is southern praying mantis practical? - Martial Arts Forum

Ralphy · 02-15-2010, 11:45 PM

Can southern praying mantis be used in self-defense, i mean real life situations?
Is there any kind of other martial art that it is similar to?

I always wanted to get into a style such as this, the name just sounds legendary but I dont know much about it

Kevin Zhang · 02-16-2010, 11:07 AM

From what I understand Southern Praying Mantis is very effective. Thats what it is designed to be, and you will find that with most chinese martial arts.

If you want to get good in this style, you HAVE to get a good teacher. As people have mentioned recently on here, look at the lineage of the teacher. I dont mean to pass any prejudice here on western teachers, but for such a martial arts, look for a chinese teacher.

Southern praying mantis also goes a lot deeper than your average martial art, you should learn about your internal energy to maximise your ability within it.

Katy · 02-16-2010, 12:37 PM

Ralphy, if there is a good southern praying mantis club near you, definately go and try it out. These clubs are few and few between but although it is a rare style, it should not be underestimated.

I know some people who train in this and its very effective, with fast hand techniques and quick, low kicks.

Ive heard training can be intense though.

Medway Tai Chi Society · 02-17-2010, 11:17 PM

Southern Mantis is definately in the top 10 effective CMA's.

wing chun · 02-18-2010, 09:51 AM

Check out Sifu Paul Whitrod - Chow Gar Southen Mantis from the UK

Excellent Mantis .

Medway Tai Chi Society · 04-22-2010, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by wing chun

Check out Sifu Paul Whitrod - Chow Gar Southen Mantis from the UK

Excellent Mantis .

Sifu Whitrod is one of my teachers teachers. I've heard excellent things about his skill.

empty cup · 07-06-2010, 02:00 PM

Southern Praying Mantis [SPM] is very effective.....i have been studying a derivative of it for just about a year now. It is hard work because it is very physical and the training though enjoyable is very tough [for an unfit 44 year old...like me]. Paul Whitrod has a great reputation and there are a few videos on youtube. Steelwire mantis is another very effective style of it [a mix of hung gar and chow gar] and there are also a few videos of this style on youtube that are well worth viewing.

I have put some videos on the fightsoc martial media section that show steelwire mantis

02-15-2010, 11:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ralphy Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	is southern praying mantis practical? Can southern praying mantis be used in self-defense, i mean real life situations? Is there any kind of other martial art that it is similar to? I always wanted to get into a style such as this, the name just sounds legendary but I dont know much about it

07-06-2010, 02:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
empty cup Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Southern Praying Mantis [SPM] is very effective.....i have been studying a derivative of it for just about a year now. It is hard work because it is very physical and the training though enjoyable is very tough [for an unfit 44 year old...like me]. Paul Whitrod has a great reputation and there are a few videos on youtube. Steelwire mantis is another very effective style of it [a mix of hung gar and chow gar] and there are also a few videos of this style on youtube that are well worth viewing. I have put some videos on the fightsoc martial media section that show steelwire mantis Last edited by empty cup; 07-06-2010 at 05:44 PM. Reason: update

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02-16-2010, 11:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
Kevin Zhang Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 27 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	From what I understand Southern Praying Mantis is very effective. Thats what it is designed to be, and you will find that with most chinese martial arts. If you want to get good in this style, you HAVE to get a good teacher. As people have mentioned recently on here, look at the lineage of the teacher. I dont mean to pass any prejudice here on western teachers, but for such a martial arts, look for a chinese teacher. Southern praying mantis also goes a lot deeper than your average martial art, you should learn about your internal energy to maximise your ability within it.

02-16-2010, 12:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Katy Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 33 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Ralphy, if there is a good southern praying mantis club near you, definately go and try it out. These clubs are few and few between but although it is a rare style, it should not be underestimated. I know some people who train in this and its very effective, with fast hand techniques and quick, low kicks. Ive heard training can be intense though.

02-17-2010, 11:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
Medway Tai Chi Society Moderator. Instructor at the Medway Tai Chi Society Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 158 Thanks: 6 Thanked 26 Times in 23 Posts	Southern Mantis is definately in the top 10 effective CMA's.

02-18-2010, 09:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
wing chun Founder Of Corto Combat School of Martial arts & an Instructor of Yeoh Wing Chun Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 92 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Check out Sifu Paul Whitrod - Chow Gar Southen Mantis from the UK Excellent Mantis .