Southern Praying Mantis (Chinese: 南派螳螂) is a Chinese martial art originating with the Hakka people. It is said that Praying Mantis Kung Fu was developed in and around the Shaolin temple centuries ago by monks who observed the motions of the praying mantis insect in combat.
Despite its name, the Southern Mantis style is unrelated to the Northern Praying Mantis style.
Southern Praying Mantis places a heavy emphasis on close-range fighting. This system is known for its short power methods, and has aspects of both internal and external techniques. In application, the emphasis is on hand and arm techniques, and a limited use of low kicks. The application of close combat methods with an emphasis on hands and short kicking techniques makes the Southern Praying Mantis art somewhat akin to what many would call "street fighting." The hands are the most readily available for attack and defense of the upper body, and protect the stylist by employing ruthless techniques designed to inflict serious injury. The legs are moved quickly into range through footwork to protect and defend the body, and kicks are kept low, short and quick so as to never leave the Southern Mantis combatant off balance and vulnerable.
Li Renchao (黎仁超) one of the famous Ten Tigers of Canton, specialized in this style.