Iron Mantis Club: Forge Your Path. Build Your Community.

Discover the power of Iron Mantis Kung Fu and learn how to start your own training group – anytime, anywhere.

More Than Martial Arts: A Path to Wellness & Strength.

  • Holistic Health: Improve mental and physical well-being, reduce stress, and find harmony.
  • Practical Self-Defense: Learn effective, time-tested techniques rooted in Seven Star Praying Mantis.
  • Discipline & Character: Cultivate patience, self-control, integrity, perseverance, and humility.
  • Accessible to All: A welcoming system regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.
  • Build Strength: Develop physical power, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

Your Garage, Your Park, Your Dojo.

 

Traditionally, Kung Fu isn’t just learned; it’s passed down – from Master to student, generation after generation. While formal schools (Kwoon) hold a revered place, the essence of this transmission lies not in the building, but in the dedicated practice and the relationship between those who train. The true “floor” can be anywhere practitioners gather with intention – a garage, a park, an empty hall.

Iron Mantis follows this path. Whether in a state-of-the-art facility or training under the open sky, the core remains: diligent practice, shared effort, and mutual respect. This is where the real work happens – refining stances, understanding forms, testing skills through controlled “playing hands”, and pushing limits together. It’s through this shared commitment and hard work that skills are forged and the deeper meanings of the art unfold.

Training together in this way builds more than skill; it builds the Kung Fu family. Supporting each other through challenges, sharing knowledge, and upholding the traditions and ethics of Iron Mantis creates bonds as strong as lineage itself. By forming your own dedicated group, you step onto this traditional path, becoming a vital link in carrying the Iron Mantis legacy forward and helping share its benefits with the world. Find your space, gather your fellow practitioners, and honor the tradition through dedicated training.

A Complete System: Striking, Grappling, Forms & Philosophy.

 Iron Mantis combines Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu with elements of Hawaiian Kempo, BJJ, fitness, and wellness practices like Qigong and Tai Chi.

  • Foundation: Master stances, fundamental footwork, and basic strikes/blocks.
  • Forms (Kuen): Learn fundamental forms like the “12 Basic Stances” or “8 Stance Method” as outlined in the Manual – great for solo practice and technique memorization.
  • Partner Drills: Practice controlled techniques like trapping hands (Jim Lim Sau) and the essential “Playing Hands” for safe, practical sparring without gear.
  • Conditioning: Incorporate basic fitness and body conditioning routines.

Ready to Begin? Here's How.

1. Acquire & Study the Iron Mantis Black Belt Manual

The journey begins with a thorough understanding of the Iron Mantis system. Purchase the Iron Mantis Black Belt Manual and carefully study its content. This is crucial as it provides the foundation of the system’s philosophy, core principles, ethics, and training methods. Only after this will you be equipped to lead or organize a group.

2. Commitment & Internalization of the System

Before you start gathering people, it’s important to fully commit to and internalize the essence of Iron Mantis. Familiarize yourself with the Iron Mantis Mission, Vision, Goals, Student Creed, 12 Virtues, and the Code of Ethics. 

3. Gather Resources & Prepare

Now, it’s time to get practical:

  • Find Dedicated Training Partners: You’ll need at least one committed partner to train with consistently. This partner will be key in progressing together through the system’s training methods.

     

  • Secure a Safe Training Space: Whether it’s a garage, park, or community space, you need a suitable location where you can practice safely. The space should be free from distractions and hazards to allow for focused training.

     

  • Plan Foundational Training: Start by outlining your first few sessions, focusing on the fundamental techniques from the Manual. Begin with basic stances, simple forms, essential conditioning, and introductory partner drills.

     

4. Start Training the Iron Mantis Way

Once you’re set up, it’s time to begin training:

  • Focus on Fundamentals: Start with the basics from the Manual. Mastery of the core techniques and principles is essential before moving on to more advanced material.

     

  • Practice Safe & Controlled Training Methods: Always emphasize safety, particularly in partner work. The concept of “Playing Hands” should guide your training, ensuring that all physical contact is controlled and respectful.

     

  • Foster a Supportive Kung Fu Family Atmosphere: Cultivate a positive and respectful training environment. The Iron Mantis community is about mutual support, so encourage your group to treat each other with care and respect as they train.
  • Maintain a Professional Approach: Even in informal settings, it’s important to take your training seriously. Treat each session as an opportunity for growth and improvement.