1. Yielding

2. Returning

3. Emptying

4. Leaking

5. Locking

6. Linking

7. Plucking

8. Parrying

9. Circling

10. Pressing

11. Collapsing

12. Upward Glancing

Grandmaster John Cheng created 3 fundamental forms (12 Keyword, 8 Hard, 12 Soft) as contribution to the Praying Mantis community and our lineage. Each Praying Mantis lineage may have slight variations as Grandmaster Cheng’s version was influenced by the great masters he’s had the privilege to learn from; Chiu Leun, Ho Yin Chung, Henry Chung, Lee Kam Wing, Chan Pui of Wah Lum Mantis, and his primary Sifu, Grandmaster Raymond Fogg.

His vision for creating these forms was sparked by the desire to distill the essence of Praying Mantis to his son, Austin. In creating these short forms, a student can train and embody the principles at an earlier age.

It is with great sadness that he was taken from us far too early. Grandmaster John Cheng is a true American hero.

00:00 Front View

00:38 Side View

01:16 Slow Motion