Lai Tung Pai

Lai Tung Pai, (Chinese: 黎峒派) (sometimes spelled Lai Tong Pai, also known in Mandarin as Pán Quán 蟠拳, in Cantonese as Pùhn Kyùhn 盤拳 or coiling fist style) is a martial art of Chinese origin, coming from the Siu Lahm (Mandarin Shaolin) tradition in the Guangdong providence of China. The art was developed at the Henan Siu Lahm Temple and then was moved to the Hoi Tung Temple in Kwangtung when the former was burned down during the Ching Dynasty. The dates are not certain, as the only living person, Kong Hoi (surname given first as in Chinese tradition), studied at the Hoi Tung Temple in the early 20th century, but it is believed the style originated in the early 1600s. Grandmaster Kong is a member of the Hong Kong Chinese Martial Art Association, now named the Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dancing Association Ltd.

Lai Tung Pai was said to have been developed by a monk named Chi Sen. Chi Sen in turn trained four monks: Yuen Cheuk, Yuen Kok, Yuen Sing, and Yuen Mau.

Lai Tung Pai is a Siu Lahm (Shaolin) style of martial art. Both external and internal in nature, Lai Tung Pai has several forms that are to be done with external and/or internal power control. Lai Tung Pai forms are generally short (24 to 36 moves), with the exception of the Kyùhn Júng form, that consists of over 400 moves. Many bridging forms exist and a very mobile form named Lao Ying.

As the story goes, this form was created by a monk that had a dream of a dragon. Upon awaking from a nap the dragon was startled by the wind blowing a willow tree's limbs. This, resulted with the dragon fighting the willow tree. Lai Tung Pai also has its own tai chi forms called 五行太極 Ng Hang Taai Gik or 5 element tai chi and 極三峯, 九宮太極 Gau Gung Taai Gihk Gik Saam Fung forms 1 and 2, as well as secret forms. The style also practices the traditional Sil Lum weapons (Eyebrow staff, 9' Long Pole, broadsword, 9-Ring Kwan Doa, butterfly knives, with the most famous being the two section spear), and uses several Muhk Yan Jong.Lai Tung Pai also teaches and performs the traditional Lion Dance and the Dragon Dance.