Customer Reviews

Northern Praying Mantis (Shaolin Interactive Instructional Series)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The Northern Praying Mantis edition of the "Shaolin Interactive Instructional Series" is an excellent learning tool that should be considered by anyone with a desire to learn the basics of the style. Obviously the CD ROM cannot replace the hawklike eyes of an expert instructor standing attentively by your side. However, the program proves to be the perfect blend of an ancient art and the brilliant technological ingenuity of modern times. In other words, the interactive nature of the program (including but not limited to, multi angle viewing of techniques, an excellent slow motion feature and in depth investigation of "real world" applications of the basic techniques) brings this program to the cutting edge of martial arts instruction. Without access to professional instruction, this CD ROM is as close as one can get to the multi faceted, in depth knowlege of a seasoned (in the flesh) teacher. The CD ROM is way ahead of the archaic learning curve of other instructional media (with a nervous shudder, I hark back to the days of rewinding martial arts instructional videos much more than I could unwind through the enjoyment of an ancient discipline.) This program's intrinsic adaptability will provide much more quality instuction in that it can be easily tailored to the specific needs of the student. One needs only to click on the link to view a technique from multi angle, multi speed observation points second only to actually being there. In other words, buy it.

After paying $50 for this cd-rom and thoroughly absorbing its contents I felt cheated in many ways. The first thing that bothers me is that no person takes credit for authoring it. And, insane and irrelevant as it sounds, the unknown creator claims that the U.S. civil war didn't really happen, it was just a scene from "gone with the wind", and that Americans have been brainwashed. Hmmm... seems like someone's blown a gasket... anyway... the essence of the cd-rom is basically a multi-angle video clip of an unknown unnamed person poorly performing his bastardized version of "crushing step." It is about 45 seconds in length (I didn't time it, maybe it's 20 seconds or possibly a minute), and that is just about all you get. No audio, nothing. The written explanations, stories, etc. are so pathetic and unprofessional, I just couldn't believe it. Very skimpy. I was expecting detailed explanations, decent graphics, in-depth theory... sadly, it failed to deliver. Anyway, I could go into the many details concerning why this product is a total joke but, if you want to buy it go ahead, just remember this: you WILL be disappointed. Let my mistake help you to not make the same mistake. I wish someone had been kind enough to write an intelligent review of this cd-rom before I bought it, then I would never have wasted my money and time. I really feel like a sucker. Consider this review a public service to the serious martial artist.

I thought the CD was a good way to introduce everyone to the Praying Mantis system. Even though it lacked in the basic footwork which is the most important part in learning movement, I felt the overview of the system was excellent. Learning a form is very difficult to do on any media field because you don't have that "feel" or feedback when learning how to do it. But overall it is a very good introduction to the Praying Mantis system.

Please take the one-star review below with a grain of salt. This is the publisher of the Shaolin series here, taking the opportunity to point out that the author of that review is the producer of competing mantis videos.

We apologize for having to respond in this review, but we think it only fair. We agree with the other reviewers that this is quite an excellent learning tool.

Thanks everyone.

I found the CD an excellent overview of the northern praying mantis style. There is a wide range of technique, and the applications span the gamut of readily apparent to surprising.

I must disagree with Mr.Ortiz' evaluation of the CD, as I have seen his work as well and can compare the two. The fact that he may not be familiar with some of the applications in the CD does not make them incorrect, merely unknown to him.

While not having a sifu at your arm is a disadvantage, the methodical teaching style in the CD and the multiple angle format make it as close to the real thing as can be obtained.

They are not kidding when they say you need a sifu and this is only a suplemental tool. For $50 I expected a ton more than what was offered. You are better off putting your money into extra class time with a certified instructor. I would not recomend this item unless your sifu has specificly told you to get it.

This cd isnt' good to learn from. Many of the applications are incorrect. The quality of the kung fu is at a beginner's level. Some of the techniques are wrong and you may hurt yourself praticing it the way shown on the cd.