chris_มวยไทย said:
hi ,
ive always wanted to do northern mantis , i like the fluidity of the techniques and how effective they are and how easy it is to get someone to the floor and i just have a few questions:
1. what kind of techniques are used
2. is it hard to get the hang of
3. how long does it take for most schools to grade
4. how many techniques do most schools teacht before you grade
any help apreciated
chris
Hi Chris, Its good to hear of people interested in mantis kung fu. I agree with mantis in his answers so I will attempt to offer a few different answers myself.
1.) Mantis is, depending on your sifu and lineage, an extremely close fighting system so you will see alot of elbows, knees, attacks to the joints, and takedowns/throws. There are alot of simultaneous attacks with hands and feet as well as elbows/knees, etc. There is alot of grabbing, but its not a prolonged holding grab, but a grab to trap, pull off balance, lock, etc. Most grabs are quickly released for a strike or break. It focuses heavily on center of balance and keeping your opponent off balance. I would suggest doing a search here on MT for mantis kung fu or the like. You will find much information regarding the fighting aspects of mantis kung fu.
2.) Yes and No. It is a very large system with alot of techniques involved. However it is not driven by techniques but governed by principles. Therefore it is easy to "catch on" and begin practicing, yet takes many lifetimes to truly master (and sadly I only have one). It is quite effective early on for realistic self defense, yet the true skill is a lifelong learning process. Like anything else it is taught much differently according to the understanding and teaching styles of your sifu. There are bad schools and good schools, forms schools and fighting schools, etc. Normally a new student learns basics and conditions the body, builds strength and speed, develops sensitivity and learns to read and judge their opponents movements....then the "real" kung fu comes later!
3.) All CMA schools are going to be different in grading and promoting. Some have belt systems, some do not. Generally speaking, mantis schools are not focused on grading and belt levels. If a school does have a sash system it is most likely not the same as any other mantis school, unless of course they have chosen to cordinate for some reason.
4.) Again, schools will all be different. Depending on their focus and ciriculum they may require mroe techniques, forms, or applications. We all have our own personal biases if you will on what we think should be required, you must find what fits you best. Mantis is a system that teaches forms, so you can expect to learn forms for gradings. Normally mantis schools will require some type of application or fighting fairly early on, probably not the first few gradings though.
I hope this helps you out a bit. Do share what school or Sifu you are looking at training under and we may be able to shed some light on their focus or reputation (not that it really matters).
7sm
