MantisQuarter y training accord- ing o the Five External and Five Tncernal Elements (see Mantis Quarter Vol. 3, sues | and 2), the Mantis Boxer ensures balanced and fective development of physical aributes. To direct the focus of che borer tothe execution of technique, Tanglang ‘Quan teaches of the past have aught the fighter to direct his arention to developing speed and coordination, Called the Three Speeds (San Kui) and the Three Areainments (Gan Dao), these guide lines give dhe Mancis Boxer a method for moving from physical development ro the development ofthe ‘uals that must be inherent in fighting technique fori 0 be effective The San Kusi, which include Show Kuai (che speed of the hands), Bu Kuai (the speed of che steps), and Jiao Kuai (the speed of the feet), encompass the foundational weapons of the Mantis boxer: the hands and feet and the spe that carry them into and away ‘opponent, ‘Shou Kuai: The speed of the hands ‘Without question, ic isan advantage vo have fast hands, egardis ofthe syle of arial ats cone practices, However, in Tanglang Quan, developing this ability x ese, at many of the techniques are ineffective without superior hand speed. Suecenflly deflecting ad grab bing an opponents rte or anacking ino the guatd oft opponent to tap him before he can frat requires superior peed, Without I an attempt at ether ofthese tacts gives the oppo- ‘ent the opportunity to evade or counters The Thre Fst (an Kuo) re an essential por of Tanglang Quan. Here the ote Tenglng mester Brendan La, who was lamou for he exoordnary speed performs the Mands Catches Coda movement. Superior hand sped in Tanglang Quan is developed through repetition of ech technique or combination, bath slowly and ar fll peed in Ses sions with an opponent and without. The body ‘mst learn to selax to achove maximum speed, and physical relaxation while performing a tsk an be Achieved only when the body becomes familar with a movement. Family is gained through repetition with precize accirsy. Spi then achieved when repetition has given the boxer an inuiive grasp of precisely how a technique is done Bu Kuai: The speed of the steps Fas foomork ithe allatk ofthe Westen Boxee The weapons ofan opponent wing Tanglang Quan arr more aie and eda mang fiecie Roorwdk to erry one ino the fade tnd ule defense even more vial Tn “Tanglang Quan, Est fcework suis both acro- tic condoning and profound log strength, Man- ts Boning forwore must be fn excetion,hn Duty performs counter sti 0 Andrew ‘Mordecai obs The efectvenes ofthe counter depends on pas toning and great speed bur to continue che ight, must also encompass radical changes in stance height, upper and lower body dodging maneuver, the execution of kicks, sand smooth transitions fom kicking “To achieve aerobic conditioning and develop leg-strength, many schools of Mantis Boxing trun using lower stances than those used in actu- combat. Spending hours on foorwork training in the Yu Huan Bu (fade Ring Stance) is com ‘mon faze for mainland school. Beyond thar, the ability 0 angle, spin, leap and dop to low-level postures or spring from low-level to high-level stances must hecome second nature tothe aspir- ing Mantis Boxer. iao Kuai: The speed of the kicks he les are far more powerful than the arms and can deliver devastating blows, which is why many martial ae specalice in training kicks. However, ina fighting environment not limited by rules, kicking isa dangerous maneuver for any fgheer Most of the time, the Fighter who kicks is preca- iousy bulnesd on one leg, and during che recor cry time from an unsuccesful kek, a Bigher i very vulnerable Therefore, speed i ental for effectively using kicks in combat. Mantis Boxers rarely kick without the sup port ofthe hands to distact oto delay defen- 2 | manisquariery sive responses, so by design, they ate not ax vue erable to counters a those in many other sys- tems. However, the aspiting boxer should devel- ‘op kicking speed with the same decermination as hand speed. The reason fo this is evofold First, i eemendously increases the possibility of effective kicking if, ar the hands are attacking or distracting, the foot strikes with the sime blinding speed. Second, ifthe kick ie slower than the steps or hands, che fighter must slow his overall pace i combat to adjust to the slow- cr speed ofthe kick Kicking speed is gained dough practicing kicks both singly and in combination with hand technique. Insincively knowing the right ‘moment to kick in combination with hand sche niques and foorwork for just one kind of kick takes thousands of repetitions. Considering that ‘most Tanglang Quan siyles have over 20 diferent and disinedy ergeted kicking maneuver, ee clea tat a great deal of ime must be devoted to ning the familiarity necessary for efective hick ing speed, even when using only a few of chem, Conclusion Training the San Kua in its entirety is fie essential step in developing Mantis Boxings Fighting technique. There are boxers who find a single aspect of the three at which they eed, for instance, kicking, and develop that aspect undl they are succesful by relying predominantly tapon tha talent. However, these individuals are tare and gifted exceptions wha combine thee gift with 2 grucling ersining regime that enables them to utilize cher unique natural abilities. For most aspiring boxers, che eaditional and proven pach ofthe San Kaa’ isthe best way to master Tanglang Quan. Balanced tsining to achieve speed in hand techniques, footwork and kicking Will gve the Mantis Boxer a strong sar on the path toward mastery. A boxer who ean advance upon an opponent instantly and change his angle and stance height in a moment i dfficlt to attack or defend against. The fighter who ean iniace attacks with his hands without telegraphing his inentions acspeeds that force che opponent to Focus solely upon defense achieves an important measure of safxy when in close combat with an ‘opponent. Finally, when the boxer can kick with speed equal ro that ofthe hands and footwork, the opponent can be overwhelmed wih simulta: cous multi-level attacks. “The San Kul isa treasure of Mantis Boxing heritage and a valuable guide for taining. elke the other theories of Tanglang Quan, should be About the Author ‘Situ Robert Hui begon his ‘ang F toning nthe Sut ‘em Dragon and Bak et {ls 1972 under the te ‘Sl Chow and in 1965 he Inet Galen Fok who ino cdaced hi tothe at of Yi CN Proving Manes 5 Hl stud ‘ed under the kote Gondnas- ter Ohi Chuk Kan Hong ong fom 1987 0 1991 Cr. ent hes escarcing ond ‘ecching Chis Chik Ka TiC ‘Prying Mant in Yeonkie, [NWT Cored Cort Si ul ‘at stu ginteorthcom. Mamizcusty | 3“Tanglang, Neigong study in Tangang i a well thovughe ou ehrecfold path Ie begins with Shun Jing Zeng Li, which i building foundation ‘with harmonizing power and increasing strengch Tt-continues on to Xi Da Ji Gong. gaining experince dough practice and fighting to accumulate merits. The Final step is i Gong Ex Da Cheng, at which poine the prac Shtioner accumulates flores to achieve cligbtenment and special abiles. The Neigong study in Jt Gong Er Da Cheng is where real gong fu training begins and ends — with the e vation of gi Please note chat, eigong, has spiritual and applicaion com- nents that many (Qigong systems may sot have, Further- ‘more, ther ean int imate relationship berween these forms and the ystems prin- tiple, such a Fight Stances, 12 Characters Principles and Fighe Hard, 12 Flexible More impoctanly, Neigong study rein- forces the other wo rather physical aspects of the system — Shun Jing Zeng Li and Xi Da J Gong — while aiming a a higher plateau. ‘The preparation move in every fighting form of clasicl Tanglang is consstene with che ‘core mavement of all the Neigong, forms in the system. This feature i quite unique in combat- ive styles such ap Tanglang: therefore, eis my view thatthe Neigong study of classical Tanglang is an essential and integral part of Maiti chat makes the system holisti in nature. ‘The suggestion that Tanglang isan external ‘ond movement te lead arms ne ccled upwerdto si eee ira ‘combative system that needs another, intern sarke the inside of te 27 discipline, such as Taijiquan, to become a com. plete arti at best misleading, (Gasical Tanglang practitioners also hold the view that i (general health) and i (physical strength) have a direc proportional reationship. 4 | eentisertey ‘This is supported in the 18 Luohan Gong forms text, In plain terms, this means that health and comb fess go hand in hand and aze not mutu- ally exclusive, Direct application of "atainment™ into che activity (ightinglform) is one ofthe re sons that Tanglang is one of the most efficient texning systems of combative arts, Ba Duan Jin Shen Fa isa great entry-level routine, and ii vital to sy the entre series of the Neigng forms to truly appreciate che esence of casi Tanglang, The Theory of Formulation “anglng Ba Duan Jin Shen Fs was founded on the Daoist perspective that begins with identifying there eats of heen, cart and men. It sid that heaven asthe asus, namely the ‘un, the moon andthe sas, The ea as wats, fre and wind aes thre asus. In people itl energy (qs considered yang ab blo is con- ‘Sdel yin, When yang and yin ae Blended toga they fom jing (excace in Bud Ro, eg sperm and Bone marow) the hid tease. Tn toe ing ints anal frm woul boone ees: dhcivesubaances which leds othe moray of the ere lve of men. Therefore, the sage wil thames the exene ing and tam ein an insrument of immoral hugh the practice of diepine, pecially that of the Dass euch a che Ba Duan Jin Shen Fa For marl artis theres an added bonus of practicing the dipline. The concentrated presence of jing, belived to reside within the Kone marrow thar isa esl ofthe correc method ofclvation, including the observance of celibacy, wll engin the skeletal sracrre, which ithe prime source of physical strength) inthe ancient Chinese medial view Tesch fore nt surprising to Bind the proportional rl Sionship of ial energy (qi and psc sen (i) exprewed in various internal sspect usining (Neigong) texts, mos notably the 18 Laohan Gong Pu he mansexipas ofthe 18 Achat Sil). The movernents of the Ba Duan Jn Shen Fa alu help in clearing the blockages long the en (seep and di (governing nal (veel), cas allowing a futher connection ofthe body yang. tegulated by she du mal long che opine, and yn, fanned bythe ren mal slong the onto he torso, This isthe imporant foundation to immortal tate sought by the Daoits There ate many benefits of Ba Duan Jin Shen ‘The Structure of the Form ‘The structure of Be Duan Jin Shen Fa isin five stops each consisting of two sets of exerczes summarized inthe sonnet lines, It is of note tha there is «pause of about dace eo six breath SUMMER 2005counts in between cach section or movement isto ensure that the connection berween the mind and body can be maintained; a chaotic breathing pattern indicates chat the interiy of the connection beeween the mind and che body thas been breached. ‘The fire sep of ewo excrcises invigorates the body and expels inertia and laziness. [alo Improves mental focus. Exercise 1: Tuo Tian Fu Di Yi Qi Hao. Propping up the heaven the covers the earch with stain as strong asa 100 men. This exercise increnses lng capaci, stimulate the digestive system, regulates the elimination proces, lng ‘ens the spine and tlievesfcigue Exercise 2: Kai Gong Zao You She Shuang Diao. Dnuwing the bow lf and right ro shoot tue ‘bucaarde, This exercise cxpands the chest, strengthens the arms and legs, and improves bal ance and respiratory and blood cicculaton, The second step of two exercises clears the blockages along che ren andl da ma to achieve a 00d connection between yin and yang. These ‘movements encourage the transormation of vita energy into physical strength. Exercise 3: Ying Xiong Die Ju Qian Jin Din. The hero clean pres [f) a 1000-catyé cauldron. This excise increases tami, seengeh- ‘ens the lower back and legs, transport i through the thre ls (the fre, wind and water paths of ‘qi circulation), and helps clear che blockages of the da mai, Exercise 4: Li Shi Ping Tui Wan Dan Qiao, The srang man flattens (pushes) 10.000 sons of reef. This exercise soothes the gi and relieves stress and fatigue I also channels che yin through the ren mai, thus preparing for the completion of the microcosmic eyle (Xiao Zhou Ten). ‘The third step of two exercises vigorously ‘massages the internal organs and develop flex- bilgy along the waist, Exercise 5: Hui Shou Ye Cha Shi Tan Hai. Reviving is bands, the Vaksha probes the ‘ocean. This exercise improves spleen and stom- ach functions Exercise 6: Bao Jian Han Lu Du Tien Qiao. Lifting is shoulders, the winter heron lies 1 the ide This exercise stimulates the kidneys and increases the mobiliy ofthe waist. ‘The fourth set of rwo exercises develops stamina and helps burn excess caloves, which is a great way to say fit. Exercise 7: Huang Long Bai Wei Qu Xin Huo, Tie yellow dragon whips til remove the fire of the heart. This exercise cools the fire path of gi circulation and increases serengsh. SUMMER 2005 ercse 8: Ma Shang Qi Dian Yin Shi Xiao, Mounted onthe hore banishs lends away] food and beverage This exercise invigorates the whole body, burns excess calories to help ty i and boost the immune sytem. Finally the astro lines describe the sl smasage process, Liu Di Xian Shi Dong Gong, that serves asa cooldown and elieres the body of sues. The selfsmasage is genealy done with 36 counts of cca motions of the hand. The total numberof cites 72, as indicated in the Lae in. Taercise 9: Guo Shou Ming Ma Kai Tai Yang. Rubbing the hands clear the ee and ponte tempts Exercise 10: Zao You Zhou Tian Qi Shi Es ef and right, 72 comic ees Supplementary Exercise: Tie Niu Geng Di. Iron ax plow the fil. This exercise improves, shoulder and core body seengeh Notes: ‘Yang isthe positive polarity: t opposed tothe negative poavty, yin. They have paradoxical relationship in that they oppose each other yet complement each othe An example of that ‘would be male (yang) and female (yin) 2. Neigong is the internal, mental and spiritual development ofthe practioner 3. Atha i a Sanskrit word meaning “the wor- thy ones.” They arc beings who have atained enlightenment through the Bud- adhise discipline. 4. The title Si Bottom Immortal might have been a misprin in old manuscripts. It could be Earchly Immortal instead, since the pro- ‘Chinese ate almose identical Is are similar in concept to the Arhar; they have atained enlightenment and immoraliey, bur unlike the Achat, they tain the physical hbuman form, 5. Acarey isa Chinese measure of weight. One catsy equals 1.33 pounds or 600 gams 6. Yakaha is 2 group of powerful demonic beings that belongs to the Eight Super. natural Tribes (Tian Long Ba Bu) in the Buddhist Pantheon. MQ [Mantisquorterly | sTheory Defeating the Cleaving of Mantis Introduction ‘The manusctipt of my grandeeacher’s Mantis brother, Cui Shoushan (1890-1969), says of che Mantis form Luan Jie, “These 36 techniques are most pro- found, and ther force is incomparable Within these 36 mother rechnigues are found 1,000 changes and 10,000 tans formations, and among them the Mantis hands are the divine of the divine” "This form is concained in Manes lineages descended fom Li Sayan (1821-1891) and Liang Xuexiang (1810-18602), and ics of such importance that i is ofen referred to as one of the mother forms of Mantis, Li Sajian's Manis lacer came tobe known as Seven Star Praying ‘Mantis, while lineages descending from Liang “Xuexiang’s Manis that stil include this form became known as Taiji Praying Mantis, Meihua Praying Mantis and Mimen Praying Manes. In Li Sanjians Seven Sear lineage, the name ‘ofthe form is written as Lan Jie, which i differ- ‘ent than in the othe lineages, and i ean be translated as “blocking and inercepting.” ‘This artic discusses the version of the narne as passed down by Liang Xuesiang. His name for the form, Luan Jie, anslaces 25 “charicaly con- nected.” «peculiar name fra form, Ie could be taken co mean thatthe formis movements ae strange in a haphazard onder, ori ould be taken to-mesn thatthe techniques are arranged specif- cally for opposing a chaotic attack. 1 propose a new unique definition of an based on @ Ming dynasty manuscript from Henan’s ‘Shaolin Temple, Eacidation of Shaolin Sick, Elucidation of Shaolin Stick Naa the end ofthe Ming dynasty (1368-1648), 2 military expere named Cheng Chongdow spent 10 yeas atthe Shaolin monastery pefeting dhe at of ‘tick ighting, Around the year 1610, he published ‘book on Shaolin stick fighting. He vile this well known masterpiece Elucidation of Shaolin Sick In the preice to his book, he stats that he began his ttsiing a Shaolin under master Hong. In the book, Cheng Chongdou goes to great length to define the key technical terms of sick. fighting and how they are used in combst, There can beno doube as to the importance he placed 6 | mantisquarteny on accurately defining mara eerminology ‘About his work, he wrote, “Despite an apparent simplicity, cach sencence capers the secret of vcrory and defeat, each drawing harbors the ciscnce of movement, ‘Without an ination into the terminology of combat, attempts to define the keyword fen can be odd and misleading. Cheng Chongsou builds ‘on his definitions for his cxplanations of combat. Inhis book, the term lan i presented ae a specific technical principle of stick fighting, but a a gener llconcep, relates intimately to Mantis Boxing. Cleaving the Mountain Maneuver In the books explanation of applying and defending guns the Yollowing ep and moun- tin leaving mews” it say “Tospeak ofan, ie wrapping othe left and wrapping to che right, making it imposible for che opponent ro et up a maneuver for deaving me” ‘When caken asa concept, itis immediatly apparent dh this definition ofluan i applicable to Mantis Boxing, In Mantis Boxing, wrapping is a 1ype of one-handed grab. The other hand seals the opponents arm, and this becomes chan feng, ‘wrapping and sealing. "When we combine this new understanding cof lan a serpin tothe lefe and wrapping ¢o the right” with the word "ji" meaning “eo con- nect fo," we arrive ata new understanding, or possibly just 2 reintroduction ofthe name Luan Fi, whichis “techniques tha connect to luan,” For che mort part, Mantis Boxing is defined by its chopping and cleaving: “The chopping and cleaving of Mancis boxing were originally propagated by ‘Wang Lang” And, ‘chopping and cleav- ing ate the slanting pal of Mantis.” — Wang Vita ‘Since Mantis Boxing i wo attack with cleav- Jing and chopping and lian i the method of dealing with these cleaving racks, by “wrapping to the lft and wrapping o the right,” we can say ‘that Mant Boxing is cleaving, and lian defeats “Mantis Boring by wrapping chose cleaving moves. SUMMER 2005‘Meng Su’s Maneuver Where elie do we find mention of wrapping in Mantis Boxing? The oldest body of material is “Founders Surnames of Eighteen PugliseSryls often shortened to “Eighteen Families.” Is last Tine is “Wang Langs Mantis is without cia,” but the lin chat interests hee is "Meng Sus seven, ‘maneuvers of interconnected fists The First of Meng Sus seven maneuver is called chan feng, wespping and sealing, The same wrapping concept appears in Elucidation of Shaolin Stick: once the opponent “wraps,” he then “seals.” DDors Luan Jie have techniques thar exhibie the principle of wrapping eo the lef and wrap. ping tothe right? Here ae six techniques from ‘the form that do, and four of them even have the “left and right” prefix 1. Left and right «wo ying yang, 2. Fai lady works the shuttle 3. Left and right outer bear, 44 Left and right forearm elbow. 5, Interconnected breaking punch. 6. Left and right running horse double fastens SUMMER 2005 In understanding che applications ofthis lise cof moves, i is obvious thatthe concept of hun, a given by Cheng Chongdow, applies directly the form, “Mantis hinds ae che divinest ofthe divin,” and Luan Jie begins with “five strikes of interconnected cleaving.” "There cen be no doube chat this foem starts swith the textbook definition of whae Mansi Boxing is all about. “Five strikes of intercon: nected cleaving” connects to left and right wo ving yang, The fine move of che form clearly exhibits the character of the term lan; as so asthe form ‘alls for Mantis cleaving the concept of lan is ‘expressed, This move in aur eonnces to “double rise, double chop,” a move that consists of wo hands simultaneously eaving, and this double ‘deaving move connects wo “fur lady works the shut,” another example ofthe lan principle Conclusion ian isthe method hat overcomes the cleaving ‘of Mantis. Could ibe that “connects to lan is 4 short way of explaining how we should inter connect ln with Manis Boxing? MQ = In the midst ofan exchange, Kevin Bro zie (left) attaches, pastes and leans with his eft elbow to Sean digley ight elbow. uigley adjusts his body to empty the pressure on his ight elbow as each attach: es with his left hand. Brazier leans against Quigley let elbow ‘while controling the position of Quigley ight foot to throw him, A Quigley apples the technique of empty and retieat” to escape and leave Brazier nothing to ean on hile retreating, Quigley guards his face with his right hand. Brazier attaches to that hand. Photo on page 8)6. Beazer raises his arms to open Quigley cen teal gate Fist postilty fellow. ing photo 6: Brazier advances and stikes (digley's caves. Second Possibility fl towing photo 6: Braver strikes and pushes into Quigle's abdomen to break his balance. ° In response tothe push, Quigley applies “empty retreat” while attach- ing on top of Brazier farms to counter. 10. Quigley then applies 2 double palm strike mirroring Brazier, attack in photo 8. 1, Brazier can also apply “empty and retreat” and respond ain photo 9, core can attach with {an elbow snd respond asin photo | Snes suet uy pte ‘She wes sumer 2005