Iron Mantis Chronicles

Sifu Tony Puyot began his martial arts journey at 13 years old — and never looked back. In this conversation, he breaks down why he chose kung fu over other disciplines, the real-world practicality of Praying Mantis kung fu, and the moments he's had to put his training to the test outside the school. Beyond technique, Sifu Tony shares a deeper philosophy: that great teachers never stop being stude...

A Conversation with Tony Puyot.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Deegan, a coach with Iron Mantis Martial Arts and owner of an affiliate school in Kerrville, Texas. Mike has been training in martial arts since the age of seven and brings over two decades of experience across multiple disciplines, including Shotokan karate, boxing, grappling, Tai Chi, and Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Mike shares how growing up in Cali...

Modern martial arts and fitness are now inseparable, requiring practitioners of all ages to maintain peak physical condition to excel. By bridging the gap between traditional methods, such as weapons training and esoteric body hardening, and modern sports performance science used in MMA, students can build a resilient foundation that prevents injury and enhances their technical skills.

The Iron Mantis Chronicles is a podcast that explores the Iron Mantis BOOK I, which combines traditional martial arts like seven-star praying mantis Kung Fu with modern techniques like Brazilian jiu jitsu. The host, Sifu Jeff Hughes, shares insights from his own experience and offers a practical framework for martial arts practitioners of all levels.

In this premiere episode of Mantis Chronicles, we explore the often-overlooked world of Daitang Quan, a traditional Chinese ground fighting method embedded in the roots of praying mantis kung fu. Whether you're a martial artist or just curious about the deeper layers of kung fu, this episode breaks down the historical, technical, and philosophical aspects of ground combat in Chinese martial arts....

Kung fu forms are choreographed sequences of movements that resemble a dance, incorporating stances, footwork, hand techniques, and kicks. Found in many traditional martial arts styles, these forms serve as a structured way to practice and internalize fighting techniques. They enhance physical fitness, balance, coordination, and memory. In a beginner’s program, the first form typically focuses on...

Martial arts is a physical and mental challenge that requires a lot of dedication and hard work. It may be difficult sometimes, but you can push through any obstacles as long as you have a passion for it.

Martial arts is a physical and mental challenge that requires a lot of dedication and hard work. It may be difficult at times, but as long as you have a passion for it, you can push through any obstacles.

Join us on a journey through the world of traditional martial arts as we explore the experiences, wisdom, and legacies of 12 influential kung fu masters. Through firsthand stories of intense training, discipline, and deep lineage connections, this podcast delves into the art of Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Eagle Claw, Tai Chi, and more. Discover the dedication, philosophy, and fighting spiri...

Sifu takes us on a journey through his martial arts odyssey. From his early days in Karate and Hapkido to mastering Kung Fu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sifu Hughes shares how he seamlessly integrated multiple disciplines into the revolutionary Iron Man system. Discover the philosophy behind blending tradition with innovation, the importance of lineage, and how his system adapts to students of all lev...