I’m Luke Summerhayes, and I love Mienfoo.
Stoats, also known as Ermines, are thin, agile mammals found throughout much of the Northern hemisphere, throughout Russia, Canada and Europe, even extending south down into the United States and China. Related to otters and weasels, they have fine fur coats, slender bodies, long necks and sharp little teeth in their pointy little faces.
Though they are just as adorable as their relatives, Ermines in particular are famous for their hunting prowess. Rarely for small, solitary hunters, they routinely take down prey many times their own size. They’ve been known to use erratic, dance-like movements to mesmerize animals before going in for the kill, to chase escaping prey down relentlessly and even, when surrounded by an abundance of tasty critters, to go on killing sprees.
Mienfoo is a fighting-type Pokémon which resembles an anthropomorphic stoat with colorful fur hanging around its arms and legs to resemble the outfit which might be worn by a martial arts apprentice.
Like a real-life stoat, Mienfoo is strong for its size.
Shield
Though small, Mienfoo's temperament is fierce. Any creature that approaches Mienfoo carelessly will be met with a flurry of attacks.

It also uses a dance-like technique, a reference both to the hunting technique I mentioned earlier and to the complex patterns martial artists memorise and repeat.
White
They have mastered elegant combos. As they concentrate, their battle moves become swifter and more precise.

Ultra Moon
They seclude themselves in the mountains and devote themselves to training. The form of their kicks and chops differs from pack to pack.

The name Mienfoo combines Ermine, the animal from which this Pokémon draws inspiration, and the fu of kung fu, a term which encompasses many schools of martial arts from China. Similarly the Japanese name, Kojofu, combines kung fu with okojo, the Japanese name for a stoat or ermine.
Black
In fights, they dominate with onslaughts of flowing, continuous attacks. With their sharp claws, they cut enemies.

Black 2
It takes pride in the speed at which it can use moves. What it loses in power, it makes up for in quantity.
White 2

It is true that Mienfoo is unusually fast and dangerous. In the Little Cup competitive format, in which only unevolved Pokémon up to level five are permitted, Mienfoo’s speed and attack, along with abilities which allow it to recover health, are perfectly suited.
Of course, it’s one thing to be the karate kid and win a tournament, but it’s quite another to be a master. At level 50, Mienfoo makes that leap when he evolves into Mienshao.
Mienshao is more exaggeratedly slender and flexible, which suits the Ermine origins. It also has long whiskers which resemble an old master’s moustache, and dangling fur which resemble the sleeves of a Changshan, the traditional Chinese formal wear which is often worn by old masters in classic kung fu films. In fact, Mienshao’s sleeves are so long they even resemble the flowing water sleeves used in dances as part of Chinese Opera, which in modern times have been depicted as a supernatural weapon in kung fu movies.
White
They use the long fur on their arms as a whip to strike their opponents.
Black 2
Using the long fur on its arms like whips, it launches into combo attacks that, once started, no one can stop.
White 2

Though of course, such elaborate dress might be impractical in a real fight situation. Fortunately, Mienshao is able to remove them when necessary.
Sword
When Mienshao comes across a truly challenging opponent, it will lighten itself by biting off the fur on its arms.

ANDY
I was inclined to agree with Andy that Mee-en-shao feels like the right pronunciation, rather than Mine-shao. However, in the anime and games, where Mienfoo and later Mienshao are used by the Shalour City Gym Leader Korrina, the pronunciation is Mine, as taken from Ermine. The Japanese name for this Pokémon is Kojondo, taking the previous form but adding do, which means the way. This Pokémon has mastered the way of the Ermine. Similarly, the English name now incorporates Shao, in reference to the Shaolin temple where the kung fu masters whom many would argue are the greatest in the world train.
This is reflected in game not just in Mienfoo’s domination of Little Cup, but also with several impressive competitive runs for Mienshao, who uses the same regenerator ability to heal after battle and also the reckless ability to boost the attack of the already outrageously strong Hi Jump kick. With decent attack and speed, a range of moves to use them, and the U-Turn ability to make the most of regenerator, Mienshao has made impacts across the competitive scene.
Ultra Moon
When Mienshao lets out a bizarre wail, you're in danger. A flurry of kicks and chops too fast to see is about to be unleashed!

Long-time Pokémon Artist Ken Sugimori said in an interview that Mienfoo and Mienshao were created in response to the complaint that too many fighting type Pokémon looked like humans. I’m a lover of all Pokémon, but I’ll admit that for me the appeal of the series is in being friends with magical animals, not a bunch of oddly coloured blokes. I’m glad Mienshoo exist, and opened the door for an even more varied menagerie down the road.

Original music for Luke Loves Pokémon is by Jonathan Cromie. Artwork is by Katie Groves. Funding is provided by listeners at Patreon.com/PodcastioPodcastius. For just a dollar a month, supporters can listen to episodes a week early and also help cover hosting and fees, making it possible for me to keep making episodes every week.
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I love Mienfoo. And remember, I love you too.