The Chu family () branch attributes its art to Chu Fook-To, who created Southern Praying Mantis as a fighting style for opponents of the Qing (1644–1912), a Manchu dynasty that overthrew the Ming royal family (1368–1644), who were Han Chinese. This is the oldest branch in terms of origin and is the probable origin of the Southern Mantis style by way of age from which the other branches were derived. According to the Chu family branch, Chu was a member of the Ming Royal family who took refuge at Shaolin Monastery in Henan. After the destruction of the Northern Shaolin Monastery, Chu escaped to the Southern Shaolin Monastery in Fujian. He then promoted his art in the surrounding regions.