Intrigued by martial arts history? Let’s explore the legacy of Lai Tung Pai right here. Lai Tung Pai a martial art with roots stretching back to the Guangdong province of China.
Lai Tung Pai’s story begins at the Siu Lahm tradition. This Shaolin style found its way to the Hoi Tong Monastery. The dates are a bit hazy. However, it is believed the style originated in the early 1600s.
Chi Sen a monk developed Lai Tung Pai. He passed his knowledge to four monks. Their names were Yuen Cheuk, Yuen Kok, Yuen Sing and Yuen Mau. After an attack on the temple, the monks scattered. Yuen Mau is the only one whose story we know.
Yuen Mau sought refuge in Lai Tung. This small village became the namesake of the art. When troops caused trouble, Yuen Mau defended the village. He used his martial arts skills. He then named the art Lai Tung Pai or family of Lai Tung Village.
Centuries later, Fa Hoi a monk from Lai Tung, went to the Hoi Tong Monastery. Kong Ki a merchant saw the monks practice. He noticed Fa Hoi doing a form he didn’t know. It was Lai Tung Pai. Kong Ki became Fa Hoi’s student. He was the first outside the temple to learn Lai Tung Pai.
Kong Ki taught his son Kong Hoi. During the Japanese invasion Kong Hoi joined a resistance troop. After being injured, Kong Ki sent Kong Hoi back to the Hoi Tong Monastery. There Kong Hoi continued his training.
After World War II Kong Hoi moved to Hong Kong. He became a Chinese Physician. He also served as a martial arts judge. At one time, Kong Hoi had three schools in Hong Kong.
Li Chi Keung became Kong Hoi’s student in the mid 1960s. Li moved to America. He brought Lai Tung Pai to the United States in 1978.
Today Lai Tung Pai is practiced in North Carolina and Ohio. Sifu Facente and Sifu Stephenson continue the tradition. They were inducted into the Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dancing Association. This keeps Lai Tung Pai alive in the Hong Kong martial arts community.
Lai Tung Pai has both external and internal aspects. It features short forms except for the Kyuhn Jüng form. Lai Tung Pai includes its own Tai Chi forms. Also the style incorporates traditional Sil Lum weapons. Lion and Dragon dances are part of the system.
From ancient temples to modern-day schools Lai Tung Pai’s journey is a testament to its enduring appeal. This martial art is a family of Lai Tung Village. It embodies skill, resilience, and tradition.