The origin of praying mantis kung fu

[Mr. President]

As I understand it, the legend goes that a mediocre martial artist was looking for a way to become the best warrior in China, but was getting beaten again and again. One day he sat under a tree and saw a praying mantis, picked it up and tried to gently prod a twig to see how it would react, and according to that built a new kind of Kung Fu.

Is that the only legend about that or are there others? Also, did anyone actually try it by himself to see how a praying mantis actually reacts?

 

[clfsean]

As I understand it, the legend goes that a mediocre martial artist was looking for a way to become the best warrior in China, but was getting beaten again and again. One day he sat under a tree and saw a praying mantis, picked it up and tried to gently prod a twig to see how it would react, and according to that built a new kind of Kung Fu.

Is that the only legend about that or are there others? Also, did anyone actually try it by himself to see how a praying mantis actually reacts?

You need to re-read the origin story. You're a bit off.

Try this one... http://www.luoguangyu.com/tanglang4.html

 

[Tony Dismukes]

I've read the version several times where the founder prodded a praying mantis with a twig and watched how it defended itself.

I've tried it myself with an actual praying mantis on a couple of occasions. Apparently American praying mantises don't know kung fu. They mostly just ignored me in the hopes I would go away.

 

[clfsean]

I've tried it myself with an actual praying mantis on a couple of occasions. Apparently American praying mantises don't know kung fu. They mostly just ignored me in the hopes I would go away.

BWAHAHAHAHA.... Sounds like it knew my ex-wife.

 

[Tez3]

Are they the beasties who's males get their heads bitten off ( literally) after mating?

 

[clfsean]

Are they the beasties who's males get their heads bitten off ( literally) after mating?

Indeed... gives a whole new meaning to "One Night Stand"

 

[punisher73]

Indeed... gives a whole new meaning to "One Night Stand"

At least you didn't go the "giving head" route