MantisQuarter ants Boxing’ taining prince i given in groups of thie, The Three Speeds he Three Asia (ee Mantis Quarter Vo, 3, lsues 3 and 4), and che Three Conditions of Sabir (sce Manat Quetery Nol. 4 Ise 1), adress the physical and mental tributes that make an efocrve ghee They are the guidlines for dhse traning for combat. Much lser known ae the Thre Siow. The Three Slow (San Maa) ate unusual in thatthe guidance i incended for the ew boxer or even the pe son jus starting wo seriously eon. side taining in Gong, There ae different versions of ‘the Thiee Slow, bur they all cll for a carl approach co taining a dedication endure and an femphasis on acquiring aca sill ‘over a cursory knowledge of Gongfs technique. Ici interesting thar these guidelines, which would be quite valuable ro new students, are the east ofien translated ot transmit in the Wes. The frst of the Tree Slow {is chu shou kuai er pan ja man, ‘which means you should prac tice speed with your hands, buc you should change your postures slow. Tis is obviously not ‘guidance for combat, but rather for eraining. The new student is admonished co tain the hands by practicing series of techniques as rap idly as possible, but to rain the legs by holding individual stances for long periods. Ths train ing, called shang zhuang (post standing), is an sential pat of the iben gong (fundamencal) forthe Mantis Boxer Seances must be held for long periods for the development of the legs’ muscular strength, ‘but iis also important forthe development of tendon strength, an essential element of och speed and the ability to transmit jin (Combat power). The power ofthe legs is crucial forthe delivery of hands strikes, kicks and throws, as trafanTanglng Quon She (Mont Boxing Soci), as he performs Boi Yam Tou Tao (Whe Ape Sto the Peach) during op te society made {0 China in 2000. Thanks to Brendon Tans for presiding hs photo. well as for providing the base from which ginna (ocksfholds) techniques are executed. Stance training is a dffcake phase for the beginner. Bocuse hand taining is mc more interesting and less challenging, the beginning, studene will readily ope to tain hand techniques ‘over stances. But without stance eining, che sspiting boxer will never reach his fll potential in power speed or endurance. “The second of the Thre Slow i hi qi jing tba gi duo, which means you should stive vo understand techniques and concepts cleaty rather than simply acquiring more information "The new stident is encouraged to really sudy the techniques and concepts hei given, look-eee San Man The Three Slow HAF ER IT AR TS Chu shou kuai er pan Practice speed with your hands, but change your postures slowly. FARE? RK ing ac them repeatedly in diferent contexts to ‘ensure that his understanding is complere and accurate in every respect. ailing to make the effort co understand the fundamental principles of the system fly i serious error. Each technique, stance or principle in Mantis Boxing i pare ofa greater whole, An ‘err in one area of study impacts the effective Zhi qiu jing, bu qiu duo. Strive to understand techniques and concepts clearly rather than simply acquiring more information. 22 TI] pe ea Xue quan gong, jizhi renshi. Study your techniques and how to develop real martial power; do not simply acquire head knowledge alone. ness of many other areas, Enough errors com: pounded vogether can greatly degrade the overall ability of the aspiring boxer Furthermore, a6 a boxer progress, he finds that the abiliry to execute moe advanced tech niques is largely dependent upon a precise under- standing and command of che fundamental. The boxer who neglects to spend adequate time on a ‘given echnique and who cries to learn the next, thing before he is ready isnot actually geting shad, And the teacher who satisfies the students immature desire for more before he has devel- ‘oped what he has already been taught sufiienly is doing his student a discrvic. The aie of the Three Slow i sue quan gong, jah renshi, which means you should study your 2 | mantisquatety technique and how develop real marl power 4 nocsimply acquire hed knowlege alone. In this as, he admonition to study i probably sore convey arated a o tn. The ls tnlline of his version of che The Slow is nly directed atthe ataden who secks qua instead of quality in rr of knledge ofthe system it also appli to the stadene who seks ‘opportune to hear mote about the system instead sec ing oppor to acl train the echnigues he already lows. In the ial ana is the tadene who deselaps com= mand of his technique ad mas: tory of exe acibue such sscudirance and power who wil ba succes martial artis, The oer type of dent despite ll the information he collec, wil ot The San Man offers invaluable guidance forthe now sant. Master Huang Hansa, known a he Mais King o Hong Kong feed a sighdy diferene vesion ofthe “The low. An intersting aspect ofthis version provides gidanceo the righe schoo. The student i told choose carefully and Took fora scoel that matches his temperament aswell as bs marl interest, oe wll be ‘mor likely o emai wit thc ‘choo! for longer time and develop a more thorough understanding ofthe system than he might ihe wen fom schoo schoo) Master Huangs perspective follows: Boxing beginners shod art their ead seth she Tree Sow fitter wer suanding of the seri of basing. In 20 Jew of experience hen obreved tat ba Zing wade wal earn lo of material but practices thannecenary even nelect- ing 0h fundamental a he core pate. The jut wen 0 ear more Nps of axing eer ening tthe incr rig, They do not ike care er makes Deere, they incre the magia of hit Corman italy statage hi part of boxing excellence ‘though tring withthe The Sine sol nt guaran walla sce ay VOUME 4 SSUE2srudent his practice will lead the right path and will be reegniced by experts a the arves metbod. The Clases of Boxing sy shar a fast shox of technique with ow positioning is the fist sownes, and a fens on quality not (qnantcy te sco lowes. The tind is ‘a prior to earning, you need 0 acquire the recognition sewness, that take the time to find shoot of boxing that matches your per sonar an lear how to work witha bas: ing mater effectively and then make up your ‘nnd bos where Bruin forthe long-term to keep from ging down te wrong path. ‘If yen can follow the Three Slow, acquire the technique ofthe Three Types of ‘Stability develop the Three Arrival and understand how to empay the Three Tpes of Quickest, ou wil reach the peak of ue- csr n Mantis Boxing, MQ ‘Six Harmonies Praying Mantis Liuhe Tanglang Overview Liuhe Tanglang Chuan (Six Harmonies Paving “Mantis Boxing) i specifi style of Praying ‘Mantis like is brothers Qixing (Seven Star. Babu (Bight Step) and Meihua (Plum Blossom), Liuhe liealy translates a Six Harmonies, which refers to ast of six principles tha pre~ scribe a basie body steuctate tha ensures maxi ‘mum efficiency with minimal exertion, while simultancously countering any atempe ofthe ‘opponent to disrupt one's harmonies. The prin- ciples are: 1. The hands harmonize with the feet. 2. The elbows harmonize with the knees. ‘3. The shoulders harmonize withthe hips. 44.Thhe heare harmonies wih the intent. 5. The intent harmonizes withthe energy (q) 66 The energy harmonizes with the power (li) ‘These principles are nor unique 0 Liube “Tanglang. They can be found in almose any mar- sil ar. I the basic structural alignments described in the fist cree principles are not properly used, maximum power and rdaxation will not be posible. Conversely, che opponent can distupe these harmonies, defense will be compromised. Prope alignment allows the body to relax, and whole-body power is avilable only ina relaxed sae. These concept are tre in both form practice and combat Master Hu Xi Lin sid about dhe las hice principles, “Ifyou ae angry when fighting, you fannot focus. IFyou cannot focus, you cannot beat your opponent. Never le your emotions alfect you dusing a fight. Do noe be happy or fangry— just be calm like a mountain.” Anger VOWUME 4 SSUE 2 affecs the harmony of the hear (wil), causing a loss of intent (focus), and if fighter i seater ‘menally or emotionally, he cannot focus all of his qi (energy), thus diminishing his power (i. History and Development ‘Hu Laos tls of che legend pase on from his teacher, Ma Han Qin that says Lithe Tanglang concepts and principles were derived fom sx differen systems of thought. Developed ae in the Qing dynasty, Liuhe Tanglang borrowed Fighting strategies from the best boxing traditions ofthe time Xing ¥i developed whole body power and shore tistance striking. Pao Chui contributed direct force and power in striking. ‘all added redirection of force and sen combat. Bagua provided subtle footwork and stances, ‘Tongbe helped open up the shoulder girdle, “aelitaing the hexty hooking ams that are characteristic of Livhe. shaolin/chang Chuan was key to understanding ‘the basics and sewing a sold foundation for fuaure development. Many Mantis teachers and historians believe that Tongbei and Chang Chuan are the founds- ‘ion from which all techniques and theories in ‘Northern Praying Mantis are born, The impor. tance of opening the body is evident im bach of these systems, which place special emphasis on the shoulder and pelvic girdles ‘When playing Liuhe Tanglang, the energy needs ro ow uninterrupted through both of by Jake Burroughe with Hu Xi in ‘About the Authors ‘03 in spent more thon 50 yor 0 o det dle of ‘Mo Hon Qin stucyng -Meihus and Lise Tenglng (Chuan ond 12 years string ‘hua! cio with Pu En (Pu tia) the most netaious “shal chon maser in roth ‘en China Hy Loos cm bins these aspects of ight. {ng nan efor to show real- fe usage of ancient tech igus My tows teaches nd ves in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada Joke Burroughs ninth gen raon dsp off ¥ Lin ‘eoches in Seat, Wes For ‘more infomation o¢ ques tons or carmen pease ‘contoc Joke Buroughs ot 505-585-2987 orto har ‘monies@hotmalcom or vist Se techarmones com Manisa | 3‘Above and opposite page: Ding Bu Da Feng Show (Fixed Step, {Large Sealing Hands) oe ofthe esi exeases i Lise Tanglong. The author demenstates the bosic slo dil to ain his technique. A ‘eloved Sen Bu (30-70 Step) is used, ond the whole arm is ‘elated. The wot i used fo drive 9 wavete force up and through {he back ou the ams 4 | maniscusy these regions the momen: tum ofthe arms on all clliptcal vec tore and to ‘ensure that the legs can guide the force of the whole body in any direction either the hips or shout ders are reited or tight, the ech- rigue will nor be excuted at fall power, 25 these major joints ac as conduits co carry the wave of energy through the body that is expressed by the arms andor legs Alchough ro the uncrsined eye Lishe “Tanglang does not look anything like she ‘other Mantis falies, its inclusion in the Northern Praying “Mantis family stems foe two main char acteristics indicative ofall Mantis systems ‘The fir is monkey footwork, which derives ts name Fo the quick, deceptive stepping that Mantis is known for. ‘The next isthe sticking narute of the Liuhe Tanglang play c¥sazms when engaged in combat Nian (sticking), one ofthe 16 key words of Liahe Tanglang, enables one to stick to one’ opponent and “hear his intentions and movements, Tis refered eo 2 ting jn (litening power. To accomplish sticking and listening, in com racial that one’ body be as related as pomible, "Asif wed is wrapped in coon, this is how your body should fel co your opponent when fght- ing." Hs Lah often say, Liuhe Tanglang, whose history stars with the legend of Jn Shi Kui (Qing Dynasty, late 17005), shares the same ancestral origins as the other branches of Mantis. Jin Shi Kui learned Praying Mancs boxing from its creator, Wang, [Lang (1644-171), Jin Shi Kui taught Wei San {also known a Wei De Lin), who lived in the carly to mid 1800s, Wei Sans history isa mys ‘ery, Some historians speculate that he eained i Lie Chan (Six Harmonies Boxing), and o:h- ces think he tained in the Xin Yi Chuan (Mind Ient Boxing) ofthe Huiren (Muslim people of China), but nether iden has been documented ‘Wei San was horn with thice fingers om his left hand! fused together earning him the nickname "Duk Palm Wei." The significance ofthis is that many ofthe techniques for striking and throwing in Liuhe Tanglang are executed with an open hand, ‘Wei San passed che art vo Lin Shi Chun (1825-1912), who taught Ding Zi Chang (1851-194. Ding 2i Chang taughe Chen Yun Tao (1906-1978) and Shan Xiang Ling (1906.1984), both of whom aught Ma Han Qin Liuhe and Meihua Tanglang Chuan. Ma Han Qin (1920-1997) had many students, incloding lu Xi Lin and llya Proftlow. Ha Xi Lin has Hu Zong Hus, Les Ngand Jake Borzoughs as his disciples in the West, in addition to many sscple in China Key Words One unigue aspect of Luhe Tangang is ha i has 16 key words, while the other styles of Manis ave 12. Hu Xi Lin ays ha his i of minor consequence, since al of the Liuhe “Tanglang key words canbe found aros the Mantis spectrum and inhi studies he has on clidd tha there are tay more chan 30 key words within che fighting vechniques of Norh- cen Praying Manis Boxing ‘The 16 Key Words of Liuhe Tanglang: uo (Hock) tuo (Pa) Tal Puck) Kua (Suspend) Zhan (Contac) ian (icking) Bang Bind) Te (Adhere) shan (Dodge) Zhan (Tas) eng (jump) uo (Slide or Shit) un (Bnd) Feng (Sa) cu (ll) Lo (Leaking) Forms Although Liuhe Tanghangs forms are often considered the Teast important aspect ofthe stem — the imporcne detail be within the tech niques, movements and training — each repository of theories and ideologies expressed through physical manifest tions of power and Liuhe Tanglang forms include: Wowume 4 85UE 2 ‘Zhe Show Quan (Breaking the Arm Rounding) Jing Di Tsang Hua (Hides Flower inthe Mirror) ‘Zhao Min Dan (Illuminacng the Face Lance) Yie Di Tsang Hua (Hidden Flower in the Sleeve) Xian Shou Ben (Immortal Hands Progressing) Tie Si (ron Shox) ‘Shuang Feng (Double Seating) Duan Chui (Shore Seike) Fundamentals In adaltion, the ji ben Tiuhe Tanglang include the 95 Essen- tial Hand Methods. "The majority of chese diverse techniques can bbe found within the Forms, bur some are found solely in the 95, Hand Methods. These ‘combinations of fight- ing movements are why many consider Tiuhe Tanglang such an effective combat Je. These techniques have been analyzed‘ep: fing Gang 2h common iy found in He Tonleng, ‘nase to strike so tse Bottom: When holaing the bol focus on using the 947%, not the pal, to sup- por the ball Once the base ‘xecise i mastered, the rip con be uted in vorious postures, including the tum ite ager an ring Tings fr tcining Gao ‘Shou (Hooking Mond). and dissected to exploit every flaw the oppo: rene may present and to create a flaw when none is revealed, ‘Shi Zi Chui (Character Ten-Shaped Punch, 10 named because the character for 10 is repre sented by a cross and the arms of the pact tioner are held in a position that resembles the character) is one of the fret hasic exercises learned in Liuhe Tanglang, Shi Zi Chui helps tiuia the legs to coordinate withthe srk and to explode forward. Ie is executed from San Qi Bu (30-70 Step), with the weight ofthe body distributed with 30 percent on the front leg and 70 percent on the rear leg. The waist must be 6 | MantisQuarterty ‘engaged for stepping and for generating power for the punches. The arms alternate with a cover block and a forward punch, wing san jin (drilling power) withthe Jing Gang Zhi ing gang i 4 Buddhist term conveying many concepts, but in this casei conveys the idea of an indestructible fist). The technique must be done using chan s ji (ike reeling power) throughout the bods, so a simple looking tech- nique i actually quite complex. The detail involved in executing cechniques is way many consider Liuhe Tanglang one of the most com- plicated mail art ro learn, Ting Gang Zhi is made by making afise and sticking out the scond knuckle ofthe middle Finger. The rxt ofthe ists held eighty to sup pore the extended knuckle. Hu Laoshi says: “Jing Gang Zhi is use o hie the sofe pats of the body such a che (Hoatng] ribs or bladder” This eech- nique can be used when practicing swan jin (ailing power) and sven jin (pital power), the energies that represent the horizontal power Found in Liuhe Tanglang. When using this tech ‘que to practice san jin and xuen jn, the lead- hand Jing Gang Zhi shouldbe positioned in front ofthe body a solar plexus level. and it should be kept oriented toward the opponent. Da Feng Shou (Large Sealing Hand), anosh cexkey movement, represents che verial power planes found in Liuhe Tanglag. Sealing can be found in many dfferene applications bue genes: ly refers to dosing off the opponent's ability to move ot react. Analogous tothe ancient practice ‘of sealing an envelope with wax and stamping the wax witha seal, sealing (feng allows ane ro incapacitate the opponents ability to attack or counteraack ‘One example of sealing is crossing the oppo- nent’ arms, aulfying his striking ability. Deal- ing wih jst the atm is small sealing. Large seal- ing refers to sealing the whole body, often with a throw or cakedown executed by crossing che ‘opponent’ harmonies. This technique ean aso be executed asa sre with 2 hand, forearm or ‘elbow. Da Feng Shou uses a vertical ellipse wo dis- rupt the opponent’ ability to attack or defend, ‘When ici combined with Sbi Zi Chui all planes of movement aze represented. The techniques found in Da Feng Shou also can be applied on 2 diagonal clipe. “These ae only two of dozens of movements that are esentil 1 understanding the power and. _movement of Liuhe Tanglang, “Understand the ‘energetic principles behind these rechniques, and you can blend applications for over 10,000 com- binations. Without the principle, rechnique is vices,” Hu Xi Lin ays YOUN 4 15UE2Strength Training To ain the student multidimensional, Liuhe Tanglang seength training is usally combined with other aspects of combat, such as listening power. The student crass to think about the cxecise and relaxes ito it, allowing the neuro physiological system ro burn the techniques into the muscle. ‘One method of surengch tuning in Liuhe Tanglang sits iron bal teaning, which focuses noe only on the strength ofthe wise and forearms, bur ao tion, ing jn Genstviry) and fa jn Gssuance of Power). A shot put anging in weight from 5 pounds 10 over 15 pounds canbe used for iron ball taining Saning in mab (horse tance), the student aap he ball with the fie rus (begining students sn gb asing the pa) with the pl acing down van. Keeping the wri bene and the whole hody 38 relaxed as posible, the st den will project the bl ee. tially inc the ai with a Hick ‘ofthe wrist y generating a ‘wave of moverentlenery From the lower body. As the bull is released, che oppose hand reaches ou gun with ony he finger tps levi a small space ‘brween dhe palm and the surface ofthe bl. The focus ison extching and relessing ‘the all rc in fone of the fice and dropping the ‘howing arm wo nave eve before essing into the ae Tnadvanced tining, the lls hounced of the fold berween the upper am and forearm and caughe in the ar by che opposite hha. This requires the bile ity to balance and linen the energy ofthe ball In either exis, Keep 2 close eye on the ball —a miss wil ikely smash the toes VOUME 4 SUE 2 Increased strength in the arm and hand will esl aswel as improvement in tactile sensitiv Hu Xi Lin sys that sis ening helped pase mae ters be more sensitive when using irom palm in combac. As the student progreses with iron ball training, he can stat to focus on the more suble enhancements the training provides, suchas The author demonstrates bes ron ball raining done from @ related here stance Procitonrs can ploy with verious mebiods ond rete their cum routines Montsant | 7e Past plucking (sal) the ball, which builds nor only strength, but listening power (cng ji) as wel Conclusion This is merely an ineroduction ra the Liuhe Tanglang of Ma Han Qin, as pase on by Hu Xi Lin. Ie is Hu Xi Lins wish to open thi beauifl ‘system of Northern Mantis che general public and to analyze che similarities and differences found within the Manis families. Hu Laos believes hae strengthening the are and ts prac tioners through deeper understanding is only possible with open communication and sharing ‘of knowledge. MQ By Huang Hansa (1915197) ‘Tanslted by Robert Hut Sit Robert Hu began hs ‘hung Fu waning in th South ‘on Drogen and Bok Mo) Sikes 1872 under he ote ‘Su Chow din 1985, he ‘met Golen Fok wo ino- decd hi tothe at of YC ‘Prying Nes Sit stud ‘ed under the late Granda ter Chi Chk Kain org Kong tom 1987 1981. Cut rent he reserchng ond waching Chis Chik Kl TiC ‘Pryig anti eos (MW Canada. Cnc ts us tsi @inemerhcom. How can we defend against a lightning fast offense? ages before our time who were adept at dealing with strategic situations often fol- lowed the maxims "myriad appearances do ot alter the root nature” and “using no change to receive change.” For instance, in paglim, ifn opponent is applying his greatest speed, he cannot use his fll strength, On the other hand, i he concentrates hie stamina and strength on sriking, his speed will be diminished. Additionally, when an oppo- ‘nent atacks with all his speed his endurance is ‘ot going to as forever. This is common sense: it doesn requite any special hoowledge "Therefore, a¢ [come to understand the pros and cons of potential encounter, I can find an ‘ective measure o counter an opponent. For ‘example, if he artacks with 2 ight, sharp advance, Take the opposite approach and mect him ‘with calmness and fortitude, The strategy is Firs solidify your position, chen harness your ‘concentrated force and unleash a severe counter axtack. This will immediately cause the opponent ‘o change his light and surprising charge to defense and, in effect, cuse him to e contolled and subdued. In this way, Ican instantly reverse my posi- sion from reactive to proactive and change a ‘compromised situation to one that is advance ‘ous co-me. I can then defeat the opponent by ‘capitalizing on his vulnerability and counters tacking him in the middle of shis change ‘Sometimes, when the opponents advance is sharp, he might fake darting atacs tothe lft or right I should never be swayed into responding with a left r right evasion, I must seabilze my” Centerline and reinforce the center gate, Regard- less af how he provokes me will noc lighly slter che counrer measure Ihave chosen. As soon fs his attack slows down and I see that his force and stamina are almost drained, | will immedi rely sre, capitalizing onthe opportunity In The Are of War, Sun Zi advises that i che cnemy’s morale is high, you should avoid che lead elements of his advance; wait until his sec- wd and third waves ae expted and then launch a surprise atack. At cis moment, iis had for him even to procect himself how can he haern me? The way of combat, besides requiring agile physique and movements and abundant stamina and strength, als requires consistent and pro- _resive study of strategy for the best results. IF follow thie path, even if he as lightning fst ee tics, how can it threaten me? MQ Mat uae pubis ar Sbacipn eration For orton bone ‘byAubentc Rung Puc for Work, eal Ga es) 0628 250, sbi ate edo, "eros Ut Cap 008 nt eal aot ae Al igh rsened by hte Ring Soudan eae Vane ho part of hs pbtcaton “Sore te submission on ney be eorauced in pata” manana ora our ee voi wha ten poson winimarstecm, Mom ta eer VOLUME 4 1SUE2