Northern Praying Mantis (Chinese: 螳螂拳; pinyin: tánglángquán; literally: “praying mantis fist”) is a style of Chinese martial arts, sometimes called Shandong Praying Mantis after its province of origin. It was created by Wang Lang (王朗) and was named after the praying mantis, an insect, the aggressiveness of which inspired the original style of Qi Xing or Seven Star Mantis. There are several styles of Northern Mantis which descended from Seven Star including Eight Step Mantis, Six Harmony Mantis, Closed Door Mantis, Plum Blossom Mantis and Taiji Mei Hua Mantis.

Praying Mantis is known for it’s relentless attacking and brutal techniques. The original founder designed the style to defeat another popular style (Northern Long Fist) and he left no contingencies to chance. Constructing each sequence to counter the most logical attacks and defenses he created an ingenious system which is very effective in any violent confrontation.