Lei Tai Full Contact
The words Lei Tai simply mean "great platform," however, the significance of the Lei Tai is more than just a platform. The Lei Tai was a formal place for martial artists of ancient China to perform their demonstrations and duels during feudal times. Originally, The Lei Tai was a 24ft. x 24ft. platform which stood 13ft. high upon pillars. To compete, one had to climb the great platform without the assistance of a ladder. As time went on the height of the platform was reduced from 13ft. to 10ft., to 8ft., to 6ft., and now, in modern times, it is 3ft. in height. The platform is similar to a boxing ring but without the advantage of having any ropes and opponents are allowed to throw each other off the platform.

There are many, many stories about challenges made on the Lei Tai. Some fathers were even looking for a husband for their unwed daughters. There are even tales of unmarried, female Sifus (teachers) challenging candidates, one after another, who wished to wed her. Of course, the best or the winner became her husband.

One of the most renowned Gung Fu Sifus, Fok Yuen Karp, set up a Lei Tai to challenge the International Martial Arts heroes at Cheung's Garden in Shanghai. In contrast to the traditional height of Lei Tai rings, Fok's ring was only 4 1/2ft. It was 1/3 or 1/2 the traditional height! This could have been a major factor in what led to the modern day 3ft. height.

Today the Lei Tai exists around the world for martial artists to test their skills, in sporting combat, that is no different than boxing, judo or wrestling.

Lei Tai fighting is full contact and competitors are allowed to use punches, kicks, elbows, pushes and throws to defeat their opponent -- including throwing them off the lei tai stage.

The only illegal targets are knees, eyes, between the legs, and throat -- all else goes!

Pai Lum Tao has many successful gold, silver and bronze medalists in lei tai, many from Wisconsin. In 2002 SiGung Steve helped the International Pai Lum Tao Lei Tai team take the Lei Tai Team first place team trophy by earning gold and silver medals.

Point Fighting
Point fighting involves light contact to demonstrate speed and accuracy and fighting techniques.


Forms
Forms are the structure of kung fu. Within them are the animal movements, the theories, the fighting techniques and secrets. Forms competition allow the practioner to demonstrate the external and internal power of kung fu in complex and difficult movements demonstrating poise, skill, balance and the deadly beauty of the art of Shaolin kung fu.

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