Chow Gar Tong Long is a member of a family of "Southern Praying Mantis" styles of kung fu, and being such, most of the system consists of close range hand techniques. There is little use of the legs, with kicks seldom above waist height.

Chow Gar centres around the development of speed, power and accuracy, presenting the skilled practitioner (the Mantis) many options. With the development of "Ging Lik" (loosely translated into "shock power") the Mantis is able to generate devistating power in a matter of inches. While "iron shirt" training cultivates internal power to allow the Mantis to withstand strikes from an opponent without harm to internal organs and vital systems.

There are parallels between Chow Gar and other southern systems such as Pak Mei and Lung Ying Mor Kiu, including the use of simple, direct and aggressive attacks with simultaneous defence. Chow Gar tends to use narrow upright stances compared with the common low northern Shaolin stance.

The greatest difference of the style is in the generation of Kiu Sao (bridge arms) - a trademark of the Mantis is to have very strong arms; and the cultivation of Ging Lik (energy and power). This refined strength allows the Mantis to create and release great power in a very short distance. This formidable strike is devistating to an opponent.