The way the monkeys advanced, retreated, dashed, jumped and turned, proved to be more alive than all the big steps and broad stances used in all the other martial arts of that time. From these observations, he designed the "Monkey steps" which are characterized by narrow paces and quick legs. This would enable better speed and spirit in moving. The "Eight Basic Stances" were combined with the well known "Thirteen Arm and Hand Techniques". Thus the skill of the Praying Mantis and the liveliness of the monkeys was joined.

For the practical use of Praying Mantis forms and techniques, Wang Lang included a number of axioms to highlight key points of his new style:

• Hands are doors; legs reach out.
• Hands be brisk as shooting stars, eyes keen as lightning.
• Body goes like dragon and legs like arrows.

These axioms mean that in this Martial Art, most of the upper body techniques are mainly to block, protect, or undo the attacks of the opponent. The major task of counter-attack lies in the legs. That is, the hands and upper body are used to safeguard oneself and occupy your opponents attention, while exerting attacks chiefly with the legs. To do this, you must skillfully match hand and leg movements, making most use of the right timing, distance and position.

Wang Lang also set down some somewhat chivalrous rules in fighting for his students to follow long before the Marquis of Queensbury. These rules described parts of the body that you could or should not hit, for morality's sake. He wanted his followers to value high morals as well as excellent fighting techniques, so as to develop a supreme Martial Art.