The mind commands, strength goes along and follows.
-kung fu proverb
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As I near my brown belt test (hopefully end of summer) I have returned to a fairly solid base internal and external balance. Again i say base and their constant review and evolution will be a lifetime pursuit. But now, I am in a place of finding my voice in the Chinese Martial Art System. Flowing through all the styles, taking what pieces/techniques flow with me, and going to the next.
In this blog, I touch on Mantis and Pa Kwa. From Mantis, I take away the idea of rooting combination strikes more deeply in me. I want to get to the point where I don't have to think about them and push myself to do them; the point where it becomes natural and the push then becomes speed and movement. Also incorporating pieces of the monkey stances and foot work, pushes myself beyond my binary linear tendencies into more angular and circular movements and attacks.
I think Pa Kwa will be my next real focus. My strength is in in-fighting and the "walking the circle" and "attacks can come from anywhere" techniques will fit my strengths.
Watch the Pa Kwa clip at the bottom to see it in action.
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Northern Praying Mantis
-the power of the claw
combines the incredible arm and hand strength of the praying mantis
with the quick footwork of the monkey equates to an effective self-defense system.
Practitioner Traits 
-block/grab/pull
-in fighting w/multiple attacks (3-5)
-the theory being "once you hit with the first, your opponents guard is down and you follow
with 3 or more disabling strikes."
History
-originated toward the end of the Ming Dynasty
-fonder: Wong Long
-studied insect fighting techniques and developed the manits trademark technique:"the mantis claw"
-"mantis claw" derives power from the wrist and forearm
-studied monkey movement and created "the mantis monkey step"
-the name of Wong's system is "the seven start praying mantis"
-the rooting idea of this system being: "always moving and changing direction, in order to break
down your opponent's guard"
Hand Movements
-equal balance of strait and circular hand movements
-4 distinct movements:
1) the mantis claw (gou)
2) Lau (palm strike)
3) Tsai (grabbing the opponent's finger/s)
4) Qua (blocking technique)
Evolution
-Chun Hua Lung
-mastered the seven star system
-wanted to place more emphasis on footwork & in-fighting
-developed "eight step mantis style"
-other masters wanted more internal focus and developed "six harmony mantis"
"tai chi mantis"
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Pa Kwa
-the fighting strategy of eight directions
The Pa Kwa practitioner is consistently "walking the circle" and learning
the eight different angles of attack. A penetrating strike can come from anywhere.
History 
-Pa Kwa means "8 Directions"
-though by some to represent the 8 trigram/changes of I-Ching Philosophy
-more accurately defined as the "8 Different Angles of Attack"
-Founded by Hai Chuan Tung/toward the end of the Ching Dynasty
-has the reputation for being a strictly internal kung fu system
-subtle 8 palms & 8 steps combinations
-similar to Tai Chi in development the soft first over long time and then
moving into a more physical fighting style
Practitioner Traits
-The Pa Kwa Circle
-two main ideas
-the main door (protect the body)
-the small door (protect the shoulder and arm)
Hand Strikes
-Tzan Sz (twisting motion of delivering powerful strikes)
-focus on open hand/palm strikes (therefore requiring a supple waist)
-prefer ope hand strikes due the belief that a tightened fist tightens the whole arm
-also offers a larger circumference of impact with a higher percent of striking desired pressure points
-lower emphasis on stance training
-kicks are low/practical.
Video Clip
The scene below is the Master Initiation scene in order for Ip Man and his Wing Chun school to be recognized. The second master he spars is a Pa Kwa Teacher. (minute 3:10) Pretty Dope Scene! ;)
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