Remember the story of Praying mantis, and how deceptive it was. Those who viewed it thought that it was weak and lacking in power. That is until it was put to the test.
There was a reason Praying Mantis was kept secret for a century, you know. Locked behind the walls of Shaolin Temple and taught as the Highest form of Kungfu.
When I see my Sifu do a form I can see the power. A few years ago, I couldnt.
Thats because many classes (and bruises) later, I have learned about the subtle power generating techniques.
Northern Mantis does have power, but very few know how to find it. Hear are a few hints.
Practice each form at least ten time time, but not all at once. Do each form once then takes a breather and relax. Then do it again. Switch between slow and fast methods of doing a road and or your forms.
Eat right, at least stay away from red meat and drink lots of clean water.
Stretch well and practice holding your various stances. Use northern long fist as model for stance work standards.
Learn chi gung and practice it.
Follow your hands or legs as you practice with your eyes.
Exhale on strike but don’t push the breath just extended it. If you can breath in and out your nose with the tongue touching the soft palite of the roof of your mouth.
Be aware of your foot work and placement of your feet. Sink your feet into the ground as in being able to feel the floor with the arch of your feet. Don’t sit too high in your stance.
You obviously must be studying a weak version of Mantis because in my experience Praying mantis style is one of the most powerful, devestating forms of Kung Fu there is. It is true that I’ve seen some very weak looking forms of this art. Maybe you just haven’t found the right one.
