body has done prior, it will still require its power
changed to be effective in this system.
Stance
The Mantis stance places the feet approximately shoulder
width apart, with the distance between the heel of the
front foot and the toes of the back around 1 foot apart.
The stance does not sink and spring on the knees, instead
it pulls the pelvis forward and then up to provide even
tension between the front and back legs. This stance
activates the gluteal muscles (rump) to provide stability
around the pelvic area. The crucial part of this stance
however is to develop smooth and fast tension and release,
enabling you to move freely but able to strongly grip
the earth when required.
Bridge
Five-element bridge training (up, down, inward,
outward and forward) is developed in the beginner
in two ways. The first exercise trained to develop
this power is the basic Chy Sow (or 'grinding arm'-
of which there are 18 variations) that develops
forward power in particular. All people naturally
have this power; Chy Sow training however realigns
the positioning of the elbow joint for the expression
of this power and teaches the student to coordinate
the body to produce a much stronger, more controlled
movement.
At
a later time in the student's training another
power Jong (Jongs are simply patterned 2-man exercises),
Hoi Kui Jong, is introduced to enhance the forward
power.
The
remaining four powers are trained through Doi
Jong. Unlike forward power, these remaining powers
are not natural to the human body and must be
diligently trained. Up, down, inwards and outwards.
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Use
of the waist
During bridge and stance development, fighting techniques
are also trained but become easier, sharper and stronger
as strength builds from within the body. To achieve
this internal strength, proper practice teaches the
use of the waist, an area that only comes with correct
and continual training.
In
some modern Martial training today, the rippled abdominal
muscles are what people strive to achieve. In the Mantis
system and several other traditional styles however,
the stomach gradually becomes rounded through hard training.
To
achieve this shape, the air inside the torso must be
compressed then trained with the inner lining of the
stomach. This takes great effort and repetition, but
eventually will develop what is called 'Iron Shirt'
(Tit Chi Gong or Gnarn Chi Gong) and enable the body
to produce more power in kicks and hand techniques while
being able to better withstand strikes from an opponent.
By learning and controlling this part of the body, it
is then possible to transfer more power to the extremities.
Kicking
Extending from the focus on a strong stance as crucial
to power generation in this system, use of the legs
(for kicking, trapping and hooking) is kept low and
primarily aimed at points on the legs and pelvis of
an opponent, with some attacks directed at waist and
torso level. The legs, like the rest of the body, have
their own particular bridge training exercises to enhance
these moves.
This
is just a quick overview of the system and some of what
is involved. Traditional Mantis is hard work every time
you train, but the system when trained properly keeps
all parts of the body healthy and strong to ensure the
diligent practitioner remains effective until well into
advanced years of age.
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The Chow Gar style
Chow
Gar Tong Long is a member of a family of Southern
Praying Mantis styles of kung fu. The system largely
consists of close range hand techniques and sharp, powerful
kicks generally below waist height.
The
true power of the Chow Gar system is in the development
of speed, power and accuracy which is later coupled
with the cultivation of Ging Lik (loosely translated
into "shock power") that enables the expert practitioner
to generate devastating power in a matter of inches
and focus the strike on one of the many vulnerable areas
of an opponents body.
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In
conjunction with the development of Ging Lik,
the practitioner develops Iron Shirt which
cultivates internal power to allow the practitioner
to withstand strikes from an opponent without
harm to internal organs and vital systems.
There
are parallels between Chow Gar and other southern
systems such as Pak Mei and Lung Ying
Mor Kiu, including the use of simple, direct
and aggressive attacks with simultaneous defence.
Chow Gar tends to use narrow upright stances compared
with the common low northern Shaolin stance.
The
greatest difference of the Mantis style to other
Southern systems is in the generation of Kiu
Sao (bridge arms). By using the coordinated
strength of a strong stance, powerful waist, rib
power and elbow strength, the expert Mantis practitioner
develops a guard that is both heavy and alive.
This means the practitioner can change from defence
to attack in an instant by "feeling" an opponent's
intention then simultaneously countering and overpowering
it.
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Students
train the fundamental elements of the system to
develop power, and learn to focus this efficiently;
combining the elements of strength and speed,
like the attack of the Mantis. Combining this
with Chi Kung (Qi Gong) or internal training develops
a healthy body and strong mind.
Hand
techniques and forms teach movement patterns and
focus power or chi, while two-person training
drills illustrate the application of the techniques
and develop a feeling for the power and energy
of an opponent's movements.
There
are few high kicks in Chow Gar, rather the style
concentrates on techniques for close in-fighting
utilising powerful rapid strikes. After a time,
training develops shock power or short power.
At this advanced level the body is working as
a coordinated whole and is able to accurately
channel incredible force in short, devastating
movements.
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Class
Etiquette
Training is taken seriously. Development
of skill in the Southern Mantis systems demands dedication
and commitment. To foster a class atmosphere that will
help everyone get the most out of their involvement
with the school, Sifu asks that the following guidelines
be observed:
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1.
Arrive a little early to training. Classes
start promptly at 6:15pm and it is disruptive
to Sifu and your fellow students to arrive once
the class has started. Everyone gets held up from
time to time- just don't make a habit of it.
2.
Turn mobile phones off during class.
3.
Never touch any of the weapons unless invited
by Sifu or a senior student.
4.
There is time to talk with other students after
class. Be polite and friendly but remember
that people are there to train.
5.
Always refer to Sifu Paul Brennan as "Sifu".
Throughout years of training he has earned
this honour.
6.
Listen to Sifu or Sihing (senior students).
Don't make excuses or be disrespectful when
a senior is explaining a technique- stop training
and try to understand what they're trying to help
you with.
7.
Concentrate on your own training. Try not
to breed the spirit of competition with fellow
students - the real challenge lies within yourself.
8.
Swearing and joking are in-appropriate while
in class.
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