Authentic Lama Pai Kung Fu: The teachings of the late Chan Tai-San

Description

Lama Pai Kung Fu, incessantly referred to as a Tibetan martial art, in truth originates on the Western frontier and is a combination of many influences. The late Chan Tai-San, a decorated war hero who was once named by China a “living national treasure” relocated to the USA and taught in New York for almost two decades. David Ross, probably the most late Chan Tai-San’s senior students, has compiled a detailed history of the martial art tradition referred to as Lion’s Roar and a comprehensive overview of both theory and technique. He has up to date information that the organization published in the 1990’s and also addresses one of the controversies surrounding the tradition. Contents include a discussion of China’s western frontier, Vajrayana Buddhism’s role in Chinese history, the role of nationalism in early 20th century Chinese martial arts politics and the controversial story of Sing Lung, the Tibetan monk who brought the system to southern China. Much of this information is being made to be had in English for the first time. In addition, most place names, personal names and technique names in this book are accompanied by their Chinese characters not only for clarity, but further research. The so referred to as “Tibetan martial arts”, more properly the Lion’s Roar tradition is indeed rare. Chan Tai-San’s particular teachings are even rarer. This is the only source for accurate information on Chan Tai San and his methods, written by an adopted disciple who spent sixteen years and was once his translator.