Principles of Taiji Meihua Mantis

它练起拳来，腿分明暗，手分阴阳，上下肢时时旋转，划弧，很具太极拳特点

上下肢时时旋转，四面环绕，出手成撮，手不单行，手的招式像

朵朵梅花，发劲时“张如驰”发劲结束我静止时“缩如球”

兼有螳螂活动之长

When you practice forms

Footwork can be clear or hidden

The hands complement each other like yin and yang

Limbs move up and down, constantly whirling

Arms draw half circles

This is the characteristics of Taiji

Limbs move up and down, constantly whirling

Attack the opponent from all sides and surround him

Combinations should flow together

The movements’ don’t just have one purpose

The hands movements represent plum flowers

Emitting power you should "open like a bow"

When the movement finishes it "contracts like a ball"

Simultaneously these hold the development of the mantis movements

练功时，讲究意集神发，根固枝摇。技击方面，有时手脚并用，马不停蹄向前追赶；有时四面八方冲打或上，下，左，右，缠绕。横冲直撞，左捆右缠，锤肘密布，连招带。

During training kung fu, you must express intent and show spirit,

Body movements must have a solid foundation.

When attacking, the hands must be in harmony with the feet,

Steps should be fast like sprinting.

Strike in all directions: coiling left, right, up and down.

Step in to hit directly, locking with left hand and coiling with right hand.

Strike continuously with the cooperation of the elbows.

Every movement must have fighting intent.

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