Traditional Seven Star Praying Mantis

The Origin of Seven-Star Mantis Style

There are many different views on the origin of Seven-Star Mantis Style. Lee Kam Wing’s understanding of the origins is as follows.

According to tradition the founder of the Seven-Star Mantis Style was Master Wong Long. One day while out walking, Wong Long witnessed a fight between a mantis and a cicada. When Wong Long was satisfied he added to the new style the best techniques from the other seventeen styles which he has previously studied. Wong continued to train and research together to further improve the skills of this new style.

The first generation successor was Sing Sil, who was a diligent practice he finally mastered the complete system. Sing Sil became friendly with a security guard named Lee San Chine after helping him defeat a number of bandits. As their friendship grew and seeing that Lee San Chine was a sincere man, Abbot Sing Sil taught him the complete system of Seven-Star Mantis. Returning to his security work, Lee San Chine became famous for his “Lightning Fists.” At the age of 60 he returned home to Shandong Province where he met Wong Wing Sang who was a national Kung Fu champion. It’s said the Wong was giving a demonstration of his skills when lee San Chine made some offhand remarks about his Kung Fu abilities. This enraged Wong, so he left no time in challenging the old man. In the ensuing contest, Wong couldn’t dent the old man’s defense. Seeing that his Kung Fu was of such a high level, Wong begged to be accepted as a disciple. Wong came from a wealthy family so he never taught the art opening; he took the civil service examination and was awarded the title of “third degree graduate of martial arts.”

In later life, Wong accepted a disciple by the name of Fang Yuk Toung. Fang was a giant of a man, his skill with the “iron-sand palms” was known over a large area. It’s said he used this technique to kill two charging bulls in 1870 he defeated a Russian strongman in a contest which took place in Siberia. This made him a national hero with the nickname “the giant with the broadsword.” Fang Yuk Toung taught openly and had many students. Notable amongst these was Low Kwang Yu.