Eight Step Preying Mantis Kung Fu

Kung Fu, martial arts, & self‑defense classes in Princeton, New Jersey.

“Eight Step Preying Mantis Kung Fu is a complete system of traditional Chinese martial arts. Its beauty when practiced is rivaled only by its effectiveness in combat. With practice, the system builds the mind, body, spirit and character of the practitioner.” — Grandmaster James Shyun

About the System

At Princeton Mantis we teach The Shyun Style Eight Step Preying Mantis System.

The system is recognized for its practical effectiveness in real-world self-defense scenarios. Eight Step combines striking, grappling, and evasive maneuvers, making it adaptable to various confrontational situations.

The advanced techniques mimic the preying mantis’ ability to draw in its opponent and strike with devastating power. Combined with efficient footwork, joint locks, throwing techniques, and internal energy work, this system represents a complete traditional Chinese martial art.

Lineage

The Preying Mantis system traces its origins to Wang Lang during the Ming Dynasty, where the art was developed through observation of nature, combat experience, and refinement of technique. Many generations later, Jiang Hua Long, the 7th‑generation master known as “Ghost Hands,” strengthened the system by studying effective movements from multiple styles and formalizing the method into eight short and eight long steps, establishing Eight Step Preying Mantis. Jiang Hua Long passed the complete system to his disciple Fong Hua Yi, the 2nd‑generation Grandmaster, who further refined the art. Fong Hua Yi later accepted Wei Hsiao Tang as a student; as the 3rd‑generation Grandmaster, Wei Hsiao Tang carried the system to Taiwan. In 1949, Wei Hsiao Tang encountered the Shyun family, and the lineage continued through Shyun Guang Long as Grandmaster James Shyun.

Read more about the history & lineage on the 8 Step Website .

Curriculum Overview

Sash Program

The Sash Program contains the 10 Body Coordinations and fundamental movements of Eight Step Preying Mantis, with emphasis on upper and lower body techniques, footwork, kicking, physical fitness development, and sets that develop fluidity and power between techniques while establishing the foundations of self‑defense.

Silver Mantis Program

The next level of learning in the 8 Step Preying Mantis System is the Silver Mantis levels. Similar to the Sash Program, these levels also have a physical fitness component, only it is much more stringent than the Sash Program. Each of these levels focus on the 2-person aspect of the material. Adding a simple fighting technique to each fundamental movement, the Silver Mantis levels delve a bit deeper into the theory behind each technique and how it is applied.

Gold Mantis Program

The last program available with an Instructor’s invitation are the Gold Mantis levels. These levels prepare a student for becoming an instructor of 8 Step Preying Mantis Kung Fu and Shyun Style Tai Chi Chuan. Students undergo rigorous traditional martial arts training that include all of the above listed information and more. Each Gold Mantis level is centered around a specific area of martial arts similar to the Sash Program and Silver Mantis Program, but the focus is much more about theory and application.

Instructor

Shifu Jeremy began training in Eight Step Preying Mantis in 2016 under the guidance of Master Alan and Shifu Jenny while living in San Francisco. After moving to New Jersey in 2018, he continued his study under Master Jack, Shifu Bob, and Shifu Tom. He attained the rank of 1st Duan Shifu in May 2025. As a Shifu, Jeremy remains committed to the continued study and instruction of Eight Step Preying Mantis Kung Fu. Outside of kung fu, he works with the Computer Science Department at Princeton University and is an avid runner. He teaches Eight Step Preying Mantis in South Amboy and Princeton and will teach self‑defense at Princeton University beginning in Fall 2026.

Classes

Classes are offered in Princeton, NJ. Exact location may vary.

For a typical class you should expect:

Stretching & Physical Conditioning
Upper & Lower Body Techniques
One & Two‑person Drills
Self‑Defense Applications
Forms & Sets

Training emphasizes body mechanics, footwork, timing of engagement, power generation, and the application of Eight Step Preying Mantis principles through solo and partner practice.

The curriculum is primarily tailored toward adults.