Chinese Language Martial Arts Books
TRADITIONAL  
 Chinese Characters Page 11: Praying Mantis Books page # 1
These books show the Praying Mantis style in traditional Chinese characters. Many of them are written by the famous "Mantis King", Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun) . Many are difficult to find in any form whatsoever and those for sale here may be the last of their respective editions.

Info on Master Wong (Huang Han Hsun)

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NOTE: Please be aware that we only have one or two copies of some of these. Many aren't even in print any more. Even if it is listed here it may already be out of stock (we'll try to keep it updated but they may go fast).

Click here for English language DVDs on many of these Northern Praying Mantis forms.

The True Biography of Mantis Boxing- SC907

(Including the full text of: A Discourse on the History of the Praying Mantis Boxing for the Last One Hundred Years)
Huang Hanxun (Wong Han Fun) and Huang Hanchao
Simplified Chinese Characters

Reg $49.95 Plum Price $44.95

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Years ago, we were fortunate to represent “A Discourse on the History
of the Praying Mantis Boxing for the Last One Hundred Years,” one of the best books on Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Sadly, it became unavailable and our want list for it grew.

Happily, this new book, “The True Biography of Mantis Boxing,” not only includes the original text, but adds another 240 pages to gorgeously expand the history back to its origins, about 300 years ago, and Wang Lang, the presumed founder of this great style. Offering more than 200 pages of photocopied Boxing Manuals, this "True Biography" links Mantis's origins to Shaolin.

It would be hard not to be impressed by this exceptional volume. Divided into three sections, the first roots the basis of the style in the classical Shaolin system. Wang Lang, as legend goes, originated the style which slowly expanded into a model and goal of a "perfect" system.

The importance of the Ching Woo (Jingwu) schools in popularizing this system cannot be underestimated, and much detail is given to Luo GuangYu, and his famous disciple Wong Han Fun (Huang HanXun). From these schools and teachers, Mantis grew to thousands of students. 

This would make for an impressive text as is, but the addition of historical sketches, all in color, plus historic calligraphic texts, raise its level to art.

Photographs of masters abound, including those of Luo GuangYu and many of Wong Han Fun, showing both empty hand and weapons work. There are even a few demonstrating Praying Mantis’s unique Chin Na.

Finally, as in the original text of the Discourse, there are 15 English-language pages with a  table of contents, plus  a summary introduction to that text.

We want to show off this book, so please find some pictures below (click to see larger versions), plus the English table of contents for the Discourse. Finally, see our earlier write up for the Discourse book included whole in this beautiful volume.

Below is the description of

A Discourse on the History
of the Praying Mantis Boxing for the Last One Hundred Years - TC 617
by Huang HanChao

This is what a martial arts book should be like. Mr. Huang has written a Chinese language text on the history of the Mantis with a special emphasis on Luo GuangYu and Wong Han Fun, those giants of the system in the last century. The only unfortunate thing is that though Mr. Huang intended more, he was only able to contribute an ENGLISH language introduction and not translate the entire text. This comprehensive volume is filled with pictures of "Mantis King" Wong Han Fun. The layout is excellent, clear and clean. The chapters, all in Chinese, cover such important topics as:

  • Sources of Praying Mantis Boxing and its Early Popularity
  • Luo GuangYu's teaching at the Chin Woo Association in Shanghai
  • Teaching at the Chin Woo is Kwangtung and Hong Kong
  • Activities after Luo's retirement from the martial arts circle
  • Wong Hon Fan and the Chin Woo Association
  • Wong's efforts in the study of Praying Mantis
  • Wong's contributions to the circle of martial arts
  • Wong's theories in form practicing and energy cultivation.
  • List of empty handed forms and of weapons in Wong's teaching of Mantis
  • The practices of grabbing and catching and the use of the fingers in Mantis
  • Essentials of empty handed techniques in the style
  • Notes on the scroll of the Pronouncement of the History of Mantis
  • A brief biography of Wong Hon Fan
  • ENGLISH language introduction.
This is without a doubt an essential addition to any library that includes work on the Praying Mantis style.


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Alternate cover

Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun

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Praying Mantis Two Forms - TC 506
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95 Traditional Chinese Characters;
92 Pages, Illustrated, softbound

Zhou Gang & Shi Ba Sou Quan He Bian Another of the famous series by the "Mantis King" teacher of Brendan Lai. This is a double form book containing nicely illustrated versions of two short forms of Northern Mantis, namely Duo Gang (Evade Strength) and Shi Ba Sou (18 Old Men). Not many notes but very clear line drawings and explanations in Chinese. (Yes, we are trying to assemble the entire series but it's a task.)
NOTE: You may receive either cover edition depending on what we have in stock.
Info on Master Huang.
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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun essays

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Praying Mantis Essays - TC 505
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95 Traditional Chinese Characters;
98 Pages Softbound - no illustrations

Tang Lang Quan Shu Sui Bi. The title of this book implies random or casual essays on the art of tang Lang. This is one of the famous series by Huang listed on other pages of the traditional Chinese sections. Some of the topics addressed in these vignettes are: requirements for an instructor, the origins of "Southern Fists and Northern Legs", partner practice, various weapons arts, aspects of practicing the Mantis fist, strength and jing and other pages pieces of varying length.
Info on Master Huang.

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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Cha Chui Back in Stock! Praying Mantis Cha Chui Quan - TCPM 403
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95 Traditional Chinese Characters
96 Pages Softbound - illustrations



Another edition from this old and well done series of books on Praying Mantis. Rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This particular book is illustrated with clear drawings rather than old photographs. The Threading Punch Form is shown. In addition an unusual text appendix gives the titles and posture names of 38 mantis hand sets.
Info on Master Huang.
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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Plum Flower FistPraying Mantis Plum Flower Fist - TC 304
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95 Traditional Chinese Characters;
115 Pages Softbound - photographs

This is an old and well done series of books on the Praying Mantis. It has been reprinted many times but rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has the old photos retouched a bit but all the information is still there as well as full sized pictures facing pages of form text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand.
Info on Master Huang.
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Back in Stock! Praying Mantis Falling Plum Flower Fist - TC 303
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95 Traditional Chinese Characters
111 Pages Softbound - photographs

This is an old and well done series of books on the Praying Mantis. It has been reprinted many times but rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has the old photos retouched a bit but all the information is still there as well as full sized pictures facing pages of form text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand.
Info on Master Huang.

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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Plum Flower Hand Back in Stock! Praying Mantis Plum Flower Hand - TC 302
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95 Traditional Chinese Characters;
67 Pages Softbound - photographs

This is an old and well done series of books on the Praying Mantis. It has been reprinted many times but rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has the old photos retouched a bit but all the information is still there as well as full sized pictures facing pages of form text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand.
Info on Master Huang.
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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun White Ape Leaves CavePraying Mantis White Ape Leaves Cave - TC 301
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95 Traditional Chinese Characters; 99 Pages Softbound - photographs

This is an old and well done series of books on the Praying Mantis. It has been reprinted many times but rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has the old photos retouched a bit but all the information is still there as well as full sized pictures facing pages of form text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand. Slight foxing. Info on Master Huang.

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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Luo Han Exercises
Back in Stock! Praying Mantis Luo Han Exercises - TC 220
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95 Traditional Chinese Characters
89 Pages Softbound - photographs



This is an old and well known series of books on the Praying Mantis. Rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has great, clear old photos. Though by the same author as the rest of the series this book looks very different. Slight foxing. This is more along the lines of official Mantis Chi Kung. An old time book with smaller pictures demonstrating the proper exercise postures. NOTE: This series may have an alternative cover. See example.
Info on Master Huang.
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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Flying Goose Palm

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Praying Mantis Flying Goose Palm Boxing - TC 219
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95; Traditional Chinese Characters
81 Pages Softbound - photographs

This is an old and well known series of books on the Praying Mantis. Rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has great, clear old photos. All the information is still there with full sized pictures facing pages of text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand. Slight foxing.

This is a relatively short set with much emphasis on willow palms and dart fingers. What's a little different is that this book contains a long text section at the end discussing Mantis striking principles. NOTE: This series may have an alternative cover. See example.
Info on Master Huang.
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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun 4 Road Rushing Strike Back in Stock! Praying Mantis 4 Road Rushing Strike - TC 218
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95 Traditional Chinese Characters 121 Pages Softbound - photographs



This is an old and well known series of books on the Praying Mantis. Rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has great, clear old photos. All the information is still there with full sized pictures facing pages of text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand. Slight foxing.

As the name implies this form moves to the "four walls". It is one of the longer book in the series and one of the longer forms. NOTE: This series may have an alternative cover. See example.
Info on Master Huang
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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Drunken LuoHan
Praying Mantis Drunken LuoHan - TC 217
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$$13.95Traditional Chinese Characters;
119 Pages Softbound - photographs

This is an old and well known series of books on the Praying Mantis. Rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has great, clear old photos. All the information is still there with full sized pictures facing pages of text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand. Slight foxing.

This form is in the Mantis line but contains some rolling and ground fighting actions. NOTE: This series may have an alternative cover. See example.
Info on Master Huang.

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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun White Ape Steals Peach Back in Stock! Praying Mantis White Ape Steals Peach- TC 216
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95 Traditional Chinese Characters;
54 Pages Softbound - photographs


This is an old and well known series of books on the Praying Mantis. Rumor has it that now it will go out of print. The photos in this edition are a little distressed and have been retouched - a long time ago - to "improve" them but everything is there. All the information is still there with full sized pictures facing pages of text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand. Slight foxing. A short and very famous Mantis form. Also, there is a little more text discussion than in the other books of this series. NOTE: This series may have an alternative cover. See example.
Info on Master Huang.
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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Tiger Tail 3 Sectional
Back in Stock! Praying Mantis Tiger Tail Three Sectional Staff - TC 127
Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
33 Pages Softbound - photographs, old ones
$13.95Traditional Chinese Characters

We first found a copy of this book over thirty five years ago in a dusty Chinese book store. It shows, with very muddy photos, Wong Han Fun himself demonstrating a three sectional staff set from the Northern Mantis style. This is part of the "Mantis King" series and, like all the weapons books, a hard one to find. We've ordered less than a dozen just to see how many collector's out there will want a copy. Check out the scan by clicking the small picture first. Rumor has it that this old and well known series of books will go out of print.
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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Zhai Yao #3 Back in Stock! Praying Mantis Zhai Yao Road #3 - TC 120
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95Traditional Chinese Characters;
119 Pages Softbound - photographs

This is an old and well known series of books on the Praying Mantis. Rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has great, clear old photos. All the information is still there with full sized pictures facing pages of text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand. Slight foxing.

ZHAI YAO or "Summary" is a very important set giving the backbone of much Mantis theory and practice. As in this case it is often a set of different "roads" which can be practiced separately or linked to one another. This is the third such road.
Info on Master Huang.

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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Zhai Yao #2
Praying Mantis Zhai Yao Road #2 - TC 119
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95Traditional Chinese Characters;
119 Pages Softbound - photographs

This is an old and well known series of books on the Praying Mantis. Rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has great, clear old photos. All the information is still there with full sized pictures facing pages of text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand. Slight foxing.
ZHAI YAO or "Summary" is a very important set giving the backbone of much Mantis theory and practice. As in this case it is often a set of different "roads" which can be practiced separately or linked to one another. This is the second such road.
Info on Master Huang.

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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Zhai Yao #1 Back in Stock! Mantis Zhai Yao Road #1 - TC 118
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95 Traditional Chinese Characters;
119 Pages Softbound - photographs

This is an old and well known series of books on the Praying Mantis. Rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has great, clear old photos. All the information is still there with full sized pictures facing pages of text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand. Slight foxing.

ZHAI YAO or "Summary" is a very important set giving the backbone of much Mantis theory and practice. As in this case it is often a set of different "roads" which can be practiced separately or linked to one another. This is the first such road.
Info on Master Huang.
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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Beng Bu Back in Stock! Praying Mantis Essential Beng Bu Boxing - TC 117
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)

$13.95
Traditional Chinese Characters

99 Pages Softbound - photographs

This is an old and well done series of books on the Praying Mantis. Rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has the old photos retouched, but all the information is still there as well as full sized pictures facing pages of form text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand. Slight foxing.
This volume show the Two Person Beng Bu Boxing. The "helper" is attacking with the facing side comprised mostly of Long Arm strikes. Photos here are excellent.
Info on Master Huang.
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Praying Mantis Wong Han Fun Beng Bu Revised
Back in Stock! Praying Mantis Beng Bu Revised - TCPM 116
by Wong Han Fun (Huang Han Hsun)
$13.95Traditional Chinese Characters;
99 Pages Softbound - retouched photographs

This is an old and well known series of books on the Praying Mantis. It has been reprinted many times but rumor has it that now it will go out of print. This edition has the old photos retouched, but all the information is still there as well as full sized pictures facing pages of form text. The Chinese characters are exceptionally clear and the illustrations often give back views and are quite easy to understand. Slight foxing.

Beng Bu is,of course, a key form in the system. Check out TC117 for a two person version. Photos in this are retouched by a little weak.
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This is an alternative cover for the Huang Mantis series.