SCHOOL CHARTER

The primary goal of the Praying Mantis – Tai Chi Center is to promote health, and harmony of mind and body through the development of the Spirit, by the diligent practice of Chinese Kung Fu incorporating Taoist philosophy; and to share authentic and highly effective fighting systems.

Any sincere person who is willing to abide by the school rules, has a genuine desire to learn and follow the school’s Principles and Concepts may join the school.

The Three Principles :

·               Wisdom; People of wisdom can not be misled.

·               Philosophy; People of Philosophy have no worries.

·               Courage; People of courage have no fear

The Ten Concepts :

·               Concept of Humanity : Respect for excellence through moral, intellectual and physical training.

·               Concept of Character : Respect for others and self respect through justice and integrity.

·               Concept of Carriage : Compassion and equality through honesty and frankness.

·               Concept of Words and Deeds : A person’s dealings are judged by his words and deeds.

·               Concept of Trustworthiness : To keep every pledge and promise.

·               Concept of Punctuality : To be punctual in appointment with no apology needed.

·               Concept of Justice : To uphold justice impartially.

·               Concept of Service : To render service with honor.

·               Concept of Welfare : To give and not to take.

·               Concept of Fraternity : To love others as you love yourself and your own family.

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SCHOOL RULES

The following is a listing of the rules of our school:

 These rules must be followed by all students.

The President may terminate a student’s enrollment, at will, if violated.

I.              No fighting anywhere without a justifiable reason – such as your life is in danger.

II.            No teaching inside or outside of the school without the President’s permission.

III.         No obscene language is permitted in the school or at school events.

IV.          Be respectful and courteous to your instructor and to all your junior and senior classmates at all times.

V.        Be diligent and consistent in practicing on your own time in the school and at home.

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ABOUT THE PRAYING MANTIS - TAI CHI CENTER

The Center offers instruction in six general areas:

1) Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu –“Bhat Tang Lang Kuen”

Forms training includes, empty hand solo, weapon solo, two person exercises, two person empty hand and weapon sparring forms, as well as Sahn Sao (technique applications). Theoretical discussions and explanations are provided.

A complete program, from Beginner to Instructor Level. This rare, aggressive, and highly sophisticated effective style of Chinese boxing is known for its speedy combinations, cunning strategies and rigid/ flexible techniques. The Northern Praying Mantis style utilizes simultaneous hand and footwork, long range and close quarter tactics, grabbing, locking, trapping, and take-down techniques. This unique style develops coordination, balance, agility, relaxed power, flexibility, superb reflexes and sensitivity, a strong body, improves mental focus and the confidence necessary to remain calm in any fighting situation.

 2) Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan

For health and self-defense – The curriculum includes the traditional Long Form, Toi Sao (push hands), Sahn Sao (self-defense applications), various weapon forms including training with the Tai Chi Gim (double edged sword), Tai Chi Do (saber form) weapon solo forms, Spear form, and Sam Choy Gim (double edged sword weapon sparring form).

A complete program from Beginner to Instructor Level. This program enhances mental concentration and body awareness. It explains the application of the practical, effective, non-aggressive self-defense techniques contained in the Tai Chi long form. By practicing Tai Chi, the mind and body relax, which allows for the development of sensitivity. The slow movements develop tremendous balance, mental calm and control of the body. The deep, slow, and rhythmic breathing improves health by reducing stress and by strengthening the circulation of blood and Chi (energy) throughout the body and the internal organs. Learn how to use minimum force to achieve maximum result against a larger and stronger opponent.

3) CHI YUTE GUNG - Chinese Medical Acupoint Techniques

A program consisting of Taoist Chinese medical theory, and the learning of the ten Acupoint Techniques.  Chi Yute Gung builds up the health of the brain/nervous system, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, immune systems and all of the internal organs. Its practice enhances the power of the Will (body), the Chi (energy) and the Mind/Spirit. These are Taoist meditative breathing and mental visualization techniques that are gentle physical movement forms, combined with the use of Chinese medical acupuncture theory. This course includes providing instruction in self applying Gee Na/Acupressure.  The practice of these techniques builds and enhances the circulation of the blood and the Chi to strengthen spirit and live with radiant health and have a happy and long life.

4) Grappling, Locking and Release Techniques – Kam-La a/k/a Chin-Na

This program offers knowledge to be able to defend against all possible grabs, holds and chokes. It teaches how to immobilize assailants with highly effective subduing and controlling techniques. Students learn how to use minimum movement and force and apply scientific theories of physics, such as leverage, angular force, momentum, deflection, and redirection. These techniques utilize pressure points and joint locking methods to control and/or take down assailants.

 5) Knife Defense Techniques

This program offers knowledge and techniques to defend against knife wielding assailants. All possible attack methods are covered. This program teaches how to use minimum movement and force to subdue, control, and take-down a knife wielding assailant.

 6) Traditional Chinese Weaponry

Classes are held in 18 different traditional Chinese weapons. Solo Forms and Two Person Sparring forms are taught, providing the student with the knowledge to use each weapon in actual combat. Weapon training improves agility, power, focus, balance, stances, coordination and timing.  Hence, weapon training greatly complements empty hand forms practice and self defense ability.