Taught by masters. Built on lineage.
Our Sifus have devoted decades to Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu — and to passing it on.
Sifu Brian Bateman
An 8th-generation disciple of the Seven Star Praying Mantis Style, Sifu Bateman has studied martial arts for more than 30 years with many of the great masters of our time.
He was passed down the hand-written manuscripts of the style and is the first to interpret them into English and share that knowledge with his students. He sits on the executive board of the World of Traditional Seven Star Mantis Style Federation.
Studies Shaolin Kung Fu under Lau Kwai Ming — Hung Gar, Jow Ga and lion dance.
Begins Praying Mantis under Grandmaster Raymond Fogg.
Certified to represent the Mantis Style by GM Fogg and the U.S. Kung Fu Exchange Federation; continues under Grandmaster Lee Kam Wing.
Becomes a closed-door disciple of Grandmaster Lee Kam Wing.
Achieves the rank of 10th Dan and Chief Instructor.
Decades on the mat.
Sifu Brian Winter
More than twenty years in the martial arts. After training in Karate and briefly studying Aikido, he took up Seven Star Praying Mantis under Sifu Bateman in 2001. Brian teaches kung fu for kids and adults, as well as Chin Na.
Sifu Mike DeLuca
Earned the rare, hard-won title of Sifu in March 2017 after years under Sifu Bateman. Living the kung fu lifestyle for over 20 years, Mike studies Seven Star Praying Mantis, Tai Chi and other fighting arts, and teaches adult kung fu, kickboxing and Tai Chi.
Part of a global mantis family.
Our students train in a lineage recognized worldwide, with seminars, celebrations and visits that connect Rochester to the international mantis community.
A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.
Come watch any class, or join an informal class to see if it’s right for you. Call Sifu Bateman to set up your visit.