Tai mantis is one of the several Praying Mantis styles. Mantis Kung Fu is patterned after the Praying Mantis insect. Mantis utilizes Mantis hands with Monkey Kung Fu footwork.

This is because a Praying Mantis insect is incredibly fast with its arms. Catching its prey with lightning like strikes. But its leg movement is very slow. Utilizing Monkey Kung Fu footwork gives this style quick movement, lightning like hand strikes that have power, precision and speed.

Sifu Mike Marshall studied Tai Mantis Kung Fu under Grand Master Kam Yuen. He started his Mantis training in 1983 until he became Grand Master Kam Yuen's Head Instructor in 1998.

Grand Master Kam Yuen then realized that Sifu Mike's ability and knowledge where so advanced, Grand Master Kam Yuen bestowed the title of "Master" to Sifu Mike Marshall.