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Southern Praying Mantis 南派螳螂
ChinaEast AsiaStrikingSouthern Chinese (Nanquan)Shaolin legend
Hakka close-range art with short power and phoenix-eye fist; unrelated in technique to Northern Mantis. Branches: Chow Gar, Chu Gar, Kwong Sai Jook Lum, Iron Ox.
Key characteristics
- Short power (sheet ging)
- Phoenix-eye fist
Forms & curriculum
- Sarm Bo Jin (Three Step Arrow)
What training looks like
Classes typically combine stances and footwork (basics), conditioning, solo forms (taolu, kata or hyung) and partner drills. Sparring is introduced gradually, usually with protective gear.
Questions to ask a school
- How is sparring introduced and supervised?
- What do a beginner's first three months look like?
- Is there a family, health or seniors class?
- How are injuries prevented?
Quick facts
| Origin | China |
|---|---|
| Era / founder | Hakka communities, Guangdong |
| Family | Southern Chinese (Nanquan) |
| Type | Striking |
Where to learn
- South Shaolin Temple (Putian) – Jiulian Mountain, Putian, Fujian, China
- Quanzhou Shaolin Temple (Southern Shaolin) – Quanzhou, Fujian, China
- Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Association – Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)