Sai was ready to fight Li, feeling his heartbeat racing. But then came the big news: the tournament was going to be delayed for days, if not weeks. Sai was shocked, and so were Tai and Shi. However, Shi saw this as good news because he knew that Sai was going to lose, so this gave them a little more time to train.
Tai said, "Our next match was supposed to be today. I was looking forward to the fight."
Shi replied, "Sad, sad news indeed. But we need to use these days to train."
Tai protested, "But this must be a sign to rest and not train."
Shi asked, "Tai, do you want to lose your next fight?"
Tai quickly responded, "No."
Shi then declared, "We are going to train. Sai, do you know what the training will be?"
Sai asked, "What is the training?"
Shi answered, "Northern Praying Mantis."
Sai exclaimed, "There is no way we are going to master it in a few days!"
Shi reassured him, "Yes, but you will have it as a backup key to win your fight."
Tai, curious, asked, "Okay, but what is Northern Praying Mantis?"
Shi explained, "This style is known for its effectiveness in close-range combat and its ability to adapt to various fighting situations. It emphasizes speed, continuous attacks, and complex footwork. The distinctive 'praying mantis hook' is used for blocking, hooking, and striking. It's a powerful style that can give us an edge."
Week 1: Introduction and Basics
In the first week, Shi gathered Tai and Sai to explain the history and philosophy of Northern Praying Mantis. They learned about Wang Lang, who developed the style during the Ming Dynasty, inspired by the quick and precise movements of the praying mantis insect.
They practiced basic stances and footwork drills. Shi demonstrated the praying mantis hook, a hand posture used for blocking, hooking, and striking. Tai and Sai mimicked his movements, focusing on precision and form. They also worked on basic strikes, integrating the praying mantis hook into their techniques. Shi emphasized the importance of speed and continuous attacks, encouraging them to strike rapidly and relentlessly.
Week 2: Intermediate Techniques
In the second week, Shi introduced advanced footwork and evasion techniques. Tai and Sai practiced moving swiftly and fluidly, learning to evade attacks while positioning themselves for counterstrikes.
They worked on combination drills, incorporating strikes and hooks. Shi paired them up for sparring practice, where they applied the techniques in simulated combat scenarios. They also focused on wrist and arm techniques, learning to use their wrists and arms for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. Shi demonstrated how to block and counter effectively, enhancing their combat skills.
Week 3: Advanced Techniques and Application
In the third week, Shi introduced knee and elbow strike drills. Tai and Sai practiced delivering powerful strikes using their knees and elbows, adding new dimensions to their fighting style.
They engaged in intensive sparring sessions, testing their skills under pressure. Shi provided feedback and adjustments, helping them refine their techniques. They reviewed all the techniques they had learned, focusing on integrating them seamlessly into their fighting style. Shi emphasized the importance of adaptability and strategy in combat.
Week 4: Strategy and Adaptation
In the fourth week, they dedicated time to studying and practicing combat strategies specific to Northern Praying Mantis. Shi taught them how to read their opponents and adapt their techniques to different situations.
They engaged in scenario-based training, simulating various combat scenarios to test their adaptability. Shi provided guidance and feedback, helping them improve their decision-making skills in combat. They reviewed and refined all the techniques, ensuring they were well-prepared for the tournament.
Final Preparation
On the final days, they engaged in intensive sparring sessions to test their skills under pressure. Shi provided final adjustments and personalized feedback, helping them perfect their techniques.
They focused on mental preparation, visualizing their success in the tournament. Shi emphasized the importance of confidence and focus in combat. They rested and mentally prepared for the tournament, confident in their new skills and ready to face their opponents.
The next morning, an announcement was made: "The tournament will resume tomorrow." Tai and Sai felt a surge of excitement and determination. They were ready to showcase their new skills and face their opponents with renewed confidence.