A Brief History of Pak Mei. |
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White Eyebrow Kung Fu, known as Pak Mei (Cantonese) or Bai Mai (Mandarin) stems from Taoist martial arts traditions tracing back into Chinese history, probably starting at mount Ngor Mei (E-Mei) near the end of the Ming Dynasty. There are many legends and stories surrounding the art, as many false as true. What is known is that the style started between 1650 and 1700 with the life of a Taoist monk known for his long white eyebrows and has been passed down unbroken from teacher to student, often father to son until today. The Style was formally brought to the secular world by Great Grand Master Cheung Lai Chuen (1880 -1964) who came from Guangzhou, in Cantonese China. In 1949 following WWII, he moved from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. His cousin and training partner was the equally famous martial artist Lam Yeu Gwai, the Grand Master of Loong Ying (Dragon) kung fu. Earlier in his life he learned many different martial arts and fought many challenges building a fearsome and widespread reputation of extraordinary skill. After meeting a monk who demonstrated a remarkable kung fu, he was overwhelmed. He pleaded to learn, and thereafter spent several years in the Kwong How Monastery in Canton studying meditation, divination, healing and Pak Mei. He learned Pak Mei from the monk Chuk Fat Wan, who learned from the Abbot Kong Wei, who learned from the namesake Pak Mei. He was the first "outsider' to learn the art. While rare outside China, the study still flourishes in the city of Guangzhou, in the southern province of Canton, and in Honk Kong. Possibly due to its localised nature and absence for the most part in the "Western" world, the style has become known as a "secret" and "forbidden" style. Pak Mei, the monk himself, has become a Chinese folk legend for his fighting skill and deeds. He is a controversial figure in Chinese history, often considered an evil character for his brutality and betrayal of the Shaolin Monastery. He is a pivotal character in the story of the 5 Elders/Masters, which details the genesis of modern Kung Fu, much of which came from the popular fiction "10,000 years of Evergreen." Some of this legend can be attributed back to the political conflicts leading to the end of the Ming Dynasty, the coming of the Ching "Manchurians" and the destruction of the legendary Southern Shaolin Temple. Additionally, in keeping with Monk Pak Mei's brutal reputation, it is a lethal style, not modified for sporting applications. Great Grandmaster Cheung Lai Cheun was famous first and foremost for his exceptional fighting skills, proven in repeatedly in combat. Pak Mei offers different things to different people, and the lessons are learned over time as students demonstrate their ability, responsibility and committment. It is a rare internal and external style from Taoist traditions. Advanced techniques are only taught to advanced students. It is a style with deep traditional roots and respect for its heritage. |
Great Grandmaster Cheung Lai Cheun,
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