🦗 From Shandong to the World: The 17th-Century Kung Fu Style Taking 2026 by Storm

Move over TikTok trends – there's a 400-year-old martial art still breaking the internet in 2026! 🥋 The Praying Mantis style (Tanglang Quan), born in China's Shandong province around 1650, is having a major glow-up this year through viral combat videos and global workshops.

From Folk Hero to Film Icon

Created by legendary fighter Wang Lang, this style mimics the insect's lightning strikes and patient stances. While it gained fame through 20th-century Shaolin movies, 2026 sees Gen-Z practitioners adding drone footage and AR tutorials to the mix. 📸

More Than Just Cool Moves

• 🌪️ Qixing (Seven Stars) branch: Dynamic circular footwork
• ☯️ Taiji branch: Fluid Yin-Yang energy flow
• 🌸 Meihua (Plum Blossom) branch: Precision striking patterns

All variations blend Shaolin's power with Tai Chi's grace – perfect for today's hybrid fitness culture. 💥

Why It's Trending Now

With over 500 new dojos opening worldwide this year alone, experts credit its 2026 resurgence to:

1. Post-pandemic interest in mindful movement
2. #HistoricMartialArts challenges on social media
3. Upcoming 'Kung Fu Legacy' Netflix documentary

From Beijing to Berlin, this mantis is still praying… and slaying! 🙏

Reference(s):

The praying mantis style: A 17th-century martial art that went global

cgtn.com