Kung Fu

Southern Praying Mantis (Tong Long) Kung Fu

There are two distinct styles of Tong Long, a Northern style and a Southern style. The Northern style is characterised by low stances and much leg work, the Southern style has hardly any leg work, except for some low effective kicks, and reduces the footwork to ‘stepping’ with powerful and effective hits delivered from a solid ‘foundation’.

In Tong Long the ‘full fist’ and knuckles are hardly used when attacking an opponent, placing greater emphasis on the other parts (side and palm) or shapes of the hand (like the ‘one knuckle’ variation) to deliver force to ‘nerve points’ and the the more vulnerable areas of the body (like the neck).

Southern Praying Mantis (Tong Long) short range attack

Southern Praying Mantis (Tong Long) emphasizes powerful short range attacks

Tong Long combines speed and power into some of the fastest and most devastating hits on earth. The Southern style is free of ‘fancy’ non-effective moves, instead it focuses on practicality, fast, powerful, direct techniques that deliver maximum force, with minimum effort, by returning the energy generated by an opponent back to it’s sender.

Every technique is designed for maximum power. Breathing techniques and relaxation exercises help harness the internal strength (Chi). Tong Long also employs ‘Sticky Hands’. Constant contact with an opponent through the sense of touch allows control and detection of openings in his/her defence. Tong Long’s style of fighting is ‘close range’. The practitioner prefers to be as close as possible to an attacker, yet far enough away to deliver effective strikes.

Southern Praying Mantis (Tong Long) is devastating at short range

Power is generated at short range to 'touch break' concrete tiles

Tong Long focuses strongly on the improvement and co-ordination of both, body and mind. Maximum results can only be achieved if physical strength is combined with correct breathing and inner power (Chi). Philosophy is also an integral part of Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu & Wu Shu. As a student advances in the system, their training will begin to focus on internal energy with greater emphasis on personal development.

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