One of the great modern masters of Chinese Martial Arts has passed on. Sifu Brendan Lai, Grandmaster of the Northern Seven Stars Praying Mantis System, died this September 23rd, 2002, from complications of a kidney condition caused by adult onset diabetes. Grandmaster Brendan Lai was born in Hong Kong in 1942. As a young child, he was bright and a good student but was physically weak and often sick. As such, he decided that he should take up martial arts to strengthen his body. While a teenager, he happened across the studio of the famed "Mantis King" of Hong Kong, Wong Hon Fun and began his studies with him. Out of over 4000 students of Grandmaster Wong Hon Fun, Dr. Lai was one of only 20 masters graduated and authorised to teach the system. Opening his first school in San Francisco in 1967, Dr. Lai was also one of the first chinese masters to open his schools to western students. Grandmaster Brendan Lai was a strict teacher who taught discipline and respect and expected it in return.
He was instrumental in the early education and exposure of Americans to chinese fighting arts. His accomplishments are a significant part of the emergence of chinese martial arts into mainstream American life in the 60's and 70's, and their ensuing rapid progress to become an integral part of world culture today. From 1969 throughout the 1970's, 80's and 90's he produced some of the best live exhibitions of true martial arts masters from around the world ever seen in the U.S. He had a unique ability to bring together masters of many different traditions in mutual respect that came from his enthusiasm and delight in real skill and scholarship no matter the particular style or lineage.
Master Lai was twice inducted into Inside Kung Fu's "Hall of Fame", the first in 1982 as "Kung Fu Instructor of the Year" and again in 1990 as "Man of the Year". He was also inducted into Black Belt Magazine's "Hall of Fame" in 1984 as "Kung Fu Artist of the Year". Master Lai taught seminars and was featured in magazines, video and books throughout Europe, the Americas, and Asia. He has graced the covers of over 100 publications worldwide, and was named one of the 100 Most Influential Martial Artists.
In 1990 Dr. Lai became the first person ever to receive a Ph.D. in Martials Arts, awarded by the Eurotechnical Research University, and was appointed Dean of the Department of Chinese Studies at the University. Professor Lai also taught at San Francisco State University for many years. He is one of the first qualified instructors to bring Traditional Chinese Martial Arts to an American University. In addition, he was named a Kentucky Colonel by the State of Kentucky for outstanding service to the public. In 1992, Dr. Lai formed the International Praying Mantis Federation and became its chairman.
Known both for his blazing speed and skill as a fighter and his international diplomacy in the world of martial arts, Lai Sifu will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter in San Francisco, California, and his legacy and lineage continues in his students who can be found teaching in the US and Brazil.
By Students Mark Bridges, Tony
Chuy, Ernie Layacan
......................
