The Praying Mantis is the master of footwork. Because his body has no hips, he cannot turn at the waist. He makes all adjustments with small, quick movements of his feet. Although his kicks are limited, his footwork is the fastest around. When a mantis prepares to attack, he pushes his body into a low stance, his legs tensing tight like steel springs into the ground; the front legs pushing back and the back legs pushing forward. When either is released his body is instantly propelled in that direction. The action is so fast that he seems to disappear from one point and instantly reappear in another.

The praying mantis is also known for his Chin Na. His hands are perfectly suited for hooking and locking an opponent’s joint. His hooking hands are always ready to attack the opponent’s strike or to ensnare the opponent. The mantis controls and dominates the opponent’s line of attack through unique blocking, hooking and grasping hands to maintain the superior line of attack. The mantis also uses a swaying type of movement to hide his launching attacks.

There are bites used in the mantis style to the neck and nerve areas as we mimic his mandibles.

In the insect world, the mantis is the most deadly of predators.