TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
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A simple and direct man, Kang Shifu was the antithesis of the mystical martial arts master. Although he had a great respect for the history and traditions of Mantis Boxing, he was wary of the folklore and mythology of the art and blind veneration of past masters and their legendary deeds. Kang always passed on traditional knowledge or time-honoured anecdotes with a disclaimer, encouraging listeners to seek their own verification and cautiously test each mouth full served to them. Any question that he could not answer on technique, theory or history would be immediately referred to the relevant source without the slightest sense of embarrassment. Kang would frequently invite guest masters from each of the clans of Mantis Boxing to improve the performance of his own students, never once belittling the skill of another master. When quizzed on the ability of any other exponent of Tanglang Quan, regardless of his personal feelings, he never failed point out their particular skill or specialty in the field, adding that one would do well to learn something from them. Kang accepted no tuition fees but demanded a respect for the treasures of Tanglang, continuously turning down potential students regardless of their profile or financial status.

Training was ruthless at all times and Kang’s warm and friendly persona was left at the door. Mistakes were not tolerated and individual techniques could be repeated for hours on end until approaching an acceptable level or until the student was physically unable to continue. Illness and injury were simply not acknowledged with sympathy and compassion during training, non-existent. Any technique or principle taught was taught only once, and never to be forgotten. A finite amount of corrections were tolerated but certainly not welcomed. Any session in which a student performed in such a manner as to disrespect the art of Seven Star Mantis Boxing, was immediately terminated with a question mark remaining as to whether or not, one was welcome to continue. Physical contact was constant and forceful. Once a student came through the ‘closed doors’ Kang held back nothing and delivered the methods with full-force. Most impressively and uniquely, he invited hard contact in return and came alive when fending off the attacks of his disciple. Although he was certainly heavy handed and punished carelessness in combat training with ferocity and apparent glee, Kang Shifu showed control at all times and knew the physical limits of his charges. Bruises, blood and breaks were the constant companions of those who dared accept the challenge of his instruction, but the rewards far outweighed the cost.


Training under Kang focused predominantly on development of Jiben Gong (fundamental works), physical and mental conditioning, combat strategy and fighting applications. Taolu, when introduced, were taught slowly and with painstaking attention to detail. Drilling of individual techniques and combinations along with free-fighting, played a major role in the curriculum. Kang placed particular emphasis on the throwing and joint locking components of Mantis Boxing alongside prioritization of the Yuhuan Bu (Jade Ring Stance/Step) and it’s multitude of applications. Multiple variations of each skill were taught, along with the accepted standard method of the system, with no technique passed on without its counter or defence. He wrote for his students, detailed notes on important theoretical and historical aspects, withholding none of his classical knowledge. His training regimen ranged from recommendations on traditional Chinese medical dietary supplements, to instructions on relegation of sexual and leisure activities.


Kang Shifu encouraged cross-training in other sports and advocated modern methods such as sprint training, long distance running and isometric exercise, alongside traditional hard and soft qigong methods and use of herbal medicines. Cultural understanding was a priority for absorbing his teachings and each session was as much about Mantis Boxing as it was about the history and culture of China and it’s people.