A monk named Wang Lang from Shandong province created this style after observing a battle between a praying mantis and a cicada. He noted how the smaller mantis was able to control and subdue its opponent. Wang Lang, along with his seniors at the temple, organized the new techniques and added special skills from seventeen other Shaolin styles.

With rapid movements mimicking the vicious praying mantis, this style uses sophisticated traps and throwing techniques, multiple-technique attacks, and fast, powerful footwork to overcome an opponent. Praying Mantis Boxing is said to be one of the fastest styles. Over time, Praying Mantis Style diversified into approximately eight principle branches. These include:

Seven Star Praying Mantis: Features very hard strikes, vigorous movements, emphasizing strikes with not only hands and feet, but also waist, shoulders, knees and elbows.

Plum Flower Mantis: Uses small steps with continuous movements. Using similar techniques to Seven Star, Plum Flower Mantis has softer force and more angular footwork.

Six Harmony Mantis: also known as 'Monkey Mantis', this style stresses internal and external coordination of force and body mechanics. The power is elusive, hidden and well controlled.

Tai Chi Plum Flower Praying Mantis, or 'Tai Mantis', uses many classic movements of Northern Praying Mantis, placing importance on the balance of yin and yang in its movements to generate its unique power. Throwing and sweeping techniques are used extensively, working with the trapping hands to form a tightly knit defensive network. The style is further characterized by fast, elusive footwork, principled on angled fighting.