VIDEO TRANSCRIPT (PDF):

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Summary: 7 Star Praying Mantis Basic Stances and Stance Drills

Key Stances Demonstrated by Grandmaster Lee Kam Wing

Horse Stance (馬步 – Ma Bou)

• Weight distributed evenly: 50% left, 50% right
• Fundamental symmetrical stance

Hill-Climbing Stance ( 登山步 – Dang Saan Bou)

• 70% weight on front leg, 30% on rear leg
• Rear leg has slight flexion (approximately 10 degrees)

Seven-Star Stance (七星步 – Chut Sing Bou)

• 80-90% weight on rear leg, 10% on front leg
• Front foot contacts ground with the heel

Collapsing Stance (吞塌步 – Tan Taap Bou)

• 80% weight on rear leg, 20% on front leg
• Front leg is extended

Circle-Entering Stance (入環步 – Jap Waan Bou)

• One knee positioned close to the opposite ankle
• When in right stance, knee flexed at approximately 90 degrees

Tiger-Riding Stance (跨虎步 – Kwaa Fu Bou)

• 90% weight on rear leg, 10% on front leg
• Enables easy kicking and transitions (retreating/advancing)

Cross-Leg Stance (扭馬步 – Lau Ma Bou)

• Involves twisting motion of the torso
• One knee touches the posterior aspect of the opposite knee
• Used for generating power in offensive and defensive movements

Monkey Stance (猿猴步 – Jyun Hau Bou)

• Weight distributed centrally
• Both rear and front legs slightly flexed
• Used for grabbing techniques and transitional movements

Stance Drills

After learning basic stances, practitioners should progress to stance drills that develop:

• Dexterity
• Movement skills
• Footwork

The demonstrated drills include:

• Horse Stance with shifting movements and elbow strikes
• Forward Stance with Upward Block and Reverse Punch combinations
• Tiger-Riding Stance with retreating movements

Practice recommendations:

• Perform drills up and down the training floor
• Focus on developing comfort with forward and backward movements
• Work on timing as skills improve