The Footwork of Mantis Boxing

The Footwork of Mantis Boxing

Footwork is the essential ingredient in hand-to-hand combat, fighting, self-defense, martial arts, however you want to refer to it. If our footwork is bad, our fighting is bad. Like a home we live in, if the foundation is bad, the house falls down. Our ability to remain effective in fighting, or sparring is built upon the foundation of our footwork. The better our footwork, and movement, the higher the likelihood of success with our striking, blocking, and takedown defense.

Strike Defense

Strike Defense

Knowing how to block strikes is an integral part of our boxing skills. This provides for our primary defense against an aggressor, but also builds a foundation for our counter-striking skills that we add later. Dive into these skills and learn to block all manner of strikes an enemy can throw your way.

Kick Defense

Kick Defense

Kicks are a powerful and deadly threat we’re faced with against other trained boxers/fighters/martial artists. While not a threat from the uninitiated, as they are more likely to end up on the ground in any meager attempt to kick us, these do pose an inherent disadvantage for us if we lack the tools to defend against them.

10 Principles of Success for Boxers

10 Principles of Success for Boxers

So often in the fighting arts, we lack principles or framework to improve our skills through critical analysis. A few artists/fighters/boxers, mainly those willing to take some beatings, are able to improve their skills, while others are left feeling like they just don’t have what it takes. When you take your training to the sparring phase, whether on the mat, ring, or cage, if you…

Summary Boxing Set (Zhāi Yào 摘要)

 
ZhaiYao-thumb.png
 

Summary Boxing Sequence

Zhāi Yào Tào Lù

摘要套路

See further below for the boxing instruction set, and links to many of the fighting applications. When learning the boxing set, you can follow my recommended training missions below each lesson. I recommend sticking to a lesson until you feel comfortable to proceed.

 

Lesson 1 - 1st Road - Part 1

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 1

See lesson 1 video above for sequence. It is recommended to practice this a few times in a week, or as much as you are comfortable.

1st Road - Part 1 - Perform - 3 Sets of 10

  1. Crazy Ghost Fist

  2. Toe Kick

  3. Mantis Catches Cicada with Crushing Knee

  4. Thrust Palm Closing Attack

Lesson 2 - 1st Road - Part 2

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 2

See video above for sequence.

1st Road - Part 1 - Perform - 3 Sets of 10

1st Road - Part 2 - Perform - 3 Sets of 10

  1. Knee Hook Lapel Punch

  2. Leg Hook - Blue Heron Spreads Wings

  3. White Ape Falls in Hole

  4. Tiger Tail Throw

 

Lesson 3 - 2nd Road - Part 1

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 3

See video above for sequence.

1st Road - Part 1 - Perform - 10x

1st Road - Part 2 - Perform - 10x

2nd Road - Part 1 - Perform - ​3 Sets of 10

  1. Double Seal

  2. Beat down Chop

  3. Closing Door Kick

  4. Drilling Fist

  5. Three-Section Step to Crush

Lesson 4 - 2nd Road - Part 2

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 4

1st Road - Perform - 10x

2nd Road - Part 1 - Perform - ​10x

2nd Road - Part 2 - Perform - ​20x

  1. Ankle Pick to Lifting Hook

  2. Crashing Tide (monkey variation)

  3. Double Seal

  4. Diagonal Flying

  5. Wicked Knee

After completing all sections - perform entire set ​10x

 

Lesson 5 - 2nd Road - Part 3

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 5

1st Road - Perform - 5x

2nd Road - Part 1 & 2 - Perform - ​10x

2nd Road - Part 3 - Perform 20x

  1. Beatdown Chop

  2. Crashing Tide (7 Star Variation)

  3. Double Push

  4. Break the Chains

  5. Twisting Hook

After completing all sections - perform entire set ​10x

Lesson 6 - 3rd Road - Part 1

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 6

1st Road & 2nd Road together - Perform - 10x

3rd Road - part 1 - Perform 20x

After completing all sections - perform entire set ​3x

  1. Twisting Hook

  2. Rowing Hook (7 star variation)

  3. Piercing Hook

  4. Point at Star

  5. Leg Hook - Change Moon

 

Lesson 7 - 3rd Road - Part 2

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 7

1st Road & 2nd Road together - Perform - 5x

3rd Road - part 1 - Perform 10x

3rd Road - part 2 - Perform 20x

After completing all sections - perform entire set ​3x

  1. Double Clinching Hooks w/ Crushing Knee
    Hook

  2. Temple Step to Lifting Hook

  3. Tiger Tail Throw

  4. Crashing Tide

Lesson 8 - 3rd Road - Part 3

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 8

1st Road & 2nd Road together - Perform - 5x

3rd Road - part 1 - Perform 10x

3rd Road - part 2 - Perform 10x

3rd Road - part 3 - Perform 20x

After completing all sections - perform entire set ​3x

  1. Monkey Steals Peach

  2. Circle, Scrape

  3. Heel Kick

  4. Mantis Captures Prey

  5. Blocking Hook

 

Lesson 9 - 4th Road - Part 1

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 9

1st, 2nd, & 3rd Roads together - Perform - 5x

3rd Road - Perform 5x

4th Road - part 1 - Perform 20x

After completing all sections - perform entire set ​3x

  1. Seizing Hook

  2. Shoveling Hook

  3. Inside Elbow

  4. Circle Punch, Heel Kick

  5. Tame Tiger

Lesson 10 - 4th Road - Part 2

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 10

1st, 2nd, & 3rd Roads together - Perform - 3x

4th Road - part 1 - Perform 10x

4th Road - part 2 - Perform 20x

After completing all sections - perform entire set ​3x

  1. Rowing Hook (single leg)

  2. Spinning Hook

  3. Hanging Hook L/R

  4. Crashing Tide

  5. 3 Section Step to Crushing Strike

 

Lesson 11 - 4th Road - Part 3

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 11

1st, 2nd, & 3rd Roads together - Perform - 3x

4th Road - part 1 & 2 - Perform 15x

4th Road - part 3 - Perform 20x

After completing all sections - perform entire set ​3x

  1. Cross Kick

  2. Side Kick

  3. Circle Punch to Clinching Hook w/ Crushing Knee

  4. Guillotine to Rising Choke

Lesson 12 - 4th Road - Part 4

Zhai Yao - Training Mission 12

1st, 2nd, & 3rd Roads together - Perform - 3x

4th Road - part 1, 2 & 3 - Perform 15x

4th Road - part 4 - Perform 20x

After completing all sections - perform entire set ​3x

  1. Over the Knee

  2. Clinching Hook to Dragging Hook

  3. Anchor Drop

  4. Close

fin


Quán Pǔ (拳谱)

A quán pǔ (boxing set 拳谱) is a list of instructions, a chart outlining the system, or piece of the system. Most Chinese martial arts forms are accompanied with an instructional list of moves such as this. Unique names to help one remember what to do next — mnemonics.

The names of each move can be extremely difficult to translate. Guessing at times to the creators intent/meaning. If one is going by the name alone it can be close to impossible to crack the code. In many cases these names have localized meanings connected to a village, region, time period of origin, mythical backstory, local legend, or they are specific to the boxing founder themselves. In many cases they reference some movement, for example an animal.

If an outside viewer is not familiar with each of these names then it has no meaning to you other than assisting the learning process. An example from my life could be the word ‘hornpout’, a term we used for catfish while growing up in New Hampshire, USA. It wasn’t until I was in the military and stationed in other parts of the country that I realized no one else knew what a hornpout is. Even more aggregious, they had never had a fluffernutter!!!

Therefore, keeping the applications of the moves intact with each of the moves found in a set is of utmost import.

Roads

These boxing sets were typically divided into sections which we refer to as roads. The end of a road is, like most boxing sets, demarcated by a 180 degree direction change.

 

Zhāi Yào Lexicon

See ‘Applications’ section for combative methods.

1st Road

  1. Crazy Ghost Fist

  2. Toe Kick

  3. Mantis Catches Cicada w/ Crushing Knee

  4. Thrust Palm Closing Attack

  5. Knee Hook Lapel Punch

  6. Leg Hook - Blue Heron Spreads Wings

  7. White Ape Falls in Hole

  8. Tiger Tail Throw

2nd Road

  1. Double Seal

  2. Beat down Chop

  3. Closing Door Kick

  4. Drilling Fist

  5. Three-Section Step to Crushing Fist

  6. Ankle Hook to Lifting Hook

  7. Crashing Tide (monkey variation)

  8. Double Seal

  9. Diagonal Flying

  10. Wicked Knee

  11. Step fwd Beat Down Chop Fist (right)

  12. Crashing Tide - 7* variation

  13. Waist Chop/Double Push

  14. Break the Chains

3rd Road

  1. Twisting Hook

  2. Rowing Hook (7 star variation)

  3. Piercing Hook

  4. Point at Star

  5. Change Moon

  6. Double Clinching Hooks w/ Crushing Knee

  7. Temple Step to Lifting Hook

  8. Tiger Tail Throw

  9. Crashing Tide

  10. Monkey Steals Peach

  11. Circle, Scrape

  12. Heel Kick

  13. Mantis Captures Prey

  14. Blocking Hook

4th Road

  1. Seizing Hook

  2. Shoveling Hook

  3. Inside Elbow

  4. Circle Punch, Heel Kick

  5. Tame Tiger

  6. Rowing Hook (single leg)

  7. Spinning Hook

  8. Hanging Hook L/R

  9. Crashing Tide

  10. 3 Section Step to Crushing Strike

  11. Cross Kick

  12. Side Kick

  13. Circle Punch to Clinching Hook w/ Crushing Knee
    Keyword Combo - use enter—strike—connect—stick—hook—clinch—pluck—to strike with knee.

  14. Guillotine to Rising Choke

  15. Over the Knee

  16. Clinching Hook to Dragging Hook

  17. Anchor Drop

  18. Close

 

Summary Set Applications
Road 1

01 - Crazy Ghost Fist

03 - Mantis Catches Cicada

Timestamp - 02:12

04 - Thrust Palm Closing Attack

06 - Leg Hook

02:48 - Blue Heron Spreads Wings Variant

02 - Toe Kick

Mantis Catches Cicada - Con’t

Timestamp - 04:00

05 - Knee Hook Lapel Punch

07 - White Ape Falls In Hole

Timestamp - 02:00 - Hammerlock Takedown

08 - Tiger Tail Throw

 
 

 

Summary Set Applications
Road 2

01 - Double Seal

03 - Closing Door Kick

02 - Beatdown Chop

04 -Drilling Fist

 

05 - 3 Section Step

06 - Ankle Hook to Lifting Hook

Timestamp - 00:50

09 - Diagonal Flying

11 - Beat Down Chop

13 - Waist Chop

Timestamp - 3:41

07 - Crashing Tide

Timestamp - 02:57 - Monkey variant

10 - Wicked Knee

Timestamp - 00:49

12 - Crashing Tide - v2

14 - Break the Chains


Summary Set Applications
Road 3

01 - Twisting Hook

Timestamp - 02:20

03 - Piercing Hook

Timestamp - 02:48

05 - Change Moon

 

07 - Lifting Hook

Timestamp - 00:50

09 - Crashing Tide

Timestamp - 02:57

11a - Circle

Timestamp - 01:55

12 - Heel Kick

Timestamp - 01:14

02 - Rowing Hook w/ 7 star

04 - Point At Star

06 - Double Hooks with Crushing Knee

Timestamp - 1:04

08 - Tiger Tail Throw

10 - Monkey Steals Peach

11b - Scrape

Timestamp - 01:18

13 - Mantis Captures Prey

14 - Blocking Hook

Timestamp - 01:43

 
 

Summary Set Applications
Road 4

 

01 - Seize Leg

03 - Inside Elbow

Timestamp: 05:59

05 - Tame Tiger

07 - Spinning Hook

coming soon…

 

09 - Crashing Tide

Timestamp: 02:57

11 - Cross Kick

13 - Circle to Clinch

Timestamp - 00:22

15 - Over the Knee

 

02 - Shoveling Hook

04 - Circle Punch - Heel Kick

06 - Rowing Hook (single leg)

08 - Hanging Hook

Timestamp: 01:00

10 - 3 Section Step to Crush

Coming soon…

 

12 - Side Kick

14 - Guillotine to Rising Up

Timestamp: 01:48

16 - Dragging Hook

17 - Anchor Drop

Timestamp - 00:25

 
 

The 4 Pillars of Mantis Boxing

This course will familiarize you with the concept of pillars in boxing. What defines a pillar and why this nomenclature can help us understand our own martial art, as well as others.


From the onset of my training in mantis boxing the definition of this style, as well as other styles originating in Northern China, were classified by the following description - a style of martial arts comprised of four elements - striking, kicking, throwing, and locking.

As we dig into the applications and technical make-up of these styles it becomes evident that the striking and kicking were tertiary. Their fundamental purpose was to either quickly disable an attacker, or more predominantly, to facilitate a throw, trip, takedown; lock, seal, break. While we see evidence of some styles existing in the 1500’s focused solely on striking, it was not the case with many that survived the collapse of the Qing dynasty and still exist today. Likely those styles did not survive long after the survey by General Qi Jiguang in 1560 due to the inferiority of having only strikes when faced with kicks, and takedowns.

Although, as evidenced by accounts in the mid-Qing period, it was not common for boxers to stay with one teacher. There were no ‘styles’ or systems outside of family units. Boxers went from teacher to teacher learning techniques here and there.

In the late 18th century as the West began an incursion into China in earnest, the Chinese encountered boxing from the west. This western form of pugilism at one time also contained kicks, grappling, and weapons, but over time became oriented around sport. As with the hand-styles witnessed by General Qi in the Ming dynasty, more focus became concentrated on the hand striking at the expense of the other pillars. Although this did cause a more advanced repertoire of striking tactics to be formed.

This type of specialization in one element of unarmed combat is a repetitve tale in the fighting arts. When one begins to overly specialize in any one pillar, they advance their skill in that particular modality to a high degree that often surpasses and surprises an unexpecting opponent. The same allegory repeats itself in the late 20th century when Brazilian jiu-jitsu took the world by storm. Facing fighters from any style, they dominated the cage proving how effective this form of boxing was. Until it wasn’t. Their initial success however can be attributed more to the element of surprise, rather than any superior fighting method per se. As is evidenced by the pre-existence of Catch Wrestling born in 1870 in England long before, and far away from Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Yet, catch wrestling at the time of it’s inception, lacked the televised global stage, and the brazen and arrogant practitioners hell bent on proving their superiority to the rest of the world.

As time went on, the BJJ game was figured out by those previously defeated by it. These ‘ground boxers’ then improved upon it and beat the ‘masters’ at their own game. More and more fighters appeared in the arena with high level specialization in the ground fighting game. Thus creating a stalemate that went on to dominate many matches for the next couple of years. The focus on this highly specialized pillar in the UFC arena was broken by a few competent strikers entering the fray. These said strikers had the knowledge of the ground game, but gained the edge and began to dominate the octagon by use of exceptional hand skills. Round and round this story goes.

The point is this - specialization creates a high level of skill in one pillar, at the expense of the other pillars. In the ‘economics of time’ - we only have so much time as a currency to buy resources with. Spend all our resource on one pillar, costs us resources to train the other pillars to a high degree.

Historical Pillars

The primary pillar of focus in China, Okinawa, the Steppes to the north, was wrestling based fighting arts. This has been a constant for thousands of years of human existence. However, a grappler can be shut down by a solid kicker, or a competent striker. A grappler needs to ‘connect’ to an opponent to become effective. So it is here we begin.

This is why it is important to know ‘why’ we train. If it is for hobby alone, and we just love martial arts, then it matters little aside from finding something suitable to our body, frame, strength capability, etc. If we train for competition, then we choose the appropriate pillar for that sport, and we excel in that alone. If the competition is MMA, then all pillars matter. Any single pillar can be toppled by any other single pillar if applied proficiently.

If we train for self-defense, or even for fun but self-defense is always on our mind, then again, all pillars matter. Real world scenarios do not happen on one battlefield alone. Terrain, environment, and space are all dictated by factors outside our control.

Mantis boxing was built around four pillars. I have worked with high level coaches over my career to improve each of these pillars. Our striking and kicking level in mantis should be able to hold it’s own if grappling (throws, chokes, locks) is not an option; or to facilitate our grappling without getting destroyed in the process.

This is the art I wish to hand down to you. A well rounded fighting art capable of standing toe to toe with a specialist to hold your own, yet using all the tools in your arsenal to win the day if ever the need arises.


The Pillars of Mantis Boxing

Strikes

Striking is of the utmost importance to us as boxers. Why? As I mentioned above, if we cannot get our hands on someone, or the ground beneath us is too unstable to risk a kick (one leg), then it behooves us to have exceptional striking skills. A strike works when a throw does not. A strike initiates a clinch, or a trip/takedown. A strike can break a clinch, or be used as a weapon of opportunity when an opponent makes space. Strikes are more than just the hand. Elbows and knees are included. When we think of striking, we apply the type of strike based on the range/position we are currently in.

Hand

Applied in mid range and close range combat. Long range is also an option when initiated as a bridging method (heavenly strike, 3 section step).

  1. Thrust Palm

  2. Circle Palm

  3. Shovel Palm

  4. Crushing/Cannon Fist

  5. Drilling Fist

  6. Scraping Fist

  7. Chopping Fist

  8. White Snake Spits Tongue

  9. Piercing Palm

Elbow

Applied in close range combat.

  1. Inside

  2. Outside

  3. Upper

  4. Downward

  5. Falling

  6. Thrusting

Knee

Applied in close range, and occasionally mid range combat.

  1. Wicked Knee

  2. Crushing Knee

  3. Side Knee

  4. Skipping Knee

Kicks

Kicks are another critical element to our weapon system. Kicks are used in two ranges and not only destroy, but confuse an opponent by attacking on multiple levels. Kicks in mantis boxing are almost always low kicks. This ensures the boxer keeps their balance when executing the kick, and lessens the chance that the opponent will catch the leg compromising our position. The highest kick is into the torso but most are attacks to the legs and groin.

Applied in long and mid range combat.

  1. Toe

  2. Heel

  3. Round

  4. Cross

  5. Side

  6. Closing Door

Throws/Trips/Takedowns

The lifeblood of our boxing arsenal. A treasure trove of trips, takedowns, and throws to put down an opponent at opportune moments. The 4 primary positions, or ‘dominant positions’ to execute these are the front/clinch, flank, opposed flank, and rear clinch.

  1. Old Man Carries Fish - clinch/flank

  2. Demon Wheel - clinch

  3. Seize Hook - clinch

  4. Change Moon - clinch

  5. Crashing Tide - clinch

  6. Crane Spreads Wings - clinch

  7. Kneeling Throw - clinch

  8. Rowing Hook - clinch/flank/opposed flank

  9. White Ape Falls in Hole - clinch/opposed flank

  10. Blocking Hook - clinch

  11. Flying Scissors - flank/opposed flank

  12. Piercing Hook - flank

  13. Twisting Hook - flank

  14. Hit Tiger (Over the Knee) - flank/opposed flank

  15. Hanging Hook - flank

  16. Double Seal - flank/opposed flank

  17. Diagonal Flying - flank

  18. Tiger Tail - flank

  19. Flying Tiger - flank

  20. Spinning Hook - clinch/flank/opposed flank

  21. Reaping Leg - clinch/opposed flank

  22. Drop Anchor/Rear Sweep - rear clinch

Chokes/Locks

Capture and seize, known as qin na. This is how we break bones, steal the blood and breath of an opponent. When strikes are unavailable, or a quick finish is required, these can level the playing field against stronger and hardier foes. Locks are size, strength dependent and can be resisted at times. Like throws, they are usually a target of opportunity, not a strength-induced assault on the enemy.

Head

A stronger opponent may be able to resist a lock, but everyone goes to sleep from a choke/seal. The following are the methods used to seal the breath, or blood and cause the opponent to pass out. If held too long, they will expire.

  1. Cross Hands

  2. Seal Tightly

  3. Point At Star

  4. Part Horses Mane

Shoulder

A large joint. Opportune moments open the door for these attacks. Can never be forced.

  1. White Ape Falls in Hole

  2. White Ape Picks Pear

Elbow

While weaker than the shoulder, the elbow is also resilient. Many of these attacks use proper timing, as well as our ‘body’ versus their ‘joint’ to give way to success.

  1. Double Seal

  2. Mantis Captures Prey

  3. Rolling Elbow

  4. Hanging Elbow

Wrist/Fingers

The weakest joint of the arm, yet this should not fool us. Some are strong, others double jointed. Wrist and finger attacks are never a first-strike and are always best when used at the right moment and as a - sneak attack.

  1. Folding

  2. Twisting

Knee

This is the strongest joint on the human body, that we would attempt to attack (hip). There are occasions when the knee is exposed to a lock, when kicking is not an option. This is usually right after we executed a takedown. Effective, but unreliable. Always be ready to move on to another attack if you do not at first succeed with this.

  1. Knee Bar

Ankle

Target of opportunity. The ankle is weak like the wrist, and can be capitalized upon when the opponent is on the ground and we are standing.

  1. Twisting

  2. Folding


Popular Martial Arts Classified by Pillar

Categorized by either a complete specialization in one pillar, or a such an extreme focus at the expense of any other pillar being a predominant factor in the execution of the art. There are 100’s of martial arts in the world. Too many here to list for our purposes. This list contains some of the more popular or relevant.

Strikes

  • Western Boxing

  • Bare-knuckle boxing

Kicks

  • Kickboxing

  • Tae Kwon Do

  • Silat

Throws/Trips/Takedowns

  • Shuai Jiao

  • Judo

  • Jiu-Jitsu

  • Sumo

  • Wrestling

  • Bokh

Locking

  • Catch Wrestling

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

  • Aikido

  • Hapkido

Multi-Pillar Martial Arts

  • Karate

  • San Da

  • Muay Thai

  • Tang Soo Do